RAFTER
Research type
Research Study
Full title
RAFTER (RAman For Thyroid cancER)
IRAS ID
245612
Contact name
Alexander Dudgeon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Gloucestershire Research Support Service
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Whilst thyroid cancer is only the 20th most common, its diagnosis often involves removal and biopsy of the thyroid gland which is essential for regulation of metabolic rate and protein synthesis. Many of these diagnostic procedures show that no cancer is present, hence unnecessary removal results in numerous side effects and complications. The procedure is also highly invasive.
We have already shown that it is possible to tell the difference between healthy and diseased tissue in the laboratory by looking at the light emitted by tissue when we shine a low power laser on to it. We intend to use this technique, known as “Raman Spectroscopy” (RS) to tell if tissue in the thyroid is cancerous or healthy. By combining RS with a fine needle, we can target tissues below the skin with minimal invasion. Our needle will provide the clinician with instant diagnosis without the delay and cost of a laboratory analysis by pathologists.
We have designed a probe that slides through a fine needle, guided by ultrasound, to the surface of the thyroid gland.We propose to measure spectra from biopsy samples taken for standard routine diagnostic biopsy, immediately prior to the tissue being sent for conventional histopathological analysis.
REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1545
Date of REC Opinion
3 Sep 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion