Researchers from the Medical University of Gdańsk have developed an affordable test, costing about 150 zloty, which could have applications in detection of multiple types of cancer. They will receive more than 5 million zlotys for further research of the method under the National Reconstruction Plan.
Ovarian cancer, often referred to as the “silent killer,” is one of the greatest challenges of modern oncology. In Poland, about 3,500 new cases of the disease are diagnosed each year, of which as many as 75% are detected in advanced stages III and IV. The patient’s prognosis depends on the stage. Early detection of cancer significantly increases the chances of survival. In the advanced stage of the disease, IV, only 25% of patients survive five years after diagnosis. In comparison, at the initial stage, I, the survival rate is over 90%. Early diagnosis is therefore crucial to improving patients’ chances of survival.
In response to these alarming statistics, researchers at the Medical University of Gdansk (GUMed) are working on an innovative diagnostic test that could revolutionize early detection of this cancer.
Traditional methods of cancer diagnosis, such as biopsies and imaging tests, are costly and invasive. A team led by the director of the Institute of Medical Biotechnology and Experimental Oncology at GUMed, Prof. Anna Żaczek, is focusing on the use of liquid biopsy – a technique that involves analyzing a small sample of peripheral blood to detect tumor markers. This method can be used not only for diagnosis, but also to assess prognosis, select therapy and monitor its effectiveness. Unlike traditional biopsy, which requires taking a section of the tumor, liquid biopsy is less burdensome for the patient.
Prof. Zaczek’s project is based on the team’s patented solutions, including an artificial intelligence-supported RT-qPCR platform, and has received funding of more than 5 million zlotys under the National Reconstruction Plan. The goal is to further refine the diagnostic test to make it not only effective, but also affordable for a wide range of patients. Currently, the cost of the simplest biopsy is about 300 zlotys, as is an ultrasound, while the new test is expected to cost about 150 zlotys.
The researchers are confident that the developed method will find application not only in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer but also in the diagnosis of many other cancers.