TeraView earns MHRA approval to conduct in-vivo clinical trials for cancer imaging
Terahertz solutions and technology manufacturer TeraView (Cambridge, England) has received approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA; London, England) to conduct in-vivo clinical trials for cancer research using the company's Terahertz Pulsed Imaging (TPI).
The trial will focus on using terahertz imaging--which enables high-resolution subsurface imaging of tissue--as an intra-operative probe for detecting cancerous tissue during breast cancer surgery. If successful, the trial will help surgeons better identify and enable accurate removal of cancer tissue in the breast and, in turn, reduce second operation rates and improve clinical outcomes as well as reduce costs.
Terahertz imaging couples macroscopic and microscopic imaging to enable precise margin delineation of cancerous tissue. Due in part to its ability to recognize spectral fingerprints, it provides contrast between different types of soft tissue and detects the degree of water content and other cancer markers. The company's TPI software can convert these molecular markers into 3D images and aid surgeons in differentiating between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues.
With support of the TSB and in collaboration with surgeons at Guy’s Hospital, TeraView has developed a handheld device as part of the world’s first commercial terahertz medical unit. This research unit is capable of imaging a wide range of tissues and is designed to allow developments to move seamlessly through in-vitro, ex-vivo, and into in-vivo studies.
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