Low-Cost Blood Test Developed to Detect Multiple Cancers and Diseases

Medical researchers are advancing the development of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood tests, which aim to identify various types of cancer in their earliest stages through a single liquid biopsy. These tests are designed to complement existing single-cancer screening protocols by detecting shared cancer signals in the bloodstream.

On January 13, 2025, researchers at the University of Oxford announced the development of a new blood test called TriOx. This innovation utilizes machine learning to analyze multiple features of DNA in the blood to identify subtle indicators of cancer.

The study, published in Nature Communications, indicates that TriOx can accurately detect cancer across six specific types: colorectal, oesophageal, pancreatic, renal, ovarian, and breast. The researchers noted that the test was able to reliably distinguish individuals with cancer from those without, including cases in the early stages of the disease.

The TriOx test is currently in the development phase. It is intended to provide a fast, sensitive, and minimally invasive alternative to traditional detection methods, with the potential for future implementation within the NHS.

Addressing the Screening Gap

The drive toward MCED technology stems from a significant gap in current public health guidelines. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) provides recommended screening guidelines for only a select few cancers, including breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers.

Despite the efficacy of these single-cancer screenings in reducing mortality, a substantial number of cancer deaths occur in malignancies that lack recommended screening protocols. According to research published in Nature, approximately 70% of cancer deaths in the United States among individuals aged 50 to 79 are caused by cancers for which the USPSTF does not have recommended screening.

MCED tests address this by interrogating circulating cell-free DNA to find signals shared across multiple tumor types. This approach allows for the detection of early-stage cancers that are often amenable to cure but otherwise remain asymptomatic until they reach advanced stages.

Existing Multi-Cancer Detection Tools

Several other MCED options are currently being developed or offered. The Galleri test is a multi-cancer early detection tool that looks for a signal shared by more than 50 types of cancer using a single blood test. It identifies DNA in the bloodstream that has been shed by cancer cells.

Similarly, Exact Sciences has introduced Cancerguard, a blood-based multi-cancer detection test designed with low false positive rates to minimize the need for unnecessary follow-up imaging.

• TriOx: Focuses on six cancer types using machine learning and DNA feature analysis.
• Galleri: Screens for 50+ cancer types by identifying shed DNA.
• Cancerguard: A blood-based MCED test emphasizing the reduction of false positives.

Clinical Limitations and Implementation

While these technologies show promise, they are not without limitations. Medical providers and developers emphasize that MCED tests are intended to complement, not replace, existing healthcare provider-recommended screening tests.

Accuracy remains a critical factor in the deployment of these tests. For instance, the Galleri test documentation notes that false positive and false negative results do occur and that the test does not detect a signal for all cancers.

The goal of these liquid biopsies is to provide a proactive tool to screen for the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic, potentially reducing the cost of treatment for healthcare systems and increasing the likelihood of successful cures through earlier intervention.