Blood test detects 30 different types of cancers with 98.4% accuracy: Study
A multi-centre research team in the country has developed a blood test that can detect 30 different types of cancers including pancreatic, lung and ovarian cancers with an average accuracy of 98.4 per cent. Results of the phase 1 trial were recently published in Cancer Reports.
Prof Dr Raj Nagarkar, Managing Director and Chief of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Services at HCG Manavata Cancer Centre, Nashik, told The Indian Express that the diagnostic test has shown a consistent sensitivity during the phase 1 clinical trial. 'We utilised a novel serum metabolome-based diagnostic platform powered by machine learning to identify distinct metabolic signatures associated with cancer,' Dr Nagarkar said.
Around six hospitals from Kolkata, Bengaluru, Vijaywada, Singapore, Kolkata and Guwahati were involved in the trial that commenced in 2021. What this test does is to capture changes in the metabolites to provide a reliable and sensitive readout, especially for early-stage cancers.
Metabolomics is the study of tiny molecules 'metabolites' in the body like sugars, fats and amino acids. It can help identify early signs of diseases including cancer, diabetes and so on. 'The serum samples were analysed using high-resolution mass spectrometry and the data was interpreted through a proprietary Cancer Detection Artificial Intelligence (CDAI) algorithm developed in collaboration with PredOmix Technologies,' Dr Nagarkar said.
As per the study, the test profiles over 8,000 metabolites in blood serum. 'In a clinical trial involving 6,445 participants, including 2,831 cancer patients, the test demonstrated near-perfect accuracy across all stages (I–IV) and age groups (20 to 80+ years). It identified Stage I cancers with 98.9 per cent sensitivity,' Dr Nagarkar said.
'In the second phase of the trial we are planning to include 5000 women participants,' Dr Nagarkar added.
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