Even though we annually loose an estimated 2500 Swedish men to prostate cancer, the methods used for detection and diagnosing are far from sufficient. A recently started project at Luleå University of Technology (LTU) is now working to change this, with a new combination instrument for the medical technical field. The goal is a fast, accurate and cost efficient method in order to be able to detect and start treating the disease as soon as possible.
Olof Lindahl is a professor in medical technology and in charge of the project. He explains that the idea is a pliable, handheld instrument which would react with great precision on cancerous tissue.
“Right now we are working in vitro, but the point is for doctors to be able to use this in vivo, that is directly on the patient” he says.
The project, which is collaboration between LTU, Umeå University, Bioresonator AB and Nihon University, is working on combining resonance sensor technique with Raman spectroscopy. The resonance sensor technique is based on changes in frequency in a vibrating element and reacts on differences in texture for biological tissue. In an examination of a prostate the sensor would thus indicate if for example there were certain parts that were harder than others. But since changes in texture not necessarily mean cancer the idea is to use Raman spectroscopy as the next step. In this case in means an optical fiber would carry laser light to the tissue where there is a texture change. As cancer has a specific Raman spectrum it can then be determined whether there is cancer in the tissue or not.
Today, a biopsy is performed in the cases where the doctor finds indications of prostate cancer. Such indications are normally given through rectal palpation, ultrasound or measurements of prostate specific antigen (PSA).
“The problem with a biopsy is that unfortunately there is a pretty big chance of missing the areas with cancer” says Lindahl. He explains that the point of the new instrument is primarily to guide the doctor during the biopsy, so rather than taking random samples, tests are taken where the instrument shows indications.
”Looking ahead we are obviously hoping to be able to replace the biopsy” says Lindahl, “but that is still in the future, right now it’s about making it easier for the doctor and giving the patient a reliable diagnose.”
He estimates that a prototype for the market is somewhere between three and five years into the future and looks at the project’s upcoming developments with great reassurance.
CMTF, c/o Tillämpad fysik och elektronik
Umeå universitet, 901 87 Umeå
Tel: +46 (0)90-786 96 38.
E-post: Britt Andersson.
