Photoacoustic imaging of head and neck tumours
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Clinical translation of photoacoustic imaging for the assessment of head and neck tumours
IRAS ID
263464
Contact name
Andrew Plumb
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UCL
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
UCL Data Protection Registration Number, Z6364106/2019/05/195
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Cancer is a leading cause of death and mortality internationally. Head and neck cancer is the 8th commonest cancer in the UK with the incidence and mortality rates having increased over the last decade. When planning treatment for these patients, the 'stage' of the cancer is required: this is a measure of the size of the tumour and whether there is any evidence that it has spread to local lymph nodes or other parts of the body. The staging is achieved by medical imaging, primarily the use of ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. These tests are not perfect, and incorrect treatment decisions can be made due to errors in staging through imaging.
The technique of photoacoustic tomography (PAT), a non-invasive and safe imaging tool that uses light and sound to create images, could address this gap in diagnostic imaging accuracy. Laser light, targeted on the area being assessed, is absorbed by the tissue, which causes ultrasound waves to be emitted. These waves are detected and created into an image by post-processing techniques similar to those used in conventional ultrasound. We already know that PAT can create superb images of the superficial micro-vasculature in humans, beyond what we can achieve with current imaging methods. By changing the wavelength of light used, the technique can also focus on other body components including fat and water, and in addition can detect oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. This means that the images can provide functional as well as anatomical detail.
We would like to see whether we can identify involved neck lymph nodes of patients with cancer using PAT, including how it compares with conventional imaging, and whether we can identify and stage primary mouth cancers.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1516
Date of REC Opinion
21 Oct 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion