Oncological Engineering:
A new concept in the treatment of bone metastases
Cancer prevalence in the UK is set to rise from 2 million in 2015 to 3.2 million by 2030. Metastases are the primary cause of mortality for many cancers.
Annually, 55,000 cases of bone cancer are diagnosed in the UK and of these 2/3rd patients will develop into metastatic bone disease
In the spine metastates can destroy bone in the vertebrae, weakening it and can cause significant spinal cord injury leading to paralysis.
A more patient-friendly approach is realised in OncoEng in which we predict which vertebrae with tumours are likely to fail in the future enabling informed decision on care.
Advanced computational modelling and imaging will be used to look at the growth of the tumour so that predictions of the strength of the vertebrae can be calculated a different points in time.
Custom implants requiring only key-hole surgery will be developed to support the weakened bone in order to prevent fracture, optimised to reduce impingement to the patients life through a lengthy recuperation period or additional pain.
Latest News
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