RAPIDE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
RAman Probe for In-vivo Diagnostics (during oesophageal) Endoscopy (RAPIDE)
IRAS ID
231057
Contact name
Nicholas Stone
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
18/023/GHT, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS FT R&D
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 29 days
Research summary
Cancer of the Oesophagus is the 5th most common cancer [CRUK 2015] and is one of the most likely to cause death, with around 15% of patients surviving 5 years from their first diagnosis. It is often discovered so late that successful treatment is very distressing, dangerous and difficult.
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” to tell if tissue in the oesophagus is cancerous, healthy or at some stage before becoming cancer, which we term pre-cancer. We have shown in the laboratory that this method will be at least as accurate as the conventional methods used now, but will provide the surgeon with instant results without the potential delay and cost of a laboratory analysis by pathologists.
We have designed a miniature probe that slides through a channel in the endoscope (telescope) to the surface of the oesophagus.
AIMs of the funded study
1. To demonstrate that we can measure early cancerous changes in the lining of the oesophagus using our novel device in vivo.
2. To demonstrate that the approach is quick and safe.
3. To develop an understanding of how the new technique could improve diagnosis and care over and above current methods.
4. To evaluate the cost benefits to the NHS.REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/WM/0370
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion