Lecturer’s research breakthrough could boost cancer detection rates

A Chemical Engineering lecturer here at Loughborough has developed a new system that could boost cancer detection rates in developing countries.

Dr. Nuno Reis created a portable lab-in-a-briefcase which provides a solution for diagnostic testing in remote areas that do not have the technology to support a full laboratory setup.

The lab-in-a-briefcase is designed to be carried in a small bag, and only requires one operator with minimal training to conduct the 15 minute test.

The number of people dying from cancer is increasingly globally, with an approximate 8 million falling to the disease every year.

Developing countries alone stand for 70 per cent of these deaths, which are often caused by limited access to proper diagnostic tools.

The number of new cases is expected to rise by 70 per cent over the next two decades – a projection Dr. Reis hopes to avoid with his inexpensive and easy to use design.

Dr. Reis said: “It means that high precision diagnostic kits can be made accessible to remote populations, and this is what makes it a truly life-changing concept for the screening and monitoring of different types of cancer.

“This portable lab can really make a difference, boosting levels of cancer detection in developing countries where ordinarily people would not have such easy access to early diagnostics.”