Swansea scientist’s innovative toothbrush could detect early signs of lung cancer

This innovative device could transform the way patients are diagnosed with lung cancer, as well as head and neck and oesophageal cancers.

Dr Paolo Bertoncello is part of a team of researchers working on the toothbrush sensor, which detects cancer biomarkers in saliva.

He said: “Our goal is to improve early diagnosis and to make cancer detection as simple and accessible as possible. By integrating diagnostic technology into a common household item, we hope to reach a wider population and catch the disease in its earliest stages.”

Initial tests have shown promising results, with the sensor technology demonstrating high sensitivity in detecting cancer biomarkers.

Respiratory and gastrointestinal cancers have some of the lowest levels of early-stage diagnosis, amongst cancer types with a known stage of diagnosis in Wales.*

Dr Bertoncello said: “These cancers are often seen in populations with higher risk factors, such as smoking. A toothbrush could be a pre-screening tool to identify people most at risk of lung, head and neck and oesophageal cancers.”

Dr Bertoncello received around £230,000 from Cancer Research UK in 2022, together with researchers at universities in Sheffield, Leeds, Exeter, Newcastle, Manchester and Bristol.

Dr Paolo Bertoncello is passionate about cancer research after his dad died of pancreatic cancer in 2013.

He said: “My dad was the initial motivation for the first project. He passed away in 2013 with pancreatic cancer and he was one of the lucky ones as he was able to have surgery and survived for two years.

“Three years ago, I received a Cancer Research UK grant to develop a micro electrode to detect a biomarker for pancreatic cancer. I worked alongside researchers at universities in Nottingham, Oxford, and Glasgow.”

And now, Dr Bertoncello is backing Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Swansea.

People of all ages and abilities are being welcome to take part in Race for Life with 3k, 5k and 10k events on Sunday May 18 in Museum Green. And as part of a bumper weekend of events, the fun begins on Saturday May 17 in Singleton Park with Pretty Muddy- a 5k mud-splattered obstacle course. There is also a Pretty Muddy Kids option.

Research shows that every year around 20,200 people are diagnosed with cancer in Wales. 

Money raised will help scientists like Dr Bertoncello find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease – to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

He said: “I’m proud to be supporting Race for Life Swansea as research like mine couldn’t happen without people raising funds. I hope lots of people sign up as it’s such an uplifting and vibrant event raising vital funds for Cancer Research UK.”

Ruth Amies, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Wales said: “We are so grateful to Dr Bertoncello for supporting Race for Life. His exciting research is a beacon of hope in the fight against cancer.

“Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact.  

 “We’d love for as many people as possible to join us at Race for Life. There is an event for everyone and we mean everyone. Our events are non-competitive which means everyone can have a go – and love every minute. There’s no pressure to finish in a certain time, just give it what you can. Lace up and join in.

“Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone.”  

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, raises millions of pounds every year across the UK to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.    

Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity was a key player in the development of radiotherapy which now benefits millions of cancer patients worldwide. Cancer Research UK played a leading role in the development of abiraterone – a drug that gives men with advanced prostate cancer more time with their friends and family.    

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research.  

Andy Curran, Chief Executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the opportunity to encourage participation across the country.  

“By working to raise funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”