Kromek Group (AIM:KMK ) has commenced development of a new system to improve the pathological medical imaging techniques used during cancer surgery to distinguish between what is healthy and unhealthy tissue - a new application area for the group’s technology.
The three-year project, which has received a grant from Innovate UK, is being conducted in partnership with medical imaging firm Adaptix and the University of Manchester.
Kromek is one of only four companies in the world that manufactures cadmium zinc telluride CZT (CdZnTe) for its CZT-based gamma and x-ray radiation detectors and imaging devices.
The group’s range of CZT-based gamma and x-ray radiation detectors and imaging devices for the civil nuclear, security screening, homeland security and medical imaging sectors.
Specifically, the project will aim to produce high-resolution 3D images that provide more accurate differentiation of the boundaries between diseased tissue and healthy tissue.
‘This will enable surgeons to confidently remove the minimum amount of healthy tissue whilst reducing the risk of more than one operation being needed and of cancer spreading from diseased tissue being left after initial surgery,’ the company informed investors.
Shares in Kromek Group have traded strongly over the past month to open at 1.71% lower this morning at 12.93p.
The Company explained that the new system will also be designed to be cost effective and have a small footprint for ease of use in an operating theatre.
Kromek's CZT detectors are already incorporated into several medical devices that are used for early detection of diseases such as breast cancer, cardiac conditions and osteoporosis.
"This is an exciting project for Kromek as it takes our CZT-based detectors into a new application area,” commented Dr Arnab Basu, Chief Executive Officer of Kromek Group.
He added, “Our technology is already being used by leading OEMs to enable the early diagnosis of cancer. With this system, we will contribute to improving the outcome of surgeries through greater image quality.
It will reduce the risk of diseased tissue remaining and further surgeries being required while minimising the removal of healthy tissue, which will be of great benefit to both healthcare providers and patients.”
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