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Early Lung Cancer Detection Computer Enhanced Blood Test Pioneered By Rockville Biotech Firm

Early Lung Cancer Detection Computer Enhanced Blood Test Pioneered By Rockville Biotech Firm

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death by far, resulting in more deaths than breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined. Survival from this disease is linked closely with the stage at time of initial diagnosis. For lung tumors caught early through regular screening before spreading to other organs up to 90% of patients survive five years according to some studies.

Unfortunately, most lung cancers are caught at a late stage when survival rates plummet to only 3%.

To help reduce cancer deaths from lung cancer researchers at 20/20 GeneSystems have developed a blood test called “PAULA's” test to change the way that lung cancer is detected.

Using multiple biomarkers (proteins produced in the body whose levels change in response to cancer) together with a “machine learning” algorithm, the test can help identify elevated risk of lung cancer at the early stages of the disease development when survival rates are significantly higher.

Until PAULA's test, there was no practical tool to screen a lot of people for lung cancer year after year. Various medical organizations recommend a yearly chest Computer Tomography (CT) scan but only for individuals over age 55 with a very extensive smoking history.

It is far easier to convince a patient to take a blood sample than to get them to obtain a CT scan.

Less than 6% of individuals who met the Medicare coverage guidelines for CT screening (smoking an equivalent of one pack per day for 30 years) received a scan in 2015.

Additionally, not all patients meet the criteria to be eligible for a CT scan to test for lung cancer, due to age, number of years since quitting smoking, or other factors.

Originally introduced with a more basic algorithm, the company has now enhanced the test with a machine learning computer program that combines biomarker data with clinical factors such as age and smoking history.

Machine learning involves using statistical models that can provide assistance in processing a large number of variables so that all clinical and test result information can be combined together to give the most accurate estimate of the patient's risk for lung cancer. Also, as more people are tested the software has the ability to “learn” from its mistakes and improve.

A patient will go to their primary care physician requesting the blood test be done, or the physician will recommend it to individuals that are considered high-risk. The test costs $149 and, although not covered by most insurance plans may be paid for by many health savings accounts.

Targeted for a population at higher risk for lung cancer, PAULAs test is optimal for people 50 and older who have smoked an average of one pack per day for 20 years or more within the past 15 years.

Once the physician sends the sample to 20/20 it is logged into the laboratory information system, which allows the company to manage the patient testing more efficiently. Patient serum samples are tested in batches about once a week. Each test takes about two days.

The results are not used to diagnose lung cancer in a patient but to identify those at the highest risk so more extensive testing like the CT scan can be ordered. From there, it is up to the doctor to discuss next steps with their patient.

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