Biomarker detection for early cancer detection

Robert Rintoul, University of Cambridge & Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK, discusses the significance of biomarker testing for early cancer detection, particularly in the context of the NHS-Galleri trial (ISRCTN91431511), which focuses on multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests. Dr Rintoul highlights that various approaches, including ctDNA methylation, serum proteomics, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and microRNAs, are being explored in current studies. However, he emphasizes that there is unlikely to be a single solution, and improving sensitivity for detecting stage one cancers remains a challenge. While ctDNA shows promise for advanced stage cancers, its performance decreases for stage one disease, which comprises about 70% of cases detected through lung health checks. Dr Rintoul underscores the need to enhance sensitivity in early detection methods to complement existing imaging techniques like CT scanning, which currently serves as the gold standard. This interview took place at the BTOG 2024 congress in Belfast, UK.

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