From a Childhood Fascination of Electronic Circuits to Worldwide Treatment of Cancer
Open lecture by Professor Chris Hancock
Join us for an energising dive into the future of electrosurgical innovation, where cutting-edge technology is transforming cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes worldwide
This talk is part of Engage — lectures in computing, engineering and designÌý
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‘Engage’ is a series of lectures on a range of computing, engineering and design topics, organised by the School of Computer Science and Engineering.
This talk explores a journey from childhood curiosity in electronics and the construction of basic electronic circuits to a passion for applying these techniques in medical innovation. A key focus of the talk will explain a new electrosurgical platform combining high-frequency microwave and lower-frequency RF energy for precise treatment of several conditions located in the gastrointestinal tract. This technology enables controlled tissue dissection and targeted coagulation, using miniature, flexible applicators. One device, has already treated over 6000 patients, changed the treatment pathway for early-stage colon cancer and is now saving the NHS up to £10K per procedure.
The talk will also highlight innovative flexible devices that deliver focused microwave energy to cancerous tissue, offering a less invasive alternative to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Examples include a sub-2mm flexible tool for lung nodules, used in a clinical study with over 20 patients treated to date, plus four patents treated outside the study, and a sub-1mm nitinol needle (a nickel-titanium alloy known for its superelasticity and shape memory) designed for pancreatic, liver, and kidney tumours which has helped to transform the lives of over 17 patients from across the world.
Professor Chris Hancock has been passionate about electronics since childhood, leading him to an apprenticeship at Thorn EMI and degrees in Electronic and Communications Engineering from Îá°®³Ô¹Ï. His career spans cutting-edge research in RF and microwave engineering, including early innovations in high-frequency microwave energy for cancer treatment.
As the founder and CTO of Creo Medical PLC, Chris has pioneered electrosurgical systems that have transformed cancer care, with devices treating thousands of patients worldwide. He also leads the Medical Microwave Systems research group at Îá°®³Ô¹Ï and holds professorships at Cardiff and UCL. Chris is a named inventor on over 1,500 patents and has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Institute of Physics Gold Medal and recognition as one of Europe’s 50 Leading Innovators. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Learned Society of Wales, the IET, and the Institute of Physics.
