CanSense is a Swansea University spinout company with big aspirations; to transform early-stage cancer detection.

Prioritising accuracy, inclusion, and scalability, the company’s optimised test targets the prevalent issue of bowel cancer. By employing Raman Spectroscopy on blood samples and leveraging AI analysis, CanSense identifies early-stage bowel cancer and pre-cancerous polyps. Given that 60% of bowel cancer cases in Wales are diagnosed late, often resulting in poor outcomes, CanSense is committed to bringing about positive global change through a Welsh-based solution. 

CanSense combines laser spectroscopy analysis and AI to pioneer a non-invasive blood test for the early detection of bowel cancer. This innovative fusion of hardware and software represents a paradigm shift, offering a unique capability to identify signs of cancer or pre-cancerous polyps from a single blood test. Unlike conventional methods, CanSense’s test eliminates the need for costly reagents, intricate sample preparation, and invasive colonoscopies for all patients.  

The apparatus, technology and methodology for the CanSense-CRC test has been protected with a filing of an International Patent Application. The patent is now granted in the US, Australia, Japan and Korean territories and the team are awaiting examiner outcomes in the EU and the UK for the core IP. 

CanSense’s non-invasive bowel cancer test can enhance the patient’s experience, increasing compliance within screening recommendations and diagnostic methods. This breakthrough technology ensures accessibility and inclusivity, addressing health disparities by reaching underserved populations who might be unwilling or unable to undergo conventional testing, for cultural or physical reasons. For individuals, the test means reduced anxiety with more rapid results and potential cost savings for the NHS. Healthcare providers adopting this innovation can expect streamlined workflows, improved resource efficiency, and a more cost-effective diagnostic process. 

The team have been based within Swansea University’s Institute of Life Science (ILS) since 2022, their first physical location. Being on campus grants CanSense access to office and lab facilities crucial for advancing the development of the CanSense-CRC Test and progressing behind the scenes toward its market launch. The environment here has presented numerous opportunities to increase visibility, such as participation in conferences and collaborating with facilitates by providing a space populated with experts. 

Being on campus broadens CanSense’s avenues to converse with fellow experts, students and employees who hold a passion for their mission. Having professors from the University as part of the core team further boosts relationships and expands its potential talent pool for future CanSense employees. The team also finds that being immersed in the life science community enhances their morale as they witness so many aspiring innovators every day. 

“The campus is an ideal location for CanSense, enabling us to thrive from the opportunities for collaboration within the University and the co-located Swansea Bay University Health Board on Singleton Campus. The Research, Engagement and Innovation team have also helped us immensely through introductions to funding bodies and future international clients.” – Prof Dean Harris, co-founder and clinical director.

CanSense is currently working towards obtaining an QMS accreditation to be shortly followed by UKCA approval, showcasing its capability to deliver a medical device that complies with the appropriate customer and regulatory standards expected by customers. This marks a pivotal stage in preparing the test for market readiness, with the goal of deploying it in adoption sites within NHS Wales and England over the next 12 months. 

Beyond that, CanSense’s vision is to address key markets. Firstly, the potential for global screening of asymptomatic individuals becomes apparent, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the economic impact of premature mortality on a global scale. Secondly, the product aims to provide an affordable solution for testing in developing countries, overcoming socioeconomic inequalities, and expanding reach. 

CanSense’s innovation aims to explore multi-cancer screening, with ongoing investigations into the early detection of other cancers beset by poor outcomes from late detection.