DOCTORS in Gloucestershire have developed a new weapon in

the fight against cancer.

The revolutionary handheld device uses infrared beams that

pass through the body to detect cancerous tissue.

It means tumours can be detected quickly and without the

need for a painful biopsy.

Optical coherence tomography has been developed by the

world-leading oncology team at Cheltenham General and

Gloucestershire Royal hospitals.

Similar to echoes in ultrasound, the infrared beams reflect

off cancerous tissue to provide a picture from inside a

patient's body.

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Scientists can then view the 3D image on a computer screen

and determine the location, type and extent of the cancer

without operating.

Professor Hugh Barr has worked on the program to create the

'virtual biopsy.'

He says it will allow more people to be screened regularly

and believes it will become standard practice within the next

five years.

He said: "The device is currently being used for screening

and imaging the cervix and oesophagus.

"It shows the invasion of cancer, enables quicker scans and

ultimately will lead to more people being screened.

"It means we don't have to take tissue out to carry out a

biopsy.

"Technology is improving all the time and at the moment we

are using the technique in theatre.

"Instead of sending tissue samples to the lab we can analyse

the tissue in real time on a screen and without an invasive

procedure."

It is anticipated that the equipment will also enable

faster, more accurate cancer surgery.

Trials for the machine are at an advanced stage.

It is already being used by consultants and surgeons at

Cheltenham General and Gloucester- shire Royal hospitals.

Phase three trials will begin later in the year. Results

from work with patients will be formally analysed.

Prof Barr added: "This technique will make a dramatic

difference to our patients."

The Trust has been working with Michelson Diagnostics Ltd to

develop the technology.

Colin Hopper, senior Maxillofacial Surgeon at University

College Hospital, London, said he is excited about the

development.

He said: "OCT could revolutionise the surveillance of

pre-cancers in the mouth and eliminate the waiting time for

biopsy results.

"This will provide cost-effective treatments with improved

cure rates".