Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity
Shine a Light on Cancer
This summer we aim to raise funding needed to kickstart a research study which has the potential to to make a real impact for patients with breast cancer.
Story
Our funding appeal for an innovative new research technique for breast cancer.
With breast cancer its really important to know whether any cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, because it changes the way treatment is given. At the moment we need to take out lymph nodes in order to find out whether cancer has spread, but this requires invasive surgery. The first surgery also leaves a scar; if we do find cancer in the lymph nodes we will often need to go back for further surgery which is then more difficult because of the scar tissue. This new research has the potential to change this, with an early diagnosis in clinic before surgery even takes place. Sarah Vestey, Consultant breast surgeon
It has recently been predicted that 1 in 2 of us will experience cancer in our lifetime, but the potential to treat cancer patients successfully is improving year on year thanks to advances in treatment and a focus on early diagnosis; and our dedicated research team have a strong track record of identifying new techniques which can benefit cancer patients.
Using specially developed fibre-optic probes which can target tissue below the skin, the research team have previously demonstrated that it is possible to tell the difference between healthy and cancerous tissue by measuring the light emitted when a low power laser is shone upon the tissue; a technique called Raman spectroscopy. This study will develop the diagnostic technique further and demonstrate the potential to benefit people with breast cancer.
With 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer, which also affects men, the technique has the potential to make a big impact with many advantages over traditional methods:
An instant diagnosis: Currently a breast cancer patient might have surgery to remove lymph nodes which are then analysed by the pathology team through microscopic examination of tissue. This is a detailed process which takes time, but an optical biopsy could potentially be taken to diagnose cancer with highly accurate results within 2 seconds.
A better experience for patients by reducing the need for surgery: it is not currently possible to exclude the presence of cancer in the lymph nodes without surgery. Using light probes would result in a less invasive approach to diagnosis, which could enable nodes to be analysed in clinic to identify any with cancer present rather than through surgery.
Reducing long-term side effects for patients as a result of surgery: To find out the stage of a breast cancer a patient will usually undergo lymph node surgery, as the nodes will need to be removed for testing to understand if cancer has spread. Removing lymph nodes can result in Lymphedema (chronic swelling) which can have a lasting impact to someones health. The method we are researching would enable surgery to be targeted to only those nodes which need to be removed, minimising potential side effects for the patient.
With early detection a key factor in the successful treatment of cancer, this technique has real potential to improve the speed of diagnosis and treatment for future breast cancer patients.
Growers United FC have kindly donated £6,500 toward the project, and through our appeal we aim to raise the remaining funds needed to go ahead with the research.
Thank you for your support
