���Ҵ�ý

The ���Ҵ�ý’s (UWTSD) Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre (ATiC) and its partner, ’s , have successfully completed their 18-month collaborative project with Welsh life science company .

The project has supported CanSense in the development of its pioneering CanSense-CRC blood test – a rapid, cost-effective, and scalable test for the early detection of bowel cancer. Through their combined expertise, the project partners have contributed to crucial stages of research and development, device usability, and clinical readiness of the test, which aims to help transform the UK’s bowel cancer diagnostic pathway.

Dr Fatma Layas, ATiC Innovation Fellow said: “ATiC applied its specialist expertise in human-centred design and usability evaluation to support CanSense in refining the test for real-world use.”

 By engaging with General Practitioners (GPs) and Phlebotomists, the ATiC team explored their views on the test’s implementation, perceived benefits, and any concerns around workflow integration and result formats. The insights gathered helped to shape a user-informed approach to introducing the test into NHS primary care settings.

In addition, ATiC evaluated how laboratory technicians interact with the CanSense software and navigate the physical workspace, providing feedback on the usability and user experience (UX) of the CanSense software wrapper. This helped identify opportunities to improve the system’s design for greater efficiency and ease of use in diagnostic labs.

Dr Layas added: “The research was supported by our advanced research tools such as the Noldus Behavioural Observation Lab and Observer XT, FaceReader systems, Tobii Pro eye tracking, and physiological monitoring using the Artinis OctoMon fNIRS system”

 “We’re proud to have played a part in this transformative project. By combining clinical, technological, and design expertise, this collaboration exemplifies how partnerships can support Welsh health innovation to thrive.”

The TriTech Institute supported the project by providing risk assessment and regulatory compliance guidance, ensuring alignment with QMS ISO13485 standards. This support was instrumental in advancing the test towards NHS adoption.

Professor Chris Hopkins, Consultant Clinical Scientist, Head of Innovation and the TriTech Institute, Hywel Dda University Health Board, and ATiC’s Clinical Director, said:

“The CanSense-CRC test represents a significant advancement in bowel cancer diagnostics. By differentiating between high-risk and low-risk patients, we can prioritise those who need urgent care, potentially reducing the demand for invasive colonoscopies. This not only alleviates the financial burden on the NHS but also improves patient outcomes through early detection.

Professor Hopkins added: “Our collaboration with CanSense exemplifies the power of partnerships between health boards, academia, and industry in driving innovation and delivering better healthcare solutions.”

Dr Adam Bryant, CEO of CanSense, said: “Early cancer detection saves lives, and at CanSense, we’re proud to be leading the way with a fast, affordable blood test for early bowel cancer diagnosis. Working with ATiC and Tritech on this ground-breaking project is a vital step toward making our test available across the NHS.

“Together, we’re improving outcomes, reducing waiting times, and helping ensure more people get the care they need—when they need it most.”

The CanSense-CRC test, which uses artificial intelligence-based modelling (AI) to interpret spectral signals from blood-based biomarkers, has shown potential in clinical trials to reduce the need for invasive colonoscopies by up to 65%. This could represent an annual cost saving of £250 million for the NHS and contribute to more efficient, patient-centred cancer care.

This end-of-project milestone marks an important step forward for CanSense in its mission to deliver early, accessible bowel cancer diagnostics at scale. It also highlights the role of research and innovation partnerships in shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Wales and beyond.

This project was supported with funding from Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency, which supports business-led innovation in all sectors, technologies, and UK regions.

Pic caption: In the CanSense lab, Dr Layas and Mr Stokes employ advanced real-time monitoring tools - including Noldus Portable Observation Lab, Tobii Eye Tracking Systems, and frontal brain activity monitoring system (fNIRS) - during an observational study.

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071