#USA #New York #NIH Grant #Lucid Diagnostics #EsoGuard

Introduction

In a significant advancement for cancer prevention, Lucid Diagnostics Inc., a prominent player in medical diagnostics, has secured an $8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding will support a crucial clinical trial focusing on the detection of esophageal precancer in individuals who are at risk but do not exhibit symptoms of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Study

The study, titled "A Clinical Trial of Cancer Prevention by Biomarker Based Detections of Barrett's Esophagus and Its Progression," is being led by a consortium of reputable academic institutions, including Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and University Hospitals (UH). Over the next five years, researchers will evaluate the effectiveness of Lucid's EsoCheck® and EsoGuard® technologies in identifying Barrett's Esophagus (BE), a precancerous condition that can develop into esophageal cancer (EAC).

This trial is particularly vital as it aims to recruit 800 participants who, despite meeting the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) risk criteria for screening, are excluded from conventional screening protocols due to the absence of GERD symptoms. Dr. Amitabh Chak, a key researcher associated with this project, expressed the importance of this study, noting that nearly half of the prevalent esophageal cancer cases occur in individuals without GERD symptoms.

Goal and Impact

The primary goal of this study is to enhance the detection rates of esophageal precancer among a population that might otherwise remain untested. With the mortality rate for esophageal cancer being alarmingly high—only about 20% of patients survive five years post-diagnosis—early detection is crucial. By focusing on those at risk without symptomatic GERD, this initiative seeks to significantly improve patient outcomes through proactive screening and intervention.

Dr. Chak emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, "Utilizing the EsoCheck and EsoGuard technologies will allow us to maximize detection in this at-risk group without burdening the already limited resources available for endoscopy procedures."

Lucid's Commitment

Lucid's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Lishan Aklog, expressed excitement about this landmark study, highlighting the company's ongoing collaboration with prominent investigators in the field. The support from the NIH underscores the potential of Lucid's innovative technologies in transforming esophageal cancer screening and prevention.

The EsoGuard® Esophageal DNA Test and EsoCheck® Esophageal Cell Collection Device were developed through the academic expertise at CWRU and UH. These groundbreaking tools represent the first commercially available resources specifically designed to alert healthcare providers to the presence of esophageal precancer, ultimately aimed at reducing cancer-related deaths.

Conclusion

As Lucid Diagnostics embarks on this pivotal study, it opens new avenues for addressing one of the most challenging aspects of cancer prevention—the screening of individuals at risk yet without overt symptoms. The partnership with NIH marks a critical step forward in establishing better health outcomes for those vulnerable to esophageal cancer, reassuring the community of the commitment to advancing medical science and technology.

For further details, visit Lucid Diagnostics and explore the implications of this critical research.