Optical research for biopsy triaging (ORBiT)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optical research for biopsy triaging (ORBiT): infrared analysis of gastrointestinal tract tissue specimens.
IRAS ID
196045
Contact name
Katherine Willetts
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
BeamLine Diagnostics Ltd.
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 30 days
Research summary
BeamLine Diagnostics Ltd. in collaboration with clinical researchers at University College London (UCL) and UCL Hospital (UCH) are developing a system to triage tissue biopsy samples so that fewer healthy/benign samples are sent to pathology. Since over 90% of tissue biopsy samples are healthy/benign, this would save significant time and money.
This system uses a commercially-available infrared spectrometer (CE marked and used for intended purpose) to measure the absorbance of infrared light by a sample to generate a biochemical profile. BeamLine Diagnostics Ltd. has built an analytical algorithm that can use this infrared data to distinguish between the profiles of healthy/benign samples versus any other sample type. This algorithm can be incorporated into user friendly software and packaged with the hardware to offer a complete system for sample analysis. The sample does not have to be processed or damaged in any way and the complete system can be installed in the hospital clinic and operated by a non-specialist. The results are returned within a few seconds.
Some data has previously been collected for oesophageal cancer, but more patient biopsy data is required to refine the algorithm and prove accuracy. Data will also be collected in the colon following an identical protocol. Gullet and colon biopsy procedures are carried out in the same hospital room and the cell type is consistent throughout, allowing a seamless continuation of the project in the colon.REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0253
Date of REC Opinion
23 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion