NHS England is piloting the use of a new iPhone device and app to help detect the early signs of throat cancer.
It is used by nurses and involves an adapter with a 32mm lens to capture live endoscopy examinations of a patient’s throat, providing high definition images that can be instantly shared with specialist head and neck consultants via a secure data cloud.
This enables the consultants to review the video footage and quickly detect any traces of cancer.
The device has been developed by medical technology company Endoscope-I as one of the 14 projects to receive shares of £25 million as part of the NHS Cancer Programme Innovation Open Call.
An initial trial has taken place at North Midlands University Hospitals NHS Trust and revealed that no cancers were missed using the technology. Around one in a hundred were discovered to have cancer by using the gadget.
It is now being trialled more widely in the West Midlands.
Increasing detection
Dr Cally Palmer, NHS England national cancer director, said: “The NHS continues to adopt the latest technologies with the potential to benefit patients, and through pioneering new innovations like this iPhone device which could be used in any setting, we hope we’ll be able to detect many more cancers sooner and in ways that are more convenient and less invasive for patients.”
Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth said: “This new technology is a shining example of how innovation and research can tackle waiting lists, improve patient experience and speed up diagnosis.
“Using the app, patients can access a potentially lifesaving consultation. By catching cancer earlier and treating it faster, we can ensure more people survive this horrible disease.”
NHS England said that in the UK there are approximately 250,000 urgent referrals for suspected head and neck cancer each year, with only 5% of these (12,500 patients) have been diagnosed with cancer.
