A NEW SCANNER installed at the University of Galway has been hailed as a “game changer” in the diagnosis of breast cancer.

The multiplex imaging scanner, which is the product of a partnership between the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) and Hewlitt Packard Enterprises (HPE), is capable of analysing up to 100 markers of breast cancer in a single tissue sample.

The new machine, the first of its kind to be installed in Ireland, will dramatically reduce the time it takes to reach a diagnosis from days to a matter of hours, the NBCRI said.

“This is a ‘Game Changer’”, professor Michael Kerin, director of research at the NBCRI, said in statement accompanying the announcement of the installation.

“The scanner enables detailed analysis of individual cells within tumours, including those that may drive metastasis or express key markers that can inform more effective treatment strategies,” he said.

“The purchase of this equipment is a tremendous example of the strength of collaboration, demonstrating how organisations and corporate partnerships such as HPE can make a truly life-changing difference for patients.”

Sharon Glynn, professor in pathology at the University of Galway, said:

“This will transform our research into breast cancer diagnosis and novel therapeutic target discovery, providing us with new tools to improve outcomes for our patients.”