Pioneering instrument to scan for cancer in resected prostate at surgery for relapse-free patients

Purpose and goal

A common form of cancer for men is prostate cancer. The usual treatment is to have the prostate gland surgically removed. However, 10-20% of the patients need treatment afterwards because the surgeon did not manage to remove all the cancer tissue, it is called positive surgical margin. The purpose is that the proposed instrument based on two sensor technologies provides a basis for decision making to the surgeon if all cancerous tissue is removed in the surgical margin. The aim is to develope the instrument and clinically evaluate it for commercialization in the healthcare market.

Expected effects and result

In the short term, the effect will be a complete instrument for whole prostate cancer measurement that is evaluated for clinical application. Robust data are achieved from prostates to reliably detect prostate cancer in the surgical margin. The long-term effect will be improved conditions for successful surgical treatment of prostate cancer and thereby increasing the quality of life for the patients and more savings in healthcare. Results: A clinical instrument that can be CE-marked and which, via a commercial company, strengthens the Swedish medical technology industry.

Planned approach and implementation

The prototype with the rotation arrangement for application of the sensor techniques is further developed so that the surgically removed entire prostate can be scanned automatically for the presence of cancer on the surface of the prostate at surgery. Software is designed for visualization. Verification study on prostate glands is carried out to determine measurement accuracy compared to histology. Patent opportunities are monitored. With support from innovation coaches at UmU Holding AB, activities are carried out for the best commercialization path of the finished product.