#USA #Waltham #Lung Cancer #Blood Test #Mercy BioAnalytics

Mercy Halo Blood Test: A Breakthrough in Early Lung Cancer Detection

Mercy BioAnalytics, Inc., recognized as a leader in blood-based cancer detection methods, has unveiled promising findings from a recent study that underscores the potential of its Mercy Halo blood test in identifying early-stage lung cancer. This groundbreaking research, derived from samples obtained during the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), indicates that the blood test could significantly improve the early detection of lung cancer, particularly for individuals considered high-risk who are not participants in existing low-dose CT (LDCT) screening programs.

Detection Efficacy of the Mercy Halo Blood Test

The initial results from the study highlight the impressive capabilities of the Mercy Halo test. Unlike traditional imaging methods, which have their limitations, the blood test has shown a remarkable ability to detect lung cancer at earlier stages. Specifically, data indicated that the test identified 31% of lung cancers within a year before conventional diagnosis, a stark contrast to the 8% detection rate from LDCT imaging done in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, the Mercy test successfully recognized 40% of cancers overlooked by LDCT when assessed through the Lung RADS, which is the current standard way of interpreting screening images. In total, it detected 34.4% of lung cancers in the trial cohort, displaying sensitivity comparable to that of LDCT, which stood at 39.5%.

The Role of LDCT and the Need for Complementary Testing

As per the findings, the integration of the Mercy Halo test with LDCT screening could pave the way for a revamped lung cancer detection strategy. LDCT has had a significant impact on reducing lung cancer mortality—about 20% reduction noted through annual screening—yet the uptake among eligible participants remains alarmingly low. Only 18% of the 15 million Americans at risk undergo timely screening, as reported by the American Lung Association.

This stark statistic emphasizes the necessity for alternative methods, such as the Mercy Halo test, which could function as an effective first-line screening for individuals who have yet to engage with the existing LDCT protocols. Moreover, the potential for longitudinal monitoring further distinguishes the Mercy Halo test, as evidenced by an average increase of 79% in detected cases over just two rounds of annual screenings.

Future Aspirations

Dawn Mattoon, CEO of Mercy BioAnalytics, expressed her optimism regarding the research outcomes, stating, "This study marks a significant step toward expanding lung cancer screening accessibility and effectiveness, potentially transforming early detection strategies for millions of Americans." Continuing the development of this assay aligns with Mercy's broader mission to enhance cancer detection methods and improve patient outcomes.

About Mercy BioAnalytics

Mercy BioAnalytics is fiercely dedicated to the early identification of cancer to alleviate suffering and save lives. Their flagship technology, the Mercy Halo liquid biopsy platform, adeptly uses biomarker co-localization to analyze blood-based extracellular vesicles, revealing unique cancer signatures from their parent cells. This innovation positions Mercy as a frontrunner in the bid to combat some of the most lethal forms of cancer, including ovarian and lung cancers.

Conclusion

In summary, the Mercy Halo blood test presents itself as a revolutionary approach in the fight against lung cancer. With comparable performance to LDCT and enhanced capabilities for early detection, this blood test not only seeks to provide timely intervention for patients but also aims to shift the paradigm in cancer screening methodology. As research progresses, one can only hope that the combination of both testing methods can help create an overarching strategy to minimize the impact of lung cancer nationwide.