Adopting innovations and scaling them fast

Earlier diagnosis is one of the best ways to improve cancer outcomes, yet many patients still face delays in accessing tests or receiving a diagnosis.

We worked with two innovative companies – Sola Diagnostics and Cyted – to develop and test new approaches that could make cancer diagnosis earlier, faster, more accessible and more equitable for patients.

For women experiencing symptoms that may indicate womb cancer, we have helped introduce the WID-easy test, developed by Sola Diagnostics. The test is designed to provide a less invasive and more accessible alternative to traditional diagnostic pathways, helping women access investigations more quickly and potentially reducing delays in diagnosis.

Through our partnerships with NHS organisations, we created opportunities for the test to be trialled and evaluated across four hospital sites in North Central London and led the evaluation of this trial.

We are also working closely with Cyted, North Central London Cancer Alliance and East Midlands Cancer Alliance to support the rollout of its capsule sponge for the early detection of Barrett’s oesophagus, a precursor to oesophageal cancer. The test involves patients swallowing a small capsule attached to a thread. Once in the stomach, the capsule expands into a small sponge, which is gently pulled back up to collect cells from the throat for testing.

We helped Cyted secure SBRI Healthcare funding, build partnerships with North Central London Cancer Alliance, East Midlands Cancer Alliance and NHS providers, and prepare for pilot deployment in pharmacies, Community Diagnostic Centres and other community settings. We are also the learning partner for the programme and will carry out the independent evaluation of the pilot. The programme aims to improve access to testing while reaching communities that may be less likely to engage with traditional healthcare services.