A groundbreaking project funded by Cancer Research UK and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) aims to develop a novel diagnostic tool for early detection of mouth cancer. Dr. Ruchi Gupta at the University of Birmingham has been awarded £350,000 over three years to create a prototype ‘lollipop’ using a smart hydrogel.
Smart hydrogels, similar to fishing nets, absorb water and capture large molecules like proteins. The ‘lollipop’ concept involves patients sucking on the device to transfer saliva into the hydrogel. By exposing the hydrogel to UV light, scientists can release captured proteins for analysis, potentially indicating early-stage mouth cancer.
Current methods for diagnosing mouth cancer involve invasive procedures like endoscopy and biopsy, which can be uncomfortable and time-consuming. Rachel Parsons, a former patient, shared her challenging experience with these procedures, highlighting the need for less invasive diagnostic methods.
The goal is to develop a device that is more patient-friendly and accessible for general practitioners.
The project represents a significant step towards a faster, less invasive method of diagnosing mouth cancer. Dr. Iain Foulkes from Cancer Research UK commended the initiative, emphasizing the importance of advancing research to improve cancer diagnosis and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.
