CanSense-CRC
Title: CanSense-CRC
Research Area: Human Behaviour and Psychophysiological Measurement
Partner: CanSense Ltd
Project outline
Project outline
ATiC, in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board’s TriTech Institute, successfully completed an 18-month collaborative project with Welsh life sciences company CanSense Ltd. The project supported the development of CanSense-CRC—a rapid, cost-effective, and scalable blood test for the early detection of colorectal (bowel) cancer.
The collaboration aimed to transform the UK’s bowel cancer diagnostic pathway by enabling earlier detection, improving patient outcomes, and reducing pressure on NHS services.
TriTech provided regulatory and risk assessment support, ensuring alignment with QMS ISO13485 standards—critical for NHS adoption.
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ATiC applied its expertise in human-centred design, usability evaluation, and behavioural research to help refine the CanSense-CRC test for real-world clinical use.
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- Conducted observational studies using advanced tools including:
- Noldus Behavioural Observation Lab
- Tobii Pro eye tracking
- Artinis OctoMon (fNIRS) for monitoring frontal brain activity
- Engaged with General Practitioners (GPs) and phlebotomists to explore implementation challenges, workflow integration, and result interpretation.
- Evaluated how laboratory technicians interact with the CanSense software and physical workspace, identifying opportunities to improve usability and efficiency.
Impact:
The CanSense-CRC test uses AI-based modelling to interpret spectral signals from blood-based biomarkers. Clinical trials suggest it could reduce the need for invasive colonoscopies by up to 65%, potentially saving the NHS £250 million annually and improving patient access to timely care.
This project, funded by Innovate UK, marks a major step toward delivering accessible, early-stage cancer diagnostics at scale—and highlights the power of collaboration between academia, healthcare, and industry in shaping the future of healthcare in Wales and beyond.
