NHS to Trial Revolutionary 12 Cancer Blood Test Programme at 240 Million Investment

In a significant move towards modernising cancer diagnostics, the NHS has announced a £2.4 million investment in groundbreaking blood test technology capable of detecting 12 different types of cancer. The innovative test, developed by British startup Xgenera in collaboration with the University of Southampton, utilises artificial intelligence to analyse microRNA fragments from tumours.

The trial, encompassing 8,000 patients, will focus on detecting major cancers including bowel, lung, breast, and prostate cancers. The test’s implementation could revolutionise early detection protocols, potentially saving the healthcare system millions whilst improving patient outcomes through earlier intervention.

Market analysis suggests the test, priced between £120 and £300, represents excellent value for money compared to traditional diagnostic procedures. Initial trials involving 20,000 patients have demonstrated an impressive 99% accuracy rate, positioning the technology as a potential game-changer in the healthcare sector.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s commitment to the project aligns with the government’s broader strategy to enhance cancer survival rates. The investment comes alongside the inauguration of a new research laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute, named in honour of the late Dame Deborah James, whose fundraising efforts generated £11 million for bowel cancer research.

The economic implications of this development are substantial. With bowel cancer affecting 44,000 new patients annually and causing 17,000 deaths, early detection could significantly reduce treatment costs while improving survival rates from the current 10% for late-stage diagnosis to 90% for early detection.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, emphasised the test’s potential to streamline cancer diagnostics whilst reducing dependency on costly invasive procedures, representing a crucial step forward in both clinical and financial efficiency for the healthcare system.