Australian medtech company nominated for major US healthcare award
23 Oct 2026
OncoRes Medical has been nominated in the Best Startup category at the 2026 Prix Galien USA Awards for developing technology that uses tissue stiffness to help surgeons detect cancer during surgery.
The Prix Galien Awards recognise innovation in life sciences and healthcare. The nomination brings international attention to Australian medical technology research and its potential role in improving cancer surgery.
Technology aims to reduce repeat breast cancer surgery
During breast cancer surgery, surgeons aim to remove the tumour while protecting healthy tissue. They may use touch to locate its edges, as cancerous tissue can feel firmer than the surrounding tissue.
However, confirming whether all cancer cells have been removed can depend on laboratory examination of the tissue after surgery. If cancer cells remain at the edges of the removed tissue, another operation may be needed.
The article reports that around 20–30% of women undergoing breast-conserving surgery have repeat surgery to remove remaining cancerous tissue.
Imaging technology measures tissue stiffness
OncoRes Medical’s technology, known as Quantitative Micro-Elastography (QME), was developed by researchers at the University of Western Australia, including breast surgeon Professor Christobel Saunders AO and engineer Professor Brendan Kennedy.
QME uses light to measure how tissue responds to gentle compression. It then produces images showing differences in stiffness, helping distinguish potentially cancerous tissue from healthier tissue.
The company was established to develop the research into a surgical product that can provide information during an operation.
Handheld probe targets real-time surgical guidance
OncoRes Medical has developed a handheld QME probe connected to a workstation monitor. The device is designed to help surgeons assess tissue in the surgical area and identify possible remaining tumour tissue, rather than examining only the tissue already removed.
The technology could help reduce the need for additional surgery, although further clinical evaluation and regulatory approval are important steps before routine use.
Potential applications beyond breast cancer
The company is also investigating whether QME could be adapted for minimally invasive and robotic surgery. These procedures can limit a surgeon’s ability to feel tissue directly, creating challenges when identifying tumour boundaries.
If further developed, the technology could also be used in surgeries for other types of cancer.
Next steps towards market approval
The Medical Research Future Fund supported the company through its Medical Research Commercialisation initiative.
OncoRes Medical CEO Dr Katharine Giles said the company’s immediate priority is bringing its ELORA® QME imaging device to market. The article reports that a pivotal clinical trial in the United States is planned for 2027, followed by a submission to the US Food and Drug Administration for market approval.
The nomination recognises the company’s research and commercialisation efforts. However, further clinical testing and regulatory assessment will be needed before the technology can become part of routine surgical care.
Australian medtech company nominated for major US healthcare award
Source: Medical Research Future Fund / Australian Government — based on the supplied article.