Non-invasive testing to detect cancer
Single molecule sensitivity DNA testing to detect early-stage cancer
At a glance
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Development stage
Prototype developed
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Investment stage
Pre-Seed
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UNSW affiliation
Staff research & technology
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Technology readiness level
TRL-4
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Female led
Yes
Non-invasive early stage cancer screening test using DNA detection technology
The team has developed a novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique that can detect cancer DNA from a single molecule, overcoming one of the main barriers to a clinically useful cancer test.
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Our PCR technology can accurately measure a single tumour DNA molecule using quantitative PCR machines readily available in pathology labs. The configuration of the PCR not only allows single molecule measurement – overcoming sensitivity challenges that prevent cancer blood diagnostic tests from reaching the clinic - but also maximises the DNA yield from upstream processing.
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- Many cancer tests are based on the distinctive tumour DNA released by cancer cells into blood. However, existing technologies aren’t sensitive enough to detect the low amounts of DNA shed by small, early-stage tumours.
- Early diagnosis transforms cancer from a deadly disease into one treatable with a single surgery.
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- Biotech and pharma companies that are developing blood tests to diagnose early-stage cancer through population screening
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- Validated in blood samples from cancer patients undergoing treatment
- High concordance with standard quantitative PCR in test samples
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