Cancer fighting device tops best invention list

A GROUNDBREAKING medical device for non-invasive treatment of lung cancer will begin clinical trials at University College Cork (UCC).

Developed at the Cork Cancer Research Centre, the Lung Laparoscopic Electroporation Electrode (LLEE) is a system that kills cancer cells through delivery of an electrical field targeting tumour tissue.

The system underlying the new device is currently being patented by UCC’s Technology Transfer Office.

The device, developed by Declan Soden and John Hinchion, was a joint winner of the UCC Invention of the Year Award.

Researchers working on a mini microchip that will enable the circuitry within a microchip to become even smaller shared the top prize, for their project developed at the Tyndall Institute.

The invention will allow for the further miniaturisation of portable communications devices such as mobile phones, together with reduced power consumption and extended battery life.

UCC President Dr Michael Murphy said these types of research projects will prove vital for any economic recovery.

“Innovative research at UCC is yielding a tangible return on investment for the State and benefits for industry, society and the economy,” he said.