A new blood test that can detect non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in very early stages has been developed by the University of Kentucky.
A new blood test that can detect non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in very early stages has been developed by the University of Kentucky. The test is highly accurate and has successfully detected cancer nodules several years before they are identified by advanced CT scans.
The University has now decided to partner with 20/20 GeneSystems Inc for the development of a test to detect lung cancer in smokers as well as in other people at risk so that it can be treated early when the chances of success are relatively good. Researchers at the Kentucky University led by Edward Hirschowitz, M.D., and Li Zhong, Ph.D., of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, UK Chandler Medical Center have identified several antibodies that are produced by the body in response to the development of lung cancer at a very early stage. The detection of these antibodies can predict NSCLC with 90 percent accuracy. The initial findings of this particular research appeared in the November 2005 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, published by the American Thoracic Society. That paper reported on blood samples of patients having advanced non small-cell lung cancer. However, researchers found that in patients with early-stage lung cancer, the test was able to detect cancer many years before CT scans. These new findings are expected to be tabled before the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Early Detection Research Network in 2006."We are very excited about working with 20/20 to bring this needed technology to market in a timely manner," said Hirschowitz.20/20 GeneSystems was founded in 2000. The Rockville, Maryland-based Company is a pioneer in making biomarker-based diagnostics for biodefense, cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Contact:
Louise DuPont
mldupo00@email.uky.edu
859-323-6363
University of Kentucky
