A new blood test, called Mionco-DX, could detect cancer much earlier

Good news: a new blood test, called Mionco-DX, could detect cancer much earlier! Here’s what you need to know, explained simply:

What is this new test?

Researchers in the UK, from a company called XGenera (originating from the University of Southampton), have created a smart blood test. It uses modern technology (artificial intelligence) to analyze small particles in the blood (called microRNAs). By analyzing these particles, the test can determine if a person has cancer and even what type of cancer it might be.

How good is it?

Initial studies, involving over 20,000 people, have shown that the Mionco-DX test can find 12 of the most common and dangerous types of cancer. And the best news is that it does so with very high accuracy, over 99% (meaning the result is correct in over 99 out of 100 cases).

Why is it important to detect cancer early?

Think about colorectal cancer (bowel cancer). It is the fourth most common cancer in the UK. If it is detected early (stage 1), 9 out of 10 people live more than five years. But if it is found late (stage 4), only about 1 out of 10 patients lives that long. So, the sooner we find out about the disease, the higher the chances of recovery and living longer.

What is happening now with this test?

UK medical authorities have provided a significant amount of money (£2.4 million) for this test to be improved and widely used, making it cheaper and faster.
A new medical study is planned to involve 8,000 people. The goal is to confirm how good the test is so it can be used in the UK public health system (NHS). This study is very important for the test to reach patients.

What do specialists say?

Doctors are optimistic. They believe that Mionco-DX could completely change the way cancer is detected because it is a reliable test. This could mean that more people will be able to take the test and that disparities between patients in terms of access to healthcare services will be reduced.
The creators of the test hope that it can be used to find even more types of cancer, perhaps over 50, in addition to the 12 already identified.

How does it compare to other tests?

There are other tests that can find more types of cancer (for example, the Gallery test, which analyzes other signs in the blood). Mionco-DX is different because it focuses on these small particles, microRNAs, and only needs a small amount of blood.
Currently, in the UK, standard screening programs primarily look for only three types of cancer. This new test could help detect many other types of cancer, filling an important gap.

In short, what does this mean for us?

The Mionco-DX test could be a huge help in finding cancer in early stages. This would improve treatment chances and make cancer testing more accessible to more people. It is a great hope for the future of the fight against cancer.

Source Medscape