[Technology Saw] – All thanks to this combination of biomarkers, scientists can now detect multi-cancer early.
Highlights:
- Project CADENCE pioneers a revolutionary blood test for the early detection of nine high-risk cancers.
- MiRXES collaborates with medical centers, universities and hospitals in a public-private partnership.
- With over 12,000 participants, the project aims to develop valuable intellectual property related to cancer biomarkers and test kits.
- The initiative enhances Singapore’s leadership in molecular cancer detection.
- Project Cadence progresses in two phases.
- There are other ways of diagnosing cancer that you might or might not be aware of.
A New Project Called CADENCE for Multi-Cancer Diagnosis
In Singapore, a novel project called CADENCE has been launched by biotechnology company MiRXES Ptr Ltd.
The project aims to discover and validate new combinations of biomarkers that can detect various cancers at an early stage, potentially saving lives.
MiRXES Ptr Ltd. initiated Project CADENCE (Cancer Detected Early caN be CurEd), a large-scale clinical research project focused on discovering and validating combinations of blood-borne circulating microRNA (miRNA) and DNA methylation biomarkers.
These biomarkers could pave the way for a multi-cancer early detection test, covering nine high-incidence and high-mortality cancers, including lung, breast, colorectal, liver, stomach, esophageal, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers.
MiRXES signed a memorandum of understanding with various hospitals, medical centers and universities in a unique public-private partnership.
The project, powered by MiRXES received an estimated investment of S$50 million ($35.6 million) over three years.
This investment, along with substantial contributions from higher learning and healthcare institutes, will fuel extensive research.
Research objectives and participants
Project CADENCE aims to recruit more than 12,000 individuals, including healthy individuals, those at high risk, patients with benign conditions and newly diagnosed cancer patients.
The research will produce a wealth of intellectual property rights related to single and multi-cancer biomarkers and test kits.
This initiative solidifies Singapore’s leadership in molecular cancer early detection solutions.
MiRXES, Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and Public Healthcare Institutions (PHIs) will share the resulting intellectual property rights.
The blood test kits developed through this project will be prototyped, manufactured and commercialized by MiRXES.
This contributes to the economy by creating over 80 new positions in research, manufacturing, and data science.
Project Phases and Goals
Project Cadence consists of two phases. The first phase, spanning from 2022 to 2024 focuses on discovering biomarkers and developing tests with superior clinical performance.
This phase involves a comprehensive analysis of blood miRNA and DNA signatures from 12,000 individuals to identify novel combinations of biomarkers.
The second phase, beginning in 2024 aims to optimize large-scale clinical implementation workflows and demonstrate the utility of a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test.
This phase involves a longitudinal population cohort of over 100,000 participants, including both average-risk and high-risk individuals.
Scientific Leadership and Vision
Zhou Lihan, CEO of MiRXES highlighted the significance of leveraging proprietary technologies, a decade-long RNA clinical test development experience and Singapore’s clinical research infrastructure.
He expressed the ambition to develop a novel blood test offering early signs of multiple solid cancers through a holistic analysis of miRNA and DNA biomarkers.
Project CADENCE represents a significant leap in cancer research, offering the potential for a game-changing blood test that accurately detects early-stage cancers.
The success of this venture could revolutionize cancer diagnostics, emphasizing the importance of early detection in saving lives.
With the establishment of two key laboratories, MiRXES Lab and M Diagnostics, the project opens doors to cutting-edge RNA research and molecular diagnostics.
It contributes to advancements not only in cancer detection but also in the broader field of nucleic acid technology.
More Details About Cancer
Cancer is a complicated illness where cells in your body start growing and spreading out of control. It can show up anywhere and cause serious problems or even be fatal if not treated.
Knowing why it happens, the different types and how to treat it are super important for catching it early, managing it well, and giving patients the best chance for recovery.
Genetic mutations, which mess with how cells grow and divide normally, are a big reason why cancer happens.
These mutations can come from your family or develop over time. This is because of things like smoking, sun exposure, certain chemicals or infections like viruses.
Even your lifestyle choices, like eating unhealthy foods, not being active or drinking too much, can up your chances of getting cancer.
Cancer comes in lots of different forms, and each type needs its own treatment plan.
You have got carcinoma, which starts in skin, lung, breast or colon tissues; sarcoma, which starts in things like bone or muscle; leukemia, which affects your blood and bone marrow; lymphoma, which starts in your lymphatic system; and brain tumors, which happen in your central nervous system.
So, understanding what causes cancer, the types you might encounter, and an early diagnosis can help you be aware and proactive about your health.
With early detection and proper care, you can increase your chances of beating cancer and living a longer, healthier life.
There are other ways of diagnosing cancer that you might or might not be aware of.
Imaging Tests: These are like special pictures taken of the inside of your body using tools such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI and PET scans. They help doctors see any unusual masses or tumors and figure out how big they are.
Biopsy: Think of this as a detective collecting evidence. In a biopsy, a small piece of suspicious tissue is taken out and looked at closely under a microscope by a pathologist.
This helps confirm if there are cancer cells and tells us what type of cancer it is.
Blood Tests: Blood tests can tell us a lot. Certain tests check for specific substances produced by cancer cells. These markers in the blood can show if there’s cancer or if it is changing over time.
Endoscopy: This is like using a tiny camera on a flexible tube to peek inside your body. It helps doctors see if anything is wrong in places like the stomach or lungs.
Genetic Testing: Your DNA holds a lot of information. Genetic testing looks at your DNA to find specific changes that might be linked to certain types of cancer. It’s like looking for clues in your genes.
Ultrasound: Instead of a camera, this uses sound waves to create pictures of your organs. It helps find tumors, see how big they are, and figure out if they are solid or filled with fluid.
Molecular Testing
This dives deep into the genetic makeup of cancer cells. It helps identify specific changes in genes, guiding doctors in making decisions about treatment and predicting what might happen.
Physical Examination and Medical History: This is like a doctor asking you questions and checking you over. They’re looking for any signs or symptoms that might suggest cancer.
The goal is to confirm the diagnosis and understand how advanced the cancer is. Also, plan the best way to treat it.
However, Project CADENCE stands as a beacon of hope, combining the expertise of scientists, clinicians and researchers to address the pressing need for early cancer detection, ultimately making a profound impact on healthcare globally.