Cancer diagnosis technology Zedscan gains further traction in the NHS
10 November 2020
Medipex are delighted to see that one of its earliest spin-outs, Zilico Ltd, is continuing to expand the adoption and spread of its technology, Zedscan™ in the NHS.
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has received funding from the Michelle Henderson Cervical Cancer Trust, to allow them to introduce ZedScan™ to further improve the diagnosis of cervical cancer in women referred to its colposcopy clinics at Bradford Royal Infirmary.
Using patented Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) platform technology, ZedScan is used (as an adjunct to coloscopy) to detect cervical abnormalities (pre-cancerous changes) before they develop into cervical cancer.
Having sadly lost his 28-year-old daughter to cervical cancer in 2012, ex-Scotland football international William “Willie” Henderson, has been a key fundraiser for the charity she set up when she was diagnosed with the disease. The charity raises awareness and funding for hospital gynaecology equipment, as a way to thank those who helped Michelle during her treatment and ensure women are diagnosed and treated with state-of-art technology.
The Michelle Henderson Cervical Cancer Trust has also funded ZedScan devices for hospitals in Aberdeen and Dundee, Scotland. Willie is pleased that they are now enabling women in Bradford and surrounding areas to benefit from this technology and says: “It has been an honour to be able to fund the ZedScan device for Bradford Royal Infirmary in Michelle’s memory, her vision in setting up the charity was for moments like this.”
Following a service evaluation, Bradford Teaching Hospitals found ZedScan increased the detection of high-grade disease (which has the potential to become cancerous) and helped inform clinical treatment decisions. The high sensitivity of the ZedScan device also gives clinicians the confidence to discharge women to surveillance or routine screening when no disease is present. Results from the evaluation demonstrate a potential to achieve the vital value propositions of better patient outcomes and positive health economics for the Trust.
The clinical team at the Trust is enthusiastic about bringing ZedScan to its colposcopy service.
Lead clinician for the colposcopy unit, Consultant Gynaecologist and Treasurer of the British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (BSCCP) Mr Nick Myerson, said: “During the COVID pandemic, cancer care and prevention services have remained a priority for Bradford Teaching Hospitals.
“Within colposcopy, it is essential that we are able to confidently diagnose cervical abnormalities and make the best decision for patients at their first visit. The introduction of ZedScan to our services will support us in achieving this and we are extremely grateful to Mr Henderson and the Michelle Henderson Cervical Cancer Trust for this donation to the hospital.”