First Of Its Kind Blood Test Detects Gastric Cancer in Asymptomatic Patients

Each year, over 1 million people worldwide are diagnosed with gastric (stomach) cancer, and over 800,000 people die of the disease. It is among the top 5 deadliest cancers worldwide for both men and women. The good news is that gastric cancer is curable if detected early. Gastric cancer is typically diagnosed through gastroscopy, also known as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, with biopsy. However, this method is costly and invasive, sometimes requiring anesthesia. Gastric cancer typically causes no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Now, a cancer blood test – the first of its kind in the world – can detect gastric cancer in people who may not yet be experiencing any symptoms.

GASTROClear from MiRXES (Singapore) is the world’s first approved molecular blood test for early detection of gastric cancer. This cancer marker test, which is CE IVD marked and approved for IVD use by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority, measures the levels of microRNA in the blood, specifically picking up 12 microRNAs that are associated with gastric cancer. Diseases often have abnormal expression of certain microRNAs, so when a disease occurs, it is possible to detect changes in the levels of these microRNAs.

Image: The GASTROClear test for early detection of gastric cancer has an accuracy of 87% (Photo courtesy of MiRXES)

GASTROClear has an accuracy of 87%, more accurate than any other blood biomarkers assessed for the detection of gastric cancer, including HP serology, serum pepsinogen, the ABC method, and tumor markers such as CEA and CA19-9. Testing with GASTROClear allows doctors to assess the risk of gastric cancer and help patients manage that risk and take action early for the best possible outcome.

Compared to gastroscopy, GASTROClear is a minimally invasive and less time-consuming method of screening for gastric cancer. It is also cheaper and can be used to assess the risk of healthy people who have not experienced any symptoms. Those found to be at high risk of gastric cancer using GASTROClear should then undergo gastroscopy for a more detailed examination.

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