UCC’s Clisteprobe diagnostic technology aims to reduce anxiety for women awaiting breast cancer biopsy results

The new venture from UCC and Tyndall National Institute was funded by an Enterprise Ireland (EI) Commercialisation Fund to develop a bioimpedance biopsy needle. 

Clisteprobe specialises in developing advanced biopsy devices which will improve the accuracy and efficiency of disease detection in breast cancer and prostate cancer.

The biopsy device provides real-time diagnostic data to empower clinicians to make informed decisions during biopsy sampling by identifying benign and cancerous tissue. Millions of women around the world undergo breast biopsies following suspicious mammograms, waiting days and even weeks to get results. This causes stress and anxiety and in some cases unnecessary worry as up to 80% of these breast biopsies are benign and not indicative of cancer. The gamechanger is separating benign and malignant cases at the time of biopsy, leading to a reduction in turnaround times of the biopsy. For those with malignant results, it will allow patients to start treatment immediately.

The device enhances point-of-care capabilities by integrating sensors that provide real-time tissue assessment. Bioimpedance sensors are used to differentiate diseased from healthy breast tissue, which is based on the changes in the electrical properties of each tissue type. The sensors are fabricated on the bevelled needle surface. The technology allows for more targeted biopsies, reducing the number of benign samples sent for histopathology and potentially minimising the need for multiple biopsies. The benefits from a clinical perspective include: a reduction in the workload of radiologists, improvement in the patient care model and, most importantly, providing quicker and more accurate biopsy results. This will go a long way towards accurate and timely diagnosis of breast cancer in Irish women.