Bright Idea leads to trial of new biopsy device

Posted 11th December 2023

A new way to take vital bone marrow biopsies from patients has been trialled at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – after the Trust’s Bright Ideas scheme funded a pilot project.

And patients have already seen the benefits of using the new electronic system to take the biopsies, which are particularly tough physically on younger patients with harder bones.

These biopsies are used routinely in the diagnosis and management of all haematological cancers and other conditions where there is evidence of potential bone marrow infiltration.

As with most Trusts, Clatterbridge has traditionally undertaken biopsies with manual needles, but this process can be invasive and uncomfortable for patients who have dense bones, which is often the case for younger people. The biopsies need two passes into the bone to take liquid (aspirate) and solid (trephine) material to test.

But Haemato-Oncology Nurse Consultant Craig Simon spotted a new method being used successfully in other Trusts in England that reduces patients’ pain and is quicker, needing just one pass into the bone to take both samples.

And thanks to funding and support from Clatterbridge’s Bright Ideas scheme – funded by Clatterbridge Cancer Charity and designed to progress staff and patient initiatives across the Trust – Craig has trialled a powered biopsy device called OnControl since May with patients who could potentially benefit.

Craig, pictured with the device, said: “I was really pleased to be able to introduce this six-month pilot of OnControl at the Trust and indications are really positive. Based on 66 samples to end of August, the data obtained in our trial corroborates with findings in other centres which show measurable benefit to patients. Using the powered biopsy device can also save staff time.”

A Clatterbridge patient called Eddie was the first person to have a biopsy taken through the new electronic method and he says it is a much better experience than the manual way.

Eddie is a 43-year-old fitness fanatic with particularly strong bones. He is being treated at Clatterbridge for multiple myeloma and bone marrow biopsies from him are needed as part of the management of his condition.

Eddie said: “Having had multiple bone marrow extractions, I found the process extremely painful. Having dense bones made it difficult for nurses and doctors to get into my bones to extract marrow. The process was long and painful, and extremely stressful.

“At my last bone marrow extraction I was asked if I would mind using a new tool to perform the procedure. I found it to be much easier to access the bone without the pushing and pulling and the pain was nowhere near as bad. The length of procedure was also a lot shorter, making the whole process much less stressful and painful.

“I would highly recommend this for any future transactions for me or anyone else.”

Craig added: “I plan to present both quantitative and qualitative results formally in the new year, with the hope that the Trust can adopt this method for patients who are suitable.”

Dr Gillian Heap, who leads the Bright Ideas Scheme, said: “We are really pleased that the Bright Ideas Scheme could fund this equipment, which can improve the experience of this cohort of patients, including Eddie.

“We are also very grateful to Craig for bringing forward this initiative and driving the use of this equipment, which is new to Clatterbridge.”