Thousands of patients are set to benefit from pioneering new technology being backed by the NHS that aims to revolutionise cancer testing techniques across the country.

NHS England has said that almost £10 million will be awarded to eight projects this week after the NHS ran an open call for innovation in cancer care last year. Projects include an artificial intelligence system that can interpret and prioritise abnormal chest x-rays to help spot lung cancer sooner, as well as an endoscope-smartphone adapter that can turn a normal iPhone into essential diagnostic equipment for head and neck cancers.

Each project is being fast-tracked into the NHS to see how they can benefit patients by detecting cancer early and improve the efficiency of diagnostic services, in a real-world setting.

Peter Johnson, Clinical Director of the NHS Cancer Programme, said: “Working out how to make use of ground-breaking ideas like the PinPoint test is key to improving outcomes for people with cancer. The companies and hospitals pioneering these innovative ideas are leading the way, and will help us to diagnose cancer earlier when it is easier to treat – potentially saving thousands of lives.

“Today’s development funding, which is part of our open call initiative, is just one of many opportunities to attract and fast-track high quality innovations into the NHS, supporting the ambitions of the NHS Long Term Plan and vitally, improving care for our patients.”

Following the success of this open call for innovation in cancer care, the NHS is launching its second round in spring 2022. The competition will be seeking promising new ideas across medical devices, digital health and equipment, behaviour interventions and new models of care, which can benefit patients and frontline NHS staff working in cancer services.