Instrument and method for future diagnostics in pathology

Purpose and goal

Projects have provided an opportunity to advance our idea from the TRL3 level to a good way into the TRL4 level. We have taken important steps towards a verified method and instrument for histopathological diagnosis of prostate cancer, i.e. developed the method and instrumentation and made preliminary measurements on tissue models, in both silicone and pork, where we were able to produce topographic and stiffness-coded 2D images. We have also carried out preparatory work towards a needs analysis and a commercialization plan, as well as working out the patent situation.

Expected results and effects

The results of the project contribute to the development of a validated product that opens new possibilities for safe and rational analysis in pathological activities, which will be beneficial for the patient and provide financial savings to caregivers. It will also contribute to increased support for pathologists, so that the effect of the decreasing interest in working as a pathologist is reduced.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was a collaboration between researchers at Västerbotten County Council and Umeå University, as well as a project participant from Nihon University, Japan. The project had three main activities: a technology part of which the instrument and software were adapted for our measurements, a part of verifying measurements on tissue models and a commercialization part. The first two parts built on each other, while the latter ran parallel throughout the project period. Work on the commercialization plan was conducted in collaboration with Umeå Biotech Incubator, UBI