Dr Laurence Lovat
National Medical Laser Centre
Royal Free and University College Hospital
London
Early detection for oesophageal cancer
Dr Laurence Lovat and his team at University College Hospital are developing a new way to detect early changes in the cells lining the oesophagus (food pipe). Dr Lovat hopes that the new technique will offer a better way to monitor people with a higher risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
Listen to an interview with Dr Lovat, explaining more about the technique:
Barrett's oesophagus
An important risk factor for oesophageal cancer is a condition called Barrett's oesophagus. But only a few people in every hundred with Barrett's oesophagus are likely to develop cancer.
A new scanning technique
People with Barrett's oesophagus are monitored closely and have regular endoscopies and biopsies to examine the cells of the oesophagus. But this can be uncomfortable and waiting for results can cause anxiety.
Dr Lovat and his team are testing a new technique called elastic scattering spectroscopy, or 'optical biopsy'. The test involves shining light onto the oesophagus to detect cell changes and gives immediate results.
This new technique could greatly improve the quality of life for people at greater risk of oesophageal cancer, and help to save lives by detecting the disease earlier. Dr Lovat also hopes that it could be used to assess a person's risk more accurately, so they can be offered appropriate screening and advice.
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