A new iPhone app and device are to be piloted across the UK‘s West Midlands to help patients detect and rule out suspected throat cancer.
The adapter device is a 32mm lens which, when paired with an accompanying app, can turn an iPhone into a portable diagnostic gadget, according to NHS England.
The device can capture live endoscopy examinations of the throat in high definition, which can be instantly shared with specialists via a secure data cloud. The consultant can then review the video to detect any traces of cancer.
Developed by Endoscope-i Ltd, the device is one of 14 projects to have received a share of £25m as part of the NHS Cancer Programme Innovation Open Call.
NHS England said the device could be used in ‘any NHS setting’ such as diagnostic centres and community settings, meaning people can be tested closer to home.
An initial trial of the device, which was done on low-risk patients at North Midlands University Hospitals NHS Trust, found that no cancers were missed using the device and that patients received results within 23 hours of the tests taking place. Around one in 100 patients were discovered to have cancer within this group.
Dr Cally Palmer, NHS England national cancer director, said: ‘Detecting cancer early is key to providing treatment as soon as possible to help give patients the best chance of survival. For those needing tests to investigate suspected cancer, it can be an extremely worrying time and being able to rule out the disease sooner can make a huge difference for people and their families.
‘While staff have been working hard to see and treat more people with cancer than ever before, we know that some people are still waiting too long to receive a diagnosis or the all-clear.
‘The NHS continues to adopt the latest technologies with the potential to benefit patients, and through pioneering new innovations like this iPhone device which could be used in any setting, we hope we’ll be able to detect many more cancers sooner and in ways that are more convenient and less invasive for patients.’
Health minister, Karin Smyth said: ‘This new technology is a shining example of how innovation and research can tackle waiting lists, improve patient experience and speed up diagnosis.
‘Using the app, patients can access a potentially lifesaving consultation. By catching cancer earlier and treating it faster, we can ensure more people survive this horrible disease.
‘Harnessing technology to support the NHS is a key part of our 10-Year Health Plan, and will shift the NHS from analogue to digital, equipping the health service with more cutting edge-technologies to catch cancers on time.’
Last month, a report into waiting times by the Nuffield Trust and Health Foundation found that those waiting for ear, nose and throat services were facing some of the longest waiting lists in the NHS system.
In the spring, NHS England announced a pilot project to help diagnose Barrett’s oesophagus using a capsule sponge test, which was part of the same NHS Cancer Programme Innovation Open Call. This freed up endoscopy capacity for higher risk patients and those referred for urgent tests for oesophageal cancer, helping to reduce waiting lists.
In September, research was published revealing that a new hand-held 3D photoacoustic scanner can produce detailed microvascular images in seconds, with the technology having the potential to assist with earlier detection of conditions such as cancer.
A version of this article was originally published by our sister publication Healthcare Leader.
