REF 2021 Impact Case Study: Earlier detection of oesophageal cancer saves lives

Description of impact

Following diagnosis, fewer than 15% of patients with oesophageal cancer survive beyond five years. A team from the University of Portsmouth (UoP) and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust has developed a method that provides earlier and more accurate detection of precancer and cancer that significantly reduces the likelihood of cancer development. Recommended by professional bodies and in use worldwide, the early identification and minimally-invasive removal procedure has reduced the mortality risk to zero, compared to 20% mortality from open surgery at a later stage. The procedure can also be performed on previously untreatable patients who are older or who have underlying health conditions. Cost savings to healthcare systems over previous methods and reduced bed days for patients has been estimated at GBP1,600,000 per hospital over a five-year period.

Impact status	Closed
Impact date	1 Aug 2013 → 30 Jul 2020