New Enhanced Ultrasound Technology from Oxford Aids Earlier Tumor Diagnosis

September 4, 2014 — Isis Innovation, the technology transfer arm at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, and the Centre for Imaging Technology Commercialization (CIMTEC) in Canada have announced a partnership to jointly develop and test a new enhanced ultrasound imaging technology.

"Our technology uses a combination of electromagnetic and acoustic waves in order to create advanced medical images at a cost comparable to ultrasound. The benefits of this are much greater clarity of image and unparalleled tissue-type characterization when compared to ultrasound," said David Edwards, Ph.D., professor at the University of Oxford and principal inventor of the Oxford Electromagnetic Acoustic (OxEMA) technology. "OxEMA will provide clinicians with MRI-like information using an ultrasound instrument. This will allow quick, accessible and cost-effective diagnosis, particularly for patients in remote areas without easy access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services."

The OxEMA system can radically improve identification of tumors and other anomalous tissue, which is not currently possible with standard ultrasound technology. It has the potential to enable earlier diagnosis and more accurate treatment of conditions such as prostate and liver cancer. "This technology is uniquely positioned to improve prostate management for both imaging and therapy," added Masoom Haider, M.D., chief of the department of medical imaging at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto.

Isis Innovation has been leading the commercialization of the OxEMA system, and has engaged with CIMTEC to develop the technology further through a new startup, Enhanced Medical. Tom Hockaday, managing director of Isis Innovation, said, "We are pleased to have entered into a unique relationship with CIMTEC, who are extremely well placed to advance the Oxford technology."

For more information: www.isis-innovation.com