Researchers trial tiny new microscope to detect breast cancer

The endo-microscope examines breast tissue in the lab An Imperial-developed tiny microscope that can be steered through small bodily spaces during surgery has entered its next phase of laboratory trials. The endo-microscope - a microscope designed to be inserted into the body to provide views of tissue and organs - produces images with unprecedented speed. The researchers say the new technology, which is now undergoing laboratory testing on human cancer tissues, could potentially improve the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The multi-wavelength endo-microscope and accompanying image acquisition and classification software was developed as part of the five-year Micro-Robotics for Surgery programme by Dr Khushi Vyas and colleagues at Imperial College London. It is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation. Using safe and rapid staining dyes, the endo-microscope could produce real-time histology-like images of tissue micro-architecture during surgery without the need to excise any tissue. If proved successful in human trials, it could reduce reoperation rates, unnecessary removal of healthy tissue and potentially increase how many patients can be seen.