#United Kingdom #Southampton #ENLIGHTEN #Proteotype #MODERNISED

Overview of the MODERNISED Trial

The MODERNISED trial, officially known as NIHR207538, has achieved a remarkable milestone by enrolling over 450 participants across various clinical sites in the UK. This clinical study focuses on evaluating ENLIGHTEN®, a novel blood test that aims to identify signals of up to ten different cancers at their earliest and most treatable stages. Unlike traditional methods that look for circulating tumor DNA, the ENLIGHTEN test utilizes light signature measurements from proteins. This innovative approach is designed to detect cancer even when tumors are too small to release detectable DNA into the bloodstream.

The Importance of Early Detection

Currently, approximately 385,000 individuals are diagnosed with cancer in the UK yearly. However, only four established national screening programs exist, each targeting a single type of cancer. Many cancers develop with few or non-specific symptoms, making early detection critically important. Dr. Victoria Goss, an Associate Professor and Head of Early Diagnosis Research at the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit (SCTU), emphasizes that diagnosing cancers at an early stage can significantly enhance treatment options and improve patient outcomes. Her research team aims to establish tests that could potentially identify multiple cancers in a single appointment, heralding a new era of cancer diagnostics.

Professor Andy Davies, the Chief Investigator and Director of the Cancer Research UK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, notes that circulating tumor DNA may not be evident in the initial stages of disease progression. By collaborating with Proteotype Diagnostics, the study is exploring whether protein signatures that reflect the body’s immune response can indicate the presence—and type—of cancer earlier than conventional DNA-based techniques.

Participant Perspectives

The testimonies of enrolled participants highlight the necessity of swift and effective cancer diagnostics. Ian Robinson, a 72-year-old patient, joined the trial after a bowel screening kit from the NHS revealed a colorectal cancer diagnosis despite zero symptoms. His goal in participating is to help pave the way for advanced cancer diagnostics for future generations.

From North Baddesley, Hampshire, Ian Dickerson, a two-time early-stage cancer survivor, echoes the sentiments of many. He states, “When you’re told that you have cancer, the bottom drops out of your world. It’s awful.” However, he considers himself fortunate; because he received an early diagnosis, he avoided chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Ian highlights that having an early diagnosis allows for effective treatment, leading to an improved quality of life.

Future Directions and Goals

The MODERNISED trial is set to continue enrolling approximately 1,000 NHS cancer patients and 350 symptomatic and healthy volunteers from five hospitals throughout the UK. The research is being conducted by the University of Southampton researchers in partnership with SCTU and Proteotype Diagnostics, and is sponsored by University Hospital Southampton. Funding for the trial is provided by the Office for Life Sciences and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Dr. Emma Yates, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Proteotype, shares that preliminary studies indicate the ENLIGHTEN test’s potential in accurately detecting early-stage cancers. The ongoing MODERNISED study will evaluate the test’s performance on a larger scale, with the hope that it will revolutionize how we detect and treat cancer.

Conclusion

The advancements showcased in the MODERNISED trial and the development of the ENLIGHTEN® blood test mark a pivotal step forward in cancer diagnostics. As researchers continue to explore early detection methods, there is hope that such innovations will lead to better treatment options and higher survival rates for patients diagnosed with cancer. Proteotype Diagnostics remains committed to transforming cancer detection through advanced science, ultimately aiming to enhance patient outcomes across the globe.