This translational research project could lead to significant improvement in tumour tissue targeting during biopsy procedures so that the number of biopsies will be reduced, and thus to reduce the risks of intracranial haemorrhage and infections. Additionally, it could improve the success rate of brain tumour resections by accurate assessment of tumour margins during surgery. The School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences is an ideal place to do this type of research that requires close interactions between engineers and clinicians with a supportive environment to deliver innovative engineering solutions for patient benefits.
Dr Wenfeng Xia, Lecturer, Department of Surgical & Intervention Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences
17 May 2021
School researcher wins Academy of Medical Sciences award for project developing more effective tumour probe
This translational research project could lead to significant improvement in tumour tissue targeting during biopsy procedures so that the number of biopsies will be reduced
Dr Wenfeng Xia has won an Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard award for a two-year project aiming to develop a multimodal optical and photoacoustic imaging probe for effectively guiding tumour biopsy and resections. The project is in collaboration with Professor Keyoumars Ashkan, King’s College Hospital and Professor Paul Beard, UCL.
Gliomas are the most common type of brain tumour. Higher tumour grades are associated with lower chances of survival.
For clinicians it is crucial to accurately determine the tumour grade, in order to effectively plan treatments for patients.
Lead researcher Dr Xia said with this AMS Springboard Award, he will develop a novel miniature multi-modal optical imaging probe to guide tumour biopsy and resections, opening up new ways to obtain functional, molecular and micro-structure information at cellular level in real-time during minimally invasive procedures across many clinical fields including neurosurgery, oncology, cardiology and fetal medicine.
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Senior Lecturer and School Lead (International)