A team of researchers at the University of Oxford has developed a blood test called TriOx that can detect multiple types of cancer in their earliest stages, when treatment is most effective and costs are lower for healthcare systems. The innovative test uses machine learning to analyze DNA features in blood samples and identify subtle signs of cancer.
The study, published in Nature Communications, showed that TriOx accurately detected cancer across six cancer types – colorectal, oesophageal, pancreatic, renal, ovarian, and breast – with high sensitivity and specificity rates. The researchers combined a cutting-edge DNA analysis technique with machine learning to analyze multiple key features from the DNA circulating in the blood.
The test’s ability to detect cancers at an early stage could revolutionize screening and diagnostic practices, making it more convenient and accessible for patients and doctors. While still in the development phase, TriOx has the potential to improve survival rates for millions worldwide by enabling routine blood tests to catch cancer earlier when it’s easier to treat.
The researchers hope to integrate TriOx into routine healthcare in the future, with the ultimate goal of making early cancer detection as common as cholesterol or blood sugar testing. Further validation and development are underway to expand the test across more cancer types and larger patient groups.
Source: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-01-13-oxford-researchers-develop-blood-test-enable-early-detection-multiple-cancers