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Oncascan is introducing a step change in cancer diagnosis and management. The patented Lymphocyte Genome Sensitivity (LGS) blood test uses increased sensitivity to ultra-violet induced DNA damage of lymphocytes from cancer patients to distinguish between those with and without the disease.

The project aims to develop a practical system for use in clinical laboratories to improve the management of patients with suspected cancers. Before embarking on invasive and costly investigations, patients found to not have cancer can be identified with the obvious reduction for them in anxiety, discomfort, time off work and clinical risk.

Astrimmune is developing a diagnostic test for pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers based on detection and profiling of shed tumour cells in the blood. Requiring only 6ml of blood, the test provides unique insight into surface markers and gene expression of pancreatic cancer cells; isolating these cells from blood allows detection before metastasis can occur. Survival rates of pancreatic cancer could be improved dramatically if early detection were possible.

Owlstone is developing a non-invasive screening device for early stage lung cancer utilizing breath diagnostics. As for most cancers, early diagnosis of lung cancer leads to better patient outcomes. The LuCID (Lung Cancer Indicator Detection) project will allow Owlstone’s existing chemical detection technology to be used to diagnose lung cancer, by measuring the trace chemicals present in the breath of lung cancer patients.