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FORNY20-FORNY2020

KVAL: Blood-based test for early detection of lung cancer

Alternative title: Blod-basert test for tidlig deteksjon av lungekreft

Awarded: NOK 0.50 mill.

Lung cancer causes the most deaths related to cancer diseases. Symptoms appear late in the disease's progression, which is why lung cancer has such a poor prognosis. If the disease is detected before it has spread (Stage I), over 60% of men and over 70% of women are alive after five years. By taking serum samples, one can quantify circulating molecules, including those derived from the tumor or involved in related processes. These biomarkers may be promising candidates for early detection of lung cancer. Data has been used from pre-diagnostic samples from one of Norway's largest biobanks, the Janus serum bank. The research group has identified RNA markers that can predict lung cancer up to 10 years before a lung cancer diagnosis. A preliminary validation on miRNA has been conducted, but a complete analysis of all RNA fragments was not feasible on available cohorts in Norway. Preliminary analysis with miRNA indicates that the test is validated, and it is then appropriate to conduct a more optimal validation abroad on a better-suited cohort.

As lung cancer screening initiatives expand, there's a pressing need to pinpoint groups that would benefit most. The aim is to optimize the detection of cancers destined to become clinically significant while minimizing the unnecessary identification of non-threatening lesions. A non-invasive blood biomarker can enhance the decision-making process for screening prioritization and subsequent follow-ups. This ensures that individuals genuinely needing screening and continued care are correctly identified, reducing false alarms and lessening the strain on those assessed as low-risk, negating the need for invasive procedures. Once validated successfully, a desired outcome is to collaborate with an industry partner, facilitating the necessary developmental and regulatory stages, ensuring the test's integration into clinical practice.

Funding scheme:

FORNY20-FORNY2020