Cancer applications anticipated for rapid, low cost, non-invasive testing method
CAMBRIDGE, UK - Jan 18, 2019 - ~~Rapid Biosensor Systems (RBS), the technology company that developed a 2-minute breathalyser test for TB, can adapt its platform technology for screening of lung cancer.
As per recent WHO statistics, cancer has been identified as the second most predominant reason for mortality cases across the globe, accounting for and is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Globally, more than 16 percent of deaths are due to cancer. High mortality rates due to cancer can be attributed to late-stage presentation and inaccessible diagnosis and treatment options. In 2017, only 26 percent of low-income countries were reported to have pathology services available to the general public . More than 90 percent of high-income countries reported the availability of treatment services whereas only 30 percent of low-income countries have adequate treatment services.
Between 30-50 percent of cancers can currently be prevented by early diagnosis. Early detection of lung cancer could save 10,000 lives and £300 million in the U.K. alone. The need for early diagnosis is consistent in all settings and for all categories of cancers. In the absence of an early diagnosis, patients are diagnosed at late stages when curative treatment may no longer be an option. Early detection of cancer can enhance the chances of receiving prompt treatment - a potential benefit extended by the RBS breath technology.
Designed for point-of-care diagnostic needs, the RBS bio-optical disposable breathalyser device is expected to detect the presence of protein biomarkers associated with lung cancer - instantly, reliably and cost-effectively with minimal disruption. Largely due to the convenience and portability it affords, the RBS breathalyser will become an essential tool to facilitate early cancer diagnosis.
Dennis Camilleri, Chief Executive Officer of RBS is confident that higher degree of specificity and sensitivity over current screening methods along with rapid test results will create significant interest among stakeholder groups in cancer care. We could start seeing commercially - viable breath tests for screening of lung cancer in the next 2 to 3 years.