UK To Explore Quantum Healthcare In Boost For Quantum Applications

The “Quantum for Life” report explores how quantum technologies can benefit healthcare and life sciences in the UK. It covers three main areas: quantum sensing/imaging, quantum computing, and quantum communication/security.

Key applications highlighted include improved cancer detection and wearable brain scanners. Other applications are enhanced medical imaging and non-invasive health monitoring. Additionally, there is accelerated drug discovery and optimized healthcare operations. Ultra-secure patient data protection is also important. The report suggests that quantum technologies could transform healthcare. They could reduce the size, cost, and time of devices and processes while increasing overall performance and accuracy.

It highlights work already being commercialized, like wearable brain imaging devices, as well as longer-term research. The UK is positioned as a world leader in quantum technology development for healthcare applications. Overall, the report demonstrates the vast potential of quantum technologies to revolutionize multiple aspects of healthcare, from diagnosis to treatment to data management, with some applications projected to be available in the latter half of this decade.

Companies like M Squared Lasers, Kromek, and Phasecraft are leading the charge in quantum computing, with some having undergone mergers or acquisitions, potentially granting greater access to resources and international collaboration.

Researchers have made promising discoveries in quantum sensing for healthcare, including identifying cancer biomarkers, glucose monitoring, and epilepsy detection. These technologies are projected to be available by the latter half of this decade. Key individuals involved in this work include Dr David Armstrong, James Bain, Ian Baistow, and Professor Cristian Bonato. Despite the promising signs of near-term deployment, the industry still faces a long and challenging road to commercialization, highlighting the need for initiatives to support the adoption of quantum technologies beyond select examples.

The report highlights the rapid progress being made in the development of quantum applications for healthcare and life sciences. Companies are pushing towards commercialization of wearable brain scanners, algorithms that simulate novel drugs for myotonic dystrophy and bowel cancer, and other innovative solutions. Education institutions are also investigating long-term solutions, such as imaging through the body with light and biomonitoring on the nanoscale.

One key area of focus is quantum computing for drug design, which is growing rapidly thanks to major advances in hardware and error correction. The National Quantum Technology Programme’s funding will help more applications reach commercialization and support further research from spin-out companies and established organizations.

The report also notes that three companies mentioned in the quantum computing section have either been acquired or gone through mergers. While this could provide greater access to resources and international collaboration, it also means the loss of intellectual property within the UK.

Quantum sensing for healthcare applications has seen an explosion of research since 2020, with promising solutions including the identification of cancer, glucose monitoring, and epilepsy monitoring. These technologies are projected to be available in the latter half of this decade.

Despite the promising signs of near-term deployment and world-leading research in the UK, the industry still faces a long and difficult road to commercialization. The report suggests that simple initiatives could support the adoption of quantum technologies beyond these select few examples, benefiting both healthcare and quantum companies.

Overall, this report provides an exciting glimpse into the potential of quantum technologies for healthcare and life sciences. As a science journalist, I would be interested in exploring these developments further and examining the implications for patients, clinicians, and the broader healthcare industry.

Lab Diagnostics. Quantum technologies are being developed to improve cancer detection and diagnosis. For example, Digistain is working on a device called EntangleCam that uses quantum entanglement to detect breast cancer earlier and faster than current methods. Kromek is investigating molecular breast imaging using single photon detectors to reveal tissue density differences with lower radiation doses. Quantum digital tomosynthesis is also being explored to give surgeons more precise information about cancerous tissue location.

Body Imaging. Several quantum approaches are being developed for improved medical imaging. Cerca Magnetics has created wearable magnetoencephalography (MEG) helmets using optically pumped magnetometers to scan the brain, with applications for epilepsy, Parkinson’s and dementia. METLASE is developing a small, cheap medical scanner using OPMs for use in community healthcare settings. Researchers are also exploring using quantum technologies to enable imaging through the body with light, which is currently impossible due to scattering.

Consumer Medical Monitoring and Wearable Healthcare. Companies are developing quantum sensors for non-invasive, wearable health monitoring devices. NIQS Tech is creating a highly accurate, non-invasive glucose sensor using quantum interference effects that works equally well for all skin tones. Researchers are also investigating quantum approaches to blood oxygen monitoring that could provide more accurate readings than traditional pulse oximeters for all skin tones. Brain-computer interfaces using quantum sensors are being explored for applications like brain monitoring.

Point of Care Diagnostics. Quantum technologies are enabling new approaches to detecting biomarkers for faster, cheaper disease diagnosis. Companies like Beyond Blood Diagnostics are using quantum dots to detect traces of cancer in blood samples. Element Six and QDTI have developed a product using NV diamonds to rapidly detect biomarkers in various samples, potentially enabling early detection of cancers and degenerative brain diseases. Researchers are also exploring using quantum dots and diamonds to improve lateral flow tests and other diagnostic devices.

Microscopy. Quantum approaches are enhancing microscopy techniques in several ways. Researchers are exploring using quantum entanglement for “ghost imaging” to reduce noise when imaging photosensitive samples. Quantum-enhanced multiphoton microscopy could enable deeper tissue imaging with lower light intensities. NV diamond microscopy allows analysis of samples down to tens of nanometers at room temperature. Other quantum techniques are enabling real-time 3D imaging, improved fluorescence lifetime imaging, and detection of paramagnetic species in living systems.

Optimisation in Healthcare Environments. Quantum computing algorithms are being explored to optimize various aspects of healthcare operations. This includes optimizing theater and operation allocation in hospitals, urgent care triage, and community nurse visiting schedules. While full quantum advantage is not yet achieved, researchers are investigating how near-term quantum devices could improve upon classical optimization methods for these applications.

Drug Design and Discovery. Quantum computing shows great promise for accelerating and improving drug discovery through more accurate molecular simulations. Companies and researchers are exploring quantum approaches for protein folding simulations, genomic analysis, and specific drug discovery applications like treatments for myotonic dystrophy and metastatic bowel cancer. While large-scale quantum advantage is still years away, smaller proof-of-concept studies are demonstrating the potential of quantum computing in this field.

Protecting Sensitive Data. Quantum technologies are being developed to enhance data security in healthcare, particularly for sensitive genomic and patient data. Researchers are exploring quantum machine learning techniques that can train on sensitive data without revealing it. Quantum communication and cryptography methods are also being investigated to securely store and transmit patient information, potentially reducing healthcare fraud and data breaches.

Some potential follow-up questions could include:

• What are the specific challenges facing the commercialization of quantum technologies for healthcare?
• How can policymakers and funding agencies support the development of these innovative solutions?
• What are the potential benefits and risks associated with adopting quantum technologies in healthcare?

By exploring these questions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges of quantum technologies for healthcare and life sciences.