In a recent press release, the UK government outlined an initiative to boost tech deals aimed at further innovating cancer diagnosis in the country.

This plan follows the Darzi review, which highlighted the critical state of the NHS, particularly the urgent need to improve cancer survival rates. The report emphasises that technological innovation is the key to addressing the challenges outlined. Our Pantum Detect blood test is a universal, cost-efficient, non-invasive solution. With the potential to enhance early screening initiatives in the National Health Service, it delivers precise and reliable results.

The Government’s Aim:

The government’s focus on life sciences presents significant economic advantages, with the sector contributing £108 billion, supporting 300,000 jobs, and attracting £800 million in foreign investment in 2023. Both the public and private sectors aim to invest in faster diagnostic technologies and enhanced treatments for cancer patients. To facilitate collaboration among academia, industry, and government, £118 million will be allocated to establish five health tech hubs in the UK.

Hence, the government is encouraging investment in drug development, clinical trials and medical technology. They will be funding world-class cancer research, with the intention to develop innovative diagnostic tools.

£11 million is being allocated for the clinical validation and evaluation of methods for early cancer diagnosis. Projects such as cancer breath tests, AI-based lung cancer detection, and genetic testing for cancer risks are currently under review for integration into the NHS. Crucially, these tools must demonstrate high accuracy to be viable in clinical practice.

At RMDM, we recognise PanTum Detect’s potential to transform the NHS’s approach to cancer diagnosis.

Moreover, PanTum Detect would significantly reduce waiting times and costs for the NHS, making it a vital solution in the context of ongoing austerity measures.

The sooner a patient receives a cancer diagnosis, the better their chances of survival. However, almost half of all cancers in England are diagnosed at a late stage, and this is even worse for asymptomatic cancers. Delays in routine check-ups, tests, and treatment increases waiting times, worsening patients’ health outcomes and healthcare professionals’ workloads. Notably, a slow diagnostic process can create uncertainty and be incredibly nerve-wracking for patients. PanTum Detect can expedite this process, thereby improving the patient experience during what is already a daunting time.

Accurate Identification:

PanTum Detect is a CE-certified blood test that detects tumours at any stage using EDIM (Epitope Detection in Macrophages) technology, developed by Dr Johannes Coy and his team in Germany. Dr Coy recognised that the body’s immune system can be harnessed to detect the universal cancer biomarkers, TKTL1 and Apo10. This approach can detect tumour development, as well as the earliest signs of  tumour cell metastasis.

PanTum Detect has demonstrated the capability to identify over 50 forms of cancer. Notably, our test can detect tumours throughout the body with a sensitivity of 95.21% while accurately ruling out healthy individuals at a specificity of 99.53%. This advanced capability enhances early-stage cancer detection, potentially saving lives.

Current Diagnostic Procedures Require A Radical Overhaul:

Currently, the NHS’s screening programmes are insufficient for early detection, limited to just three types of cancer: cervical, breast, and bowel. Rather than focusing on multiple single-cancer screening tests, our universal test can improve the overall efficacy of early screening programmes.

By integrating PanTum Detect into screening programmes, we can effectively filter healthy patients from those with signs of a suspicious tumours. The latter would then be referred to a clinician for consultation, followed by necessary imaging to efficiently confirm the diagnosis.

Furthermore, the cost efficiency of PanTum Detect would greatly benefit the NHS, particularly given the high costs of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for late-stage cancer. Treating tumours at earlier stages can significantly reduce treatment costs. In some cases, surgery alone can effectively address the tumour.

Liquid biopsy tests are already in use within the NHS, yet they are limited to specific cancer types. Although tissue biopsies are commonplace, they tend to be more invasive and can be painful, depending on the type of tumour.

If implemented, PanTum Detect  could help the NHS save more lives and conserve key resources both now and in the future. The latest publicly available data shows that PanTum Detect has been validated for more cancer types than any other liquid biopsy test currently on the market or in clinical development.

PanTum Detect is commercially available in India, Thailand, Belarus, and the UAE. In Germany It is currently part of a screening programme through an insurance model. We are working to make the PanTum Detect test available in the UK and are in discussions regarding potential partnerships with laboratories across the country.

A collaborative effort between RMDM and the NHS could significantly reduce waiting times and improve cancer survival rates. Our test exemplifies the technological advancements the Darzi review calls for, serving as a critical tool in the NHS’s battle against cancer.

For more information on PanTum Detect, read our 2024 white paper or contact us.

Resources:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-government-tech-deals-boost-the-business-of-cancer-detection