Scientists in Limerick could be on the verge of a major breakthrough in the early identification of childhood cancer, it was revealed today.
The Stokes Research Institute, based in the University of Limerick, is working on an advanced new system for the early and accurate diagnosis of cancer in children.
The €2 million investment by Irish and European funding agencies has resulted in 30 researchers working on a new diagnostic system. Professor Mark Davies, director of the institute, said: "Possibly the biggest impact on cancer survivability over the next five years will come through early and more accurate diagnosis.
"Early stage cancers have less mutated cells and have not evolved to their most aggressive state. Hence they are more susceptible to treatment."
The institute is hoping that the first medical application of the new diagnostic system would be in the areas of childhood leukaemia, which accounts for a third of all children's cancers.
Scientists at the institute said the Micro Total Analysis System aimed at diagnosing the disease was now at the prototype and design patenting stage.
The small computer system will adopt all the different stages of cancer analysis such as blood sampling and gene analysis of fluids into a single process.
Scientists said the fluid-checking system could rule out the necessity for painful bone marrow analysis by using the less intrusive method of blood sampling.
The analysis system will be designed to rapidly diagnose gene mutation in cancerous cells as the belief is that all cancers begin with a mutation of the genetic make-up in diseased cells.
The institute claimed the new system would operate at low cost but with high speed and accuracy in a move to radically reduce the time it takes to diagnose.
Scientific trials are set to continue throughout this year, with clinical trials expected to start early next year.
PA