From lab to clinic: Leading the commercial translation of a first of its kind electric field therapy implant for brain cancer treatment

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I am the Principal Biomaterials scientist at QV Bioelectronics, and I am responsible for leading the development of the core technology.Following my undergraduate degree in Applied Pharmacology, I completed my PhD in bioengineering which focused on biomaterial fabrication and characterisation for osteoarthritis. Utilising my previous expertise, in my role as Principal Biomaterial Scientist, I am now at the forefront of development of the innovative electrode technology which aims to tackle a real global healthcare challenge. I have led the complex development of the core electrode technology, for which I am one of the inventors. This electrode technology is part of our cutting-edge electric field therapy device called GRACE.QV Bioelectronics is a Manchester based medical device start-up which is determined to deliver a treatment which provides a longer and better-quality life for brain tumour patients. Glioblastoma Multiforme is the most common and aggressive form of primary brain cancer in adults, and it has amongst the worst outcomes of any type of cancer. It is very difficult to treat; and despite intensive treatment including surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, patients live 14 months on average post-diagnosis. Moreover, it has a 5-year survival rate of <5%, which is in contrast is 89% for breast cancer.Glioblastoma patients are in desperate need for more effective treatments, and at QV Bioelectronics our goal is to develop our device to provide pain-free, side-effect free treatment, while also increasing life expectancy. GRACE will be implanted during tumour resection surgery, directly into the cavity. From here, it will deliver electric field therapy continuously to the cancer cells. Electric fields are known to interfere with cancer cell division, slowing tumour progression and ultimately increasing life expectancy.It is hoped that GRACE will provide a paradigm shift in the treatment of glioblastoma. Utilising advanced materials, the technology underpinning the GRACE device is designed to significantly extend patient life-expectancy without negatively affecting patient quality of life. GRACE is still at an early stage of development, and it will be several years before the technology is ready to enter clinical trials. The electrode technology is currently undergoing optimisation and characterisation, with a focus on technical de-risking.QV Bioelectronics have an excellent multidisciplinary team in place and our vision is for GRACE to become integrated into the standard treatment of care for newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients both in the NHS and internationally- making a real impact on glioblastoma patients outcomes worldwide.