Blood Test Combines Epigenetics, NGS and Machine Learning for Multi-Cancer Early Detection
|
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 07 Jun 2022 |

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
Latest Molecular Diagnostics News
- Blood Metabolite Signature Test Better Predicts Type 2 Diabetes Risk
- Genetic Test Could Detect Predisposition to Pancreatic Cancer
- Blood Test Predicts Crohn’s Disease Years Before Symptoms Appear
- DNA Testing of Colorectal Polyps Improves Insight into Hereditary Risks
- CRISPR Discovery Paves Way for Single Diagnostic Test for COVID, Flu and RSV
- Blood-Based Colorectal Cancer Test Demonstrates High Sensitivity
- Genetic Testing Identifies CHIP Patients at Increased Heart Disease Risk After Cancer Treatment
- Advances in Liquid Biopsies Improve Detection of Lung Cancer Mutations
- Blood Test Reveals Multimorbidity Risk in Older Adults
- AI Tools Detect Early-Stage Cancer Using Simple Blood Test
- Sepsis Test Demonstrates Strong Performance in Post-Cardiac Surgery Patients
- Next-Gen Automated ELISA System Elevates Laboratory Performance
- Blood Test Combined with MRI Brain Scans Reveals Two Distinct Multiple Sclerosis Types
- At-Home Blood Tests Accurately Detect Key Alzheimer's Biomarkers
- Ultra-Sensitive Blood Biomarkers Enable Population-Scale Insights into Alzheimer’s Pathology
- Blood Test Could Predict Death Risk in World’s Most Common Inherited Heart Disease
Channels
Clinical Chemistry
view channel
Blood Test Could Predict and Identify Early Relapses in Myeloma Patients
Multiple myeloma is an incurable cancer of the bone marrow, and while many patients now live for more than a decade after diagnosis, a significant proportion relapse much earlier with poor outcomes.... Read more
Compact Raman Imaging System Detects Subtle Tumor Signals
Accurate cancer diagnosis often depends on labor-intensive tissue staining and expert pathological review, which can delay results and limit access to rapid screening. These conventional methods also make... Read moreHematology
view channel
AI Algorithm Effectively Distinguishes Alpha Thalassemia Subtypes
Alpha thalassemia affects millions of people worldwide and is especially common in regions such as Southeast Asia, where carrier rates can reach extremely high levels. While the condition can have significant... Read more
MRD Tests Could Predict Survival in Leukemia Patients
Acute myeloid leukemia is an aggressive blood cancer that disrupts normal blood cell production and often relapses even after intensive treatment. Clinicians currently lack early, reliable markers to predict... Read moreImmunology
view channel
Whole-Genome Sequencing Approach Identifies Cancer Patients Benefitting From PARP-Inhibitor Treatment
Targeted cancer therapies such as PARP inhibitors can be highly effective, but only for patients whose tumors carry specific DNA repair defects. Identifying these patients accurately remains challenging,... Read more
Ultrasensitive Liquid Biopsy Demonstrates Efficacy in Predicting Immunotherapy Response
Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment, but only a small proportion of patients experience lasting benefit, with response rates often remaining between 10% and 20%. Clinicians currently lack reliable... Read moreMicrobiology
view channel
New Test Measures How Effectively Antibiotics Kill Bacteria
Antibiotics are typically evaluated by how well they inhibit bacterial growth in laboratory tests, but growth inhibition does not always mean the bacteria are actually killed. Some pathogens can survive... Read more
New Antimicrobial Stewardship Standards for TB Care to Optimize Diagnostics
Antibiotic resistance is rising worldwide, threatening the effectiveness of treatments for major infectious diseases, including tuberculosis (TB). Resistance to key TB drugs, such as bedaquiline, is of... Read morePathology
view channel
Intraoperative Tumor Histology to Improve Cancer Surgeries
Surgical removal of cancer remains the first-line treatment for many tumors, but ensuring that all cancerous tissue is removed while preserving healthy tissue is a major challenge. Surgeons currently rely... Read more
Rapid Stool Test Could Help Pinpoint IBD Diagnosis
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract, causing persistent gut inflammation. Diagnosis and disease monitoring often depend... Read more
AI-Powered Label-Free Optical Imaging Accurately Identifies Thyroid Cancer During Surgery
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer, and its rising detection rates have increased the number of patients undergoing surgery. During tumor removal, surgeons often face uncertainty in distinguishing... Read moreTechnology
view channelAptamer Biosensor Technology to Transform Virus Detection
Rapid and reliable virus detection is essential for controlling outbreaks, from seasonal influenza to global pandemics such as COVID-19. Conventional diagnostic methods, including cell culture, antigen... Read more
AI Models Could Predict Pre-Eclampsia and Anemia Earlier Using Routine Blood Tests
Pre-eclampsia and anemia are major contributors to maternal and child mortality worldwide, together accounting for more than half a million deaths each year and leaving millions with long-term health complications.... Read moreIndustry
view channel
WHX Labs Dubai to Gather Global Experts in Antimicrobial Resistance at Inaugural AMR Leaders’ Summit
World Health Expo (WHX) Labs in Dubai (formerly Medlab Middle East), which will be held at Dubai World Trade Centre from 10-13 February, will address the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance... Read more







