Blood Test Combines Epigenetics, NGS and Machine Learning for Multi-Cancer Early Detection

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 07 Jun 2022

Image: The OverC multi-cancer detection blood test kit has received CE mark (Photo courtesy of Unsplash)

Image: The OverC multi-cancer detection blood test kit has received CE mark (Photo courtesy of Unsplash)

Early detection and treatment are important components of comprehensive cancer control. Cancer, when identified early, is more likely to respond to effective treatment, resulting in a greater probability of surviving as well as less expensive treatment. Now, a qualitative next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based in vitro diagnostic device that detects DNA methylation markers using cfDNA isolated from human peripheral whole blood enables earlier detection and localization of multiple cancer types. The assay includes a semi-automated workflow including cfDNA extraction and library preparation; a sequencing instrument for massively parallel sequencing (MPS) of the pooled libraries; as well as an analysis software for data analysis.

The OverC multi-cancer detection blood test is based on Burning Rock Biotech Limited’s (Shanghai, China) self-developed multi-cancer early detection technology ELSA-seq. The technology combines epigenetics, NGS, and machine learning to achieve multi-cancer early detection. ELSA-seq has successfully accomplished the efficient capture of trace amounts of circulating tumor DNA methylation signals in blood. ELSA-seq has been published in a number of high-impact academic journals. These results demonstrate that ELSA-seq is a highly sensitive test for detection of the trace amounts of tumor-derived methylation signals in plasma samples from multiple cancer types. Burning Rock has received CE marking for its OverC multi-cancer detection blood test which is intended for earlier detection and localization of multiple cancer types in adults of either sex, aged 40-75 years old.

Related Links:
Burning Rock Biotech Limited

Visit expo >

Gold Member

Fully Automated Cell Density/Viability Analyzer

BioProfile FAST CDV

Gold Member

Pharmacogenetics Panel

VeriDose Core Panel v2.0

New

Dehydroepiandrosterone Assay

DHEA ELISA

New

Rheumatoid Arthritis Test

Finecare RF Rapid Quantitative Test

Latest Molecular Diagnostics News

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel

Image: The paper-based device generates high-quality samples of dried plasma, enabling accurate measurements of HIV viral load (Photo courtesy of Charlie Mace/Tufts)

Paper-Based Device Boosts HIV Test Accuracy from Dried Blood Samples

In regions where access to clinics for routine blood tests presents financial and logistical obstacles, HIV patients are increasingly able to collect and send a drop of blood using paper-based devices... Read more

AI-Powered Raman Spectroscopy Method Enables Rapid Drug Detection in Blood

Accurately monitoring drug levels in the blood is essential for effective treatment, particularly in the management of cardiovascular diseases. Traditional techniques for monitoring blood drug levels often... Read more

Image: The LC-MS/MS assay can serve as a reference method to validate emerging biosensors for renal function monitoring (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel LC-MS/MS Assay Detects Low Creatinine in Sweat and Saliva

Timely and accurate monitoring of renal function is essential for managing patients at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), which affects about 12% of hospitalized patients and up to 57% of ICU patients.... Read more

Biosensing Technology Breakthrough Paves Way for New Methods of Early Disease Detection

Nanopores are tiny openings that can detect individual molecules as they pass through, making them ideal for analyzing biomolecules like DNA and proteins. However, detecting proteins at extremely low ... Read more

Hematology

view channel

Image: The technology has the unique ability to detect challenging RhD variants that are typically excluded by other commercial tests (Photo courtesy of BillionToOne)

Non-Invasive Prenatal Test for Fetal RhD Status Demonstrates 100% Accuracy

In the United States, approximately 15% of pregnant individuals are RhD-negative. However, in about 40% of these cases, the fetus is also RhD-negative, making the administration of RhoGAM unnecessary.... Read more

Image: Leukocyte count represents an easily accessible, inexpensive clinical marker (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

WBC Count Could Predict Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms

The global health crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to impact millions of people worldwide, with many experiencing persistent symptoms months after the initial diagnosis. Cognitive impairment... Read more

Image: The high precision platelet counting technology reduces risks that can lead to errors in cancer diagnoses (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

New Platelet Counting Technology to Help Labs Prevent Diagnosis Errors

Accurate platelet count testing is a significant challenge for laboratories. Inaccurate results can lead to misdiagnosis, missed diagnoses, and delayed treatment for a variety of potentially fatal conditions,... Read more

Image: The study examined the diagnostic utility of ELISA testing for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Streamlined Approach to Testing for Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Improves Diagnostic Accuracy

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious side effect of the blood thinner heparin, is difficult to diagnose because thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, can be caused by a variety of factors... Read more

Immunology

view channel

Cerebrospinal Fluid Test Predicts Dangerous Side Effect of Cancer Treatment

In recent years, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach where the patient's immune system is harnessed to fight cancer. One form of immunotherapy, called CAR-T-cell therapy, involves... Read more

Image: New insights into preterm infant immunity could inform care (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New Test Measures Preterm Infant Immunity Using Only Two Drops of Blood

Preterm infants are particularly vulnerable due to their organs still undergoing development, which can lead to difficulties in breathing, eating, and regulating body temperature. This is especially true... Read more

Simple Blood Test Could Help Choose Better Treatments for Patients with Recurrent Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer, which develops in the lining of the uterus, is the most prevalent gynecologic cancer in the United States, affecting over 66,000 women annually. Projections indicate that in 2025, around... Read more

Novel Analytical Method Tracks Progression of Autoimmune Diseases

Patients with autoimmune diseases often have lifelong contact with doctors and hospitals. The typical patient diagnosed is a woman in her fifties and the disease requires lifelong treatment.... Read more

Microbiology

view channel

Image: The QIAstat-Dx Gastrointestinal Panel 2 Mini B runs on the QIAstat-Dx system (Photo courtesy of QIAGEN)

Gastrointestinal Panel Delivers Rapid Detection of Five Common Bacterial Pathogens for Outpatient Use

Acute infectious gastroenteritis results in approximately 179 million cases each year in the United States, leading to a significant number of outpatient visits and hospitalizations. To address this, a... Read more

Image: Rapid PCR testing in the ICU could not demonstrate non-inferiority in the clinical cure of pneumonia (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Rapid PCR Testing in ICU Improves Antibiotic Stewardship

A collaborative study led by the University of Plymouth (Devon, UK) has shown that rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in the intensive care unit (ICU) improved antibiotic stewardship compared... Read more

Image: The study identified a genetic signature in bacteria that, when present, indicates the likelihood of developing antibiotic resistance (Photo courtesy of Tulane University)

Unique Genetic Signature Predicts Drug Resistance in Bacteria

Antibiotic resistance represents a significant global health threat, responsible for over a million deaths each year. By 2050, the World Health Organization predicts that it could surpass cancer and heart... Read more

Unique Barcoding System Tracks Pneumonia-Causing Bacteria as They Infect Blood Stream

Bacteremia, also known as blood poisoning, occurs when bacteria manage to overcome the body's immune defenses. This condition can progress into sepsis, a serious illness that is responsible for over a... Read more

Pathology

view channel

Informatics Solution Elevates Laboratory Efficiency and Patient Care

QuidelOrtho Corporation (San Diego, CA, USA) has introduced the QuidelOrtho Results Manager System, a cutting-edge informatics solution designed to meet the increasing demands of modern laboratories.... Read more

Image: As tumor cells flow through these microfluidic chambers, they are subjected to increasing shear stress and sorted based on their adhesion strength (Photo courtesy of UC San Diego)

Microfluidic Device Assesses Stickiness of Tumor Cells to Predict Cancer Spread

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a type of early-stage breast cancer, is often referred to as stage zero breast cancer. In many cases, it remains harmless and does not spread beyond the milk ducts where... Read more

Image: The squares are representative partial pictures from the cancer microscopy slides, that the AI system has automatically organized by their similarity (Photo courtesy of University of Jyväskylä)

New AI Tool Outperforms Previous Methods for Identifying Colorectal Cancer from Tissue Sample Analysis

Tissue analysis typically involves a pathologist reviewing scanned digital slides from a patient’s intestinal sample and marking specific areas, such as those where cancerous and related tissues are present.... Read more

Image: Scientists have discovered the ’roadmap’ that aggressive cancer uses to spread (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New Technique Predicts Aggressive Tumors Before They Metastasize

Tumors are held together by a structure known as the extracellular matrix (ECM), which serves as a supportive framework, similar to scaffolding around a building under construction. New research has uncovered... Read more

Technology

view channel

Image: Deep learning-enhanced chemiluminescence vertical flow assay for high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin I testing (Photo courtesy of Ozcan Lab/UCLA)

POC Paper-Based Sensor Platform to Transform Cardiac Diagnostics

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for over 19 million fatalities annually. Early detection of myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart... Read more

Study Explores Impact of POC Testing on Future of Diagnostics

In today’s rapidly changing world, having quick and accurate access to medical information is more crucial than ever. Point-of-Care Diagnostics (PoC-D) and Point-of-Care Testing (PoC-T) are making this... Read more

Image: The new screening device has shown promise for early lung cancer detection (Photo courtesy of Biosensors, DOI: 10.3390/bios14120624)

Low-Cost, Fast Response Sensor Enables Early and Accurate Detection of Lung Cancer

Cancer biomarkers are valuable tools for early diagnosis as their concentration in body fluids, such as serum, can be measured to detect the disease at an earlier stage. Additionally, serum levels of these... Read more

Image: The nanomaterial passively captures and preserves DNA and cells of interest from menstrual blood for testing (Photo courtesy of CELLECT)

Nanotechnology For Cervical Cancer Diagnosis Could Replace Invasive Pap Smears

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, almost always caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which spreads through sexual contact. The Pap test (or Pap smear) is used to... Read more

Industry

view channel

Image: CACLP 2025 will be held 22-24 March 2025 (Photo courtesy of CACLP)

CACLP 2025 Unites Global Innovators in IVD Industry

CACLP (Shanghai, China) will be holding the 22nd China International In Vitro Diagnostic Expo, the largest and most influential gathering of the IVD industry in China, 22-24 March 2025 at the Hangzhou... Read more

Bio-Rad to Acquire Digital PCR Developer Stilla Technologies

Bio-Rad Laboratories (Hercules, CA, USA) has entered into a binding offer to purchase all equity interests in Stilla Technologies (Villejuif, France). The acquisition remains subject to consultation with... Read more

Image: ABL and affiliates will start production and commercialization of FTD’s new UltraGene products based on PCR tests (Photo courtesy of Siemens)

ABL Signs Know-How License and Transfer Agreement for Siemens’ Fast Track Diagnostics PCR Portfolio

Advanced Biological Laboratories (ABL, Luxembourg Ville, Luxembourg) has signed a licensing and transfer agreement with Siemens Healthineers (Forchheim, Germany) for the know-how and IP rights from Fast... Read more

Becton Dickinson to Spin Out Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions Business

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA), has announced that its board of directors has unanimously authorized BD management to pursue a plan to separate BD's Biosciences and Diagnostic... Read more