Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. The most effective strategy to reduce mortality associated with lung cancer is to detect it at an early stage. Low-dose computed tomography screening can significantly reduce mortality but there’s need for additional screening tests like blood test that are easy to deploy in primary care.
Hummingbird Diagnostics is a leader in reading blood-based small RNAs for early detection of disease. It has announced a publication on the miLung small RNA blood test for lung cancer detection at an early stage. It has been published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology. The researchers aim at placing a cancer detecting blood test as primary point of care and in future, potentially using dried blood samples collected within the homes.
In this study, the results provided evidence for the viability of a small RNA based test as an alternative to LDCT screening. This low-dose computed tomography screening was done on 1384 stabilized whole blood samples. The individuals were moderate to heavy smokers in age group of 55 to 74 years. Their miLung small RNA blood test identified specific small RNAs, and molecular biomarkers associated with lung cancer in whole blood samples. The company found that MiLung blood test could accurately detect lung cancer about 85% of the time.
Jochen Kohlhaas, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hummingbird Diagnostics. “We envision the miLung test as a non-invasive alternative to LDCT scans for use in primary care settings to improve participation in screening, and potentially reduce gender- and race-based disparities in access to lung cancer screening.”
The study suggests the potential of a small RNA based blood test as an alternative to LDCT to detect smoking associated lung cancer patients.
The article is listed on the Journal of Thoracic Oncology website here.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only. You should contact your healthcare professional for any medical needs.
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