#UK #Southampton #ENLIGHTEN #Proteotype #MODERNISED

Major Milestone Achieved in Cancer Detection Trial

The MODERNISED study (NIHR207538) has reached an important milestone in its mission to enhance cancer detection methods. Recently, over 450 participants have taken part in this multi-site clinical trial across the UK, focused on a revolutionary blood test known as ENLIGHTEN®. This test stands out as it is specifically designed to identify signals from up to ten different types of cancers at their earliest and most treatable stages.

Unlike traditional methods that search for fragments of tumor DNA in the blood, ENLIGHTEN works uniquely by measuring the light signatures produced by proteins. These proteins can change even before a tumor is large enough to release detectable DNA into the bloodstream, making this test potentially groundbreaking in cancer diagnostics.

A Collaborative Effort

The trial is being conducted by researchers from the University of Southampton, who are working alongside the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit (SCTU) and Proteotype Diagnostics Ltd. It is sponsored by University Hospital Southampton, with funding from the Office for Life Sciences and the National Institute for Health and Care Research's i4i program. Recruitment efforts are set to continue, targeting a total of 1,000 newly diagnosed NHS cancer patients, as well as 350 symptomatic and healthy volunteers across five hospitals throughout the UK.

The Growing Need for Early Detection

Every year, approximately 385,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK. Despite the alarming numbers, there are currently only four national screening programs, each focused on single cancer types. Many cancers often go unnoticed until they reach advanced stages, leading to poorer outcomes for patients. By focusing on early detection, the MODERNISED team aims to broaden treatment options and enhance patient prognoses.

Dr. Victoria Goss, Associate Professor and Head of Early Diagnosis Research at SCTU, emphasized the importance of catching cancer early. She noted that the ability to detect multiple types of cancer in a single appointment could significantly transform patient outcomes. Chief Investigator Professor Andy Davies, who is the Director of Cancer Research UK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, echoed these sentiments. He elaborated that while circulating tumor DNA might not be present in the initial stages of certain cancers, analyzing protein signatures that indicate the immune response could reveal cancer presence much sooner than current DNA-centric methodologies.

Support from the Patient Community

Patient experiences underline the necessity of this innovative approach. Ian Robinson, a 72-year-old participant, joined the study after an NHS bowel screening led to his diagnosis of colorectal cancer. He expressed hope that his involvement will aid future generations in better detecting and fighting cancer.

Ian Dickerson, a two-time cancer survivor, shared his journey and the emotional distress that accompanies a cancer diagnosis. He vocalizes the relief of having been diagnosed early: “When you're told that you have cancer, the bottom drops out of your world. But I've been very lucky. Because of my early diagnosis, I have not had to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy. If you can get that early diagnosis, then life can carry on.”

He supports the focus on early diagnosis for various cancers, noting that while there is often a spotlight on more common cancers, addressing detection for less frequent types benefits all patients.

Future of Cancer Diagnostics

Proteotype Diagnostics Ltd, the company behind ENLIGHTEN, is committed to transforming cancer diagnostic practices through innovative tests that focus on the body's response to tumor development. Their goal is to enhance early detection and ultimately improve patient survival rates.

As the MODERNISED trial continues, the outcomes may well shape the landscape of cancer diagnostics, making strides towards more effective early detection strategies. For patients and healthcare providers alike, this innovative approach could mean a significant shift in how cancer is detected and treated, leading to better health outcomes and hope for patients across the nation.