Biomarker panel for early detection of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Opportunity
Amongst cancers, lung cancer is the leading cause of death, killing close to 1.8 million people globally each year. In 2020, about 2.2 million new cases were diagnosed. There are two main types of lung cancer: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer. NSCLC is responsible for 85% of lung cancer cases. Early detection followed by immediate treatment improves patient outcomes.
Lung cancer is typically diagnosed with imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scanning followed by biopsy of the suspected tissue. Imaging tests have a high false positive rate, up to 96% in the case of low dose CT (LDCT) scans. Patients may then be subjected to an unnecessary invasive biopsy test or surgical procedure. Other methods such as cytology or blood-based cancer biomarkers are often not sensitive enough or specific for lung cancer.
There is a strong medical need for a more accurate screening / diagnostic method for lung cancer.
Technology
The invention relates to a biomarker panel which offers high sensitivity and can significantly reduce the false positive rates in lung cancer screening. The blood-based diagnostic panel can accurately predict the potential presence of NSCLC, even in the early stages. It comprises novel protein biomarkers found in exosomes which naturally circulate in the body.
The biomarkers have been clinically validated in more than 500 individuals and offers a sensitivity of 97% for early-stage NSCLC patients and a specificity of 98% for all NSCLC patients. Sample collection involves a minimally invasive blood draw. Used prior to CT scanning, this method will help to significantly reduce the false positive rate, leading to improved early detection and diagnosis, and minimize unnecessary follow up screening and invasive confirmatory tests.
The biomarker panel finds application at several stages.
•Incorporated into the regular health screening regimen of individuals who are at a high risk for NSCLC, to detect early-stage NSCLC patients who are often asymptomatic
•Incorporated into regular blood-based tests before imaging to define high-risk patients and enhance overall surveillance
•To identify different stages of NSCLC, enabling disease monitoring and individualized treatment regimens
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