New device and app to detect throat cancer via live endoscopy examinations to be piloted

8th November 2024

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.

Hypertension self-management successful with mobile technology

21st October 2021

Hypertension self-management can be successfully achieved over a three year period through harnessing the support of mobile technology.

The use of mobile technology can support hypertension self-management in patients with the condition, according to the findings of a three-year study by a group from the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, California, US.

Hypertension is a global problem problem with the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimating that it affects 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years. However, perhaps of greater concern, is the WHO statistic that only 1 in 5 adults (21%) with hypertension have their condition under control.

Although self-monitoring can lead to reductions in blood pressure (BP) over and above usual care, a 2017 systematic review concluded that self-monitoring alone is not associated with lower BP or better control but that it requires co-interventions such as education or lifestyle counselling, to achieve clinically significant reductions which persist for at least 12 months.

The use of mobile technology in the form of smartphone health apps, have been suggested a method to enable effective self-management of hypertension. Yet despite this potential role, a 2018 review of such apps concluded that although available studies do suggest a reduction in blood pressure among those using health apps, the conclusion should be interpreted with caution, since many studies were at high risk of bias.

Given the high risk of bias and the importance of co-interventions, the Californian team used a smartphone app in conjunction with BP monitoring that included digital-based coaching to help support hypertension self-management.

Participants were US adults with elevated BP recruited through an employer-based health plan. Blood pressure was measured using an FDA approved Bluetooth-enabled monitor paired with the smartphone app which also allowed participants to track their weight and levels of physical activity. The app included medication reminders and coaching to drive lifestyle changes based on usage patterns to personalise the advice.

At baseline, participants were categorised in terms of their systolic BP as: normal and < 120 mmHg; systolic between 120 and 129 mmHg; systolic between 130 and 139 (stage 1 hypertension) and finally a systolic > 140 mmHg (stage 2 hypertension). Blood pressure measurements (both systolic and diastolic) were evaluated in the first week (Week 0) and then several times up to weeks 148 to 163.

Findings

A total of 28,189 individuals with a median age of 51 years (59.6% male) were included in the hypertension self-management study. After three years, median systolic blood pressure was reduced in 53.7% of those with a systolic BP between 120 and 129 mmHg, 75.3% of those with stage 1 hypertension and in 84.4% of those with stage 2 hypertension. Similarly, after three years, the mean reductions in diastolic BP were -4.4 mmHg, -6.8 mmHg and -11.6 mmHg respectively.

A subgroup of 3,229 participants recorded their body mass index (BMI) and for each unit reduction in BMI, there was a 0.74 mmHg decrease in systolic BP. Similarly, among 590 individuals who recorded their physical activity, for each 1000-step increase per day, there was a 0.8 mmHg lower systolic BP (P = 0.03).

The authors concluded that their hypertension self-management program supported by mobile technology, achieved long-term control of BP, suggesting that this approach may be useful for BP monitoring and control.

Citation

Gazit T et al. Assessment of Hypertension Control Among Adults Participating in a Mobile Technology Blood Pressure Self-management Program. JAMA Netw Open 2021.