The first cancer patient in Europe has been scanned with a revolutionary imaging technique that could enable doctors to see whether a drug is working within a day or two of starting treatment.

The patient is the first to take part in a new metabolic imaging trial of patients across a wide range of cancer types being led by Professor Kevin Brindle (CRUK CI) and Dr Ferdia Gallagher (Radiology), and carried out by CRUK-funded scientists at Addenbrooke’s.

The study, funded by a Wellcome Trust Strategic Award, could show whether patients can stop taking drugs that aren’t working for them or try different ones, and receive the best treatment for their cancer as quickly as possible.

The rapid scan will allow doctors to map out molecular changes in patients, opening up potential new ways to detect cancer and monitor the effects of treatment.