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.