What's Happening?
Procyon Diagnostics, a UK start-up spun out of Queen Mary University of London, is developing a diagnostic technology aimed at early detection of pancreatic cancer. The technology, invented by Professor
Tatjana Crnogorac-Jurcevic, utilizes machine learning to analyze protein biomarkers from blood and urine. The company plans to launch its first diagnostic test, PancRISK, in the UK early next year. Pancreatic cancer is chosen as the initial focus due to its low survival rates, with less than 10% of patients living for five years post-diagnosis. Currently, there is no screening test available, and diagnoses often rely on indirect symptoms and advanced imaging techniques. PancRISK aims to address this gap by providing a non-invasive, biomarker-based test that can be used during regular checkups.
Why It's Important?
The development of PancRISK is significant as it could potentially improve early detection rates for pancreatic cancer, which is often diagnosed at a late stage when curative treatment is not possible. By identifying the disease earlier, more patients could undergo surgery to remove tumors, the only potentially curative treatment available. This advancement could save thousands of lives annually and make regular surveillance a realistic possibility. The test's ability to detect early-stage pancreatic cancer with nearly 95% accuracy could revolutionize cancer diagnostics and treatment, offering hope for improved survival rates.
What's Next?
Procyon Diagnostics is validating the initial findings of PancRISK in a £1.6 million study involving 3,000 subjects, funded by the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund. If the study confirms the accuracy of the biomarkers, a standardized urine test will be developed. The NHS has also launched a pilot to identify individuals at risk of pancreatic cancer from medical records, aiming to improve detection and survival rates. Procyon, led by Dr. Tony Cooke, plans to bring these tests to patients as soon as possible, marking a milestone in precision oncology diagnostics.
Beyond the Headlines
The development of PancRISK highlights the potential of machine learning and biomarker analysis in transforming cancer diagnostics. It underscores the importance of non-invasive testing methods in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs associated with late-stage cancer treatments. The success of PancRISK could pave the way for similar diagnostic technologies for other types of cancer, enhancing early detection and treatment strategies across the oncology field.
