Detecting cancer at an early stage is vital for improving the likelihood of successful treatment. Southampton scientists, Dr Andy Shapanis and Professor Paul Skipp, in collaboration with the charity Against Breast Cancer, are developing a diagnostic blood test to detect multiple cancers at the same time, and at the earliest stage possible.
The test, called miONCO, measures small molecules called microRNA in the blood sample. MicroRNA act as genetic regulators in our bodies and are vital for controlling processes such as growth and development. An imbalance of microRNA can be a symptom of diseases such as cancer.
Andy and Paul co-founded University spin-out company Xgenera to develop miONCO, which uses a panel of microRNA biomarkers and machine learning to detect cancer at the earliest stages and determine its location in the body.
Game-changer
miONCO can detect 12 of the most lethal and prevalent types of cancer: lung, breast, prostate, pancreatic, colorectal, ovarian, liver, brain, oesophageal, bladder, gastric, and bone and soft tissue sarcoma cancer. It can detect the presence of these cancers simultaneously, across any stage of growth, from a sample of just 10 to 15 drops of blood.
This test has the potential to save many lives by catching cancers much earlier than currently possible, making it a real game-changer.
Professor Paul Skipp, Director of the Centre for Proteomic Research, University of Southampton
Currently there are screening tests for only three types of cancer, and they can only test for one cancer at a time. Paul explains: “Our new test focuses on delivering a more comprehensive test that is both faster and more affordable, with the ultimate goal of making it available to the NHS and other healthcare providers."
New funding
The researchers have been awarded £2.5 million to continue their work on miONCO, with a new study that will analyse 8,000 samples drawn from a diverse cohort, ensuring the test's efficacy across various genders, ethnicities and backgrounds.
miONCO is one of six projects to receive almost £11 million from the National Institute for Health and Care Research to support further testing of innovations to help increase the early detection and diagnosis of cancer.
Xgenera has also received external investment from the innovation investment companies Qantx, Empirical Ventures and Ascension Ventures to further develop the test.
To find out more about the test, watch Xgenera’s video.
