Early Detection and Screening of Cancers

Early Detection and Screening of Cancers
Accurate screening and early diagnosis have long been crucial components of the battle to reduce the burden of cancer morbidity and mortality. For example, 9 out of 10 cases of colorectal cancer can be treated successfully when found early (Cancer Research UK). The current non-invasive multi-target DNA test for cancer screening relies on expensive equipment and specially trained staff to perform the tests in medical laboratories. Thus, demand for a rapid and easy POCT (point of care test) for cancer screening for the wider population is high.
We therefore developed OxLAMP (LAMP: loop-mediated isothermal amplification) and applied it to the early detection and screening of cancers. The test contains two components: a quantitative OxLAMP (qLAMP) array to detect multiple cancer biomarkers; and a portable POCT device with wireless data transmission (e.g. wifi or bluetooth), storage, analysis, and app-connectivity for smart phones. This new generation of rapid tests will bypass limits of medical resources and enable do-it-yourself testing that can be undertaken independently from central facilities, thereby targeting point-of-care testing and home use.