25-05-2025
Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust reaches milestone in study
A £1 million research study in Telford has reached a major milestone in its aim to revolutionise the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
The trial, run by The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), has now recruited more than 500 patients from Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin.
The study aims to reduce the amount of time patients are waiting for a colorectal cancer diagnosis.
The TRIOMIC study is developing a new test which aims to reduce the number of patients who need an invasive colonoscopy.
It will also be held outside of a hospital setting, at the CDC in Hollinswood House, Stafford Park.
Over 500 symptomatic patients on the colorectal urgent suspected cancer pathway at SaTH have been recruited for a new test, which is quick and pain-free, using the Oricol™ device to collect rectal mucus samples.
The samples are then tested at laboratories for abnormal cells from cancer and significant polyps.
If successful, eight in ten patients will find out within five days of the test that they do not have cancer, avoiding the need for a 45-minute colonoscopy with full bowel preparation and a separate hospital visit.
The new technology is enhancing the patient experience, reducing pressure on overstretched staff, and lowering costs for SaTH, which operates the county's acute hospitals and CDC.
Origin Sciences has funded the staff and capital costs to support the development of the new pathway – three clinic rooms have been set up at the CDC and 14 staff members have been recruited.
This is one of more than 50 research studies under way at SaTH, with thousands of patients taking part in these trials each year.
The findings from these studies are helping to shape the future of healthcare both in the area and potentially around the world.
Dr John Jones, executive medical director, said: "Research and innovation helps us to determine the best treatments and play a vital role in the care we deliver.
"We are always looking for opportunities to improve, whether it is how we transform surgical care, reducing screening waiting times through working differently, or trialling new processes to reduce waste.
"Embracing new ways of working can make a real difference to the care we provide."
