Terahertz metamaterials for tumour marker concentration identification
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Terahertz metamaterials for tumour marker concentration identification
IRAS ID
265479
Contact name
Rhiannon Lees
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Durham University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
The research we plan to undertake involves the use of a paper substrate with a gold or copper metamaterial on top (both or either may be used). The metamaterial has an absorption peak within the terahertz frequency range of our transmitters and receivers (0.75 - 1.1THz). The serum samples will be soaked into the paper fibres which will shift the absorption peak within the terahertz frequency range dependent on the concentration of tumour markers present in the sample. The serum samples we plan to test should be surplus from samples tested for CEA, LDH, CA-125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, total-hCG and AFP. The samples will be anonymised with the exception of which tumour marker they were tested for and the level measured.
There will be two stages to this research project the initial stage requires 10 samples per proposed marker including 10 samples (across all markers) for negative results. This will be used to identify suitable markers to consider for the second stage. 50 samples of each qualifying marker will be tested in stage two with 10 negative samples required for each qualifying marker.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/HRA/4172
Date of REC Opinion
4 Nov 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion