New Blood Test Detects 12 Common Cancers Before Symptoms Appear

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with over 42,000 new diagnoses each year. Detecting bowel cancer in its early stages can be challenging, and as the disease progresses, survival rates significantly decrease due to fewer available treatment options. Early detection is essential, as 9 in 10 people survive bowel cancer when it is identified at stage 1, compared to only 1 in 10 when diagnosed at stage 4. Now, patients may soon benefit from cutting-edge technology that could enable earlier, faster, and more cost-effective diagnoses, reducing the need for invasive procedures like colonoscopies and biopsies, and saving critical time.

Xgenera (Hampshire, UK), in collaboration with the University of Southampton (Southampton, UK), has developed an AI-powered blood test that holds promise for earlier detection of bowel cancer, improving diagnosis rates, and giving patients valuable time to receive more timely and effective treatment. The AI-driven test, named miONCO-Dx, was developed using data from over 20,000 patients and has been optimized into a faster, cheaper, and more scalable solution, representing a major breakthrough. The test works by measuring microRNA in a blood sample and using AI to determine the presence of cancer and its location in the body.

Image: The technology measures microRNA expression in a small amount of blood to identify the presence of cancer (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

This simple blood test could detect cancer earlier, when treatment is not only more effective but also less costly and easier, potentially helping to conserve valuable healthcare resources in the long term. Early trials have shown promising results, with the test demonstrating over 99% accuracy in identifying 12 of the most common and deadly cancers, including bowel cancer. The UK government, in partnership with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), has granted GBP 2.4 million to further the development of miONCO-Dx. The test will soon be evaluated in a clinical trial involving 8,000 patients, marking a significant milestone towards making this technology accessible to patients.

“This blood test has the potential to help us detect bowel cancer earlier and reduce the need for invasive tests, and the next step in this trial will now be vital in gathering further evidence on its effectiveness and how it could work in practice,” said Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director.

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Xgenera
University of Southampton