Intelligent diagnostics at your fingertips
Our scientists and practitioners are committed to improving prostate cancer screening for patients and doctors
IntelliPalp Dx brings precision to patient screening
IntelliPalp Dx is a university spin-out based at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh aiming to revolutionise the way men are screened for prostate cancer by providing more accurate testing at an early stage, leading to reduced patient anxiety and more efficient diagnosis.
Our new ProstaPalp™ device provides an objective exam for prostate cancer diagnosis and management. The company is working with CENSIS, Scotland’s centre of excellence for sensor and imaging systems and Internet of Things (IoT), to accelerate the process of bringing the test to market.
During initial trials with patients, it has accurately detected areas of the prostate with clinically significant cancer. Surveys conducted during the device’s trials have also found patients prefer the use of ProstaPalp™ over existing testing methods.
​
​
ProstaPalp™ - accurate and objective prostate cancer screening
ProstaPalp™ revolutionises prostate cancer screening by providing accurate and objective testing at an early stage. The diagnosis of prostate cancer has relied on a combination of a doctor conducting a physical examination – with a degree of subjectivity – and prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing, which is not disease-specific and often produces false positives. Men who test positive are referred for MRI scans followed by biopsies if there is still a concern, which can be painful and lead to side effects such as infection, bleeding and occasionally erectile dysfunction.
​
ProstaPalp™ can find the cases that are significant and determine their severity quickly after testing, only sending those who are likely to have cancer for an MRI scan and biopsy. The technology will provide a lot more certainty for patients and deliver quicker results, reducing unnecessary anxiety for patients. Rather than relying on subjective assessment by the human finger, it will bring a level of reproducible objectivity to what was previously a qualitative measure and help the health service focus investigation and treatment on those who need it most.
​
“Deliverable at the earliest and most anxious stage of the process of diagnosing prostate cancer, ProstaPalp™ will have a significant positive impact on patient experience and help health services better focus attention and resources. The test will also allow a technology researched, designed, and made in Scotland to realise global impact and benefit.”
​
Michael Fletcher, business development director at CENSIS