A revolutionary blood test capable of identifying twelve prevalent cancers with exceptional precision—over 99% accuracy—is poised for clinical trials within the National Health Service (NHS).
Approximately 8,000 patients will participate in this innovative trial, potentially paving the way for widespread cancer screening initiatives across the nation. The test’s methodology involves analyzing micro RNA present in blood samples and subsequently employing artificial intelligence to pinpoint any cancerous indicators and their precise locations within the body.
Preliminary findings demonstrate a remarkable ability to detect common and highly aggressive cancers at an early stage, showcasing significant accuracy. Experts characterize this technology as “affordable, rapid, and readily adaptable,” suggesting its potential implementation across the NHS for suspected cancer cases within a timeframe of two years.
Should it be adopted, the test would eliminate the necessity for often-invasive diagnostic procedures like biopsies and colonoscopies, offering patients a less burdensome pathway to diagnosis. Health Secretary Wes Streeting will formally announce these “world-leading” plans on Wednesday, drawing upon his personal experience with kidney cancer during his time as shadow health secretary.
“Based on my own struggles, I fully comprehend the profound impact that cancer can have on patients and their families,” stated Streeting. “Recognizing that early detection is paramount to survival, our government is committed to taking decisive action.”
The Government has allocated £2.4 million to further develop the AI-powered blood test, officially named miONCO-Dx, in collaboration with the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
The announcement will be made during a visit by Streeting to a research laboratory dedicated to honoring the memory of Dame Deborah James, whose tireless efforts raised substantial funds for bowel cancer research before her passing at age 40. “It is imperative that we uphold her legacy through continued investment in research aimed at confronting one of Britain’s most significant threats,” he remarked.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton, who has faced two breast cancer diagnoses, shared her perspective: “My initial diagnosis was a complex process marked by repeated tests, consultations, and scans. A straightforward blood test could have dramatically streamlined the diagnostic journey, allowing medical professionals to concentrate solely on treatment.”
Andy Shapanis, CEO of Xgenera, emphasized the technology’s accessibility: “The goal is to deliver a cost-effective, efficient screening test suitable for widespread use. This innovation offers a substantially cheaper alternative compared to existing methods, making it highly scalable.”
He further indicated that current assessments have confirmed the test’s efficacy in identifying disease markers at both early and advanced stages with comparable reliability.
Prof Sir Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director, highlighted the potential of the blood test to improve bowel cancer detection rates and reduce reliance on invasive examinations.
