Engineering the fight against cancer

Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges worldwide, affecting millions of lives each year. Led by Dr Yuhang Chen and Professor Nicholas Leslie, our research at Heriot-Watt University is dedicated to revolutionising cancer diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring through innovative engineering solutions.

Their teams are working on a variety of projects aimed at improving the detection and treatment of cancer. One such project is the development of the IntelliPalp device, a novel tool designed to provide more accurate prostate cancer diagnoses. Researchers are also advancing ultrasound imaging technologies that deliver images ten times clearer than current methods, which could reduce the need for invasive procedures like biopsies. Other efforts include the creation of laser-based systems to target cancer cells more precisely and the use of circulating tumour DNA markers to monitor cancer therapy.

Additionally, the team is exploring innovative 3D bioprinting techniques to model tumour microenvironments, focusing on cancers like glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer. These models are designed to facilitate drug testing, making cancer treatment more efficient and personalised. With a large portfolio of active research grants, Heriot-Watt's cancer research is making significant strides in advancing patient care.

The Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies is dedicated to advancing solutions for some of the world’s most critical health challenges. By uniting researchers from across Heriot-Watt’s school-based institutes, this institute fosters a multidisciplinary environment where engineers, healthcare professionals, and scientists work together to deliver impactful health innovations. The institute also collaborates extensively with other global research institutes at Heriot-Watt, enhancing its capacity to drive forward research that improves patient care and health outcomes on a global scale.