TeraView Receives MHRA Approval to Conduct In-Vivo Cancer Imaging Trials

http://www.teraview.com/news/terahertz-news/TeraView-receives-in-vivo-trials-approval.html
Cambridge, United Kingdom – 4th July 2012
TeraView Ltd., (www.TeraView.com) the pioneer and leader in terahertz solutions and technology is pleased to announce that it has received approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (www.mhra.gov.uk) to conduct in-vivo clinical trials for (bio)medical research using Terahertz Pulsed Imaging (TPI™).
The trial, due to commence at Guy’s hospital in London, is focused on the use of Terahertz as an intra-operative probe for the detection of cancer 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 so doing reduce second operation rates and improve clinical outcomes as well as reduce costs.
Terahertz technology allows high-resolution subsurface imaging of tissue. It combines macroscopic and microscopic imaging that potentially allows the precise margin delineation of cancer tissue. Due in part to its ability to recognize spectral fingerprints, TPI™ provides good contrast between different types of soft tissue, and is a sensitive means of detecting the degree of water content as well as other cancer markers. TeraView’s proprietary TPI™ software is able to convert such molecular markers into 3D images and in so doing 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 hand-held 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.
“This is an important development in the journey of our research into the application of terahertz technology in cancer patients and we are excited about the prospect of commencing the first clinical trial in breast cancer patients” said Arnie Purushotham, Professor of Breast Cancer and Consultant Surgeon at Guy’s & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
“We are very pleased to have started the in-vivo trials” said Dr D Arnone, CEO of TeraView, “We have now been working in this area for over 10 years and it is very exciting to see the fruits of our efforts. This application of the technology has the potential to significantly improve clinical outcomes, reduce patient stress and reduce operational costs”.