The World Health Organization's cancer agency (IARC) estimates that by 2050, there will be over 35 million new cases of cancer. This significant increase is driven by the aging and growth of populations, as well as evolving risk factors tied to socioeconomic development. Key contributors to the rise in cancer rates include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and obesity, with air pollution also playing a major role as an environmental risk factor.

How important is early cancer screening?

The World Health Organization suggests that one-third of cancers can be cured through early detection. Standardized screening, along with prompt detection and surgical treatment, can significantly alleviate the suffering and financial strain on cancer patients. Hence, the medical community places great emphasis on early cancer screening.

What are the most recent screening technologies available?

Liquid Biopsy

Liquid biopsy is a technology used to sample and analyze non-solid biological tissues of tumors.

As tumors develop within the human body, fragments of tumor cells break away from the tumor tissue and circulate in the bloodstream. Liquid biopsy detects these fragments in blood and other bodily fluids to diagnose the tumor. In the initial stages, tumors are small, haven't spread, and are more readily removable. Thus, the sooner malignant tumor tissue is detected, the greater the likelihood of improving the patient's survival chances.

Common clinical tumors like lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and others can all be diagnosed and monitored using liquid biopsy.

In contrast to tissue biopsy, liquid biopsy only necessitates 3 to 5 milliliters of blood from the patient for accurate detection of cancer cell expression or oncogenes. This is because it can non-invasively and repeatedly obtain tumor samples, with minimal side effects, low cost, rapid detection speed, and the ability to promptly respond to dynamic tumor changes. As a result, it has a broad range of applications.

Molecular Imaging Technologies

Medical imaging technology acts as a doctor's "eyes," but it's limited to observing changes in human anatomy and can't explain disease causes. Molecular imaging technology, on the other hand, can visualize physiological and pathological changes at the cellular or molecular level. It detects abnormalities in early disease markers like bioactive molecules, ions, and free radicals, offering clinical warnings in the early stages of lesion formation. This enables true early diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer Detection with AI

AI algorithms have the potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of cancer screening by analyzing imaging data (like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs) or pathological images. These algorithms can identify early signs of cancer, and in some cases, even surpass the diagnostic abilities of human experts.

Phage Biosensor for Cancer Diagnosis

Aqsens Health of Finland has developed a novel cancer diagnostic technology centered around phage biosensors. This innovative approach requires only urine and saliva samples for early detection of urinary tract cancer, oral cancer, and various infectious diseases, thereby lowering cancer risks. Due to their efficient reproduction in bacteria, low production costs, and relatively simple sensor equipment, phages are well-suited for large-scale screening and clinical applications.

Research on phage biosensors for cancer detection is rapidly advancing, with numerous laboratories and scientific institutions exploring and refining this technology. In the future, it is anticipated that this approach will be integrated with other advanced diagnostic tools, such as liquid biopsy and artificial intelligence, to enhance the accuracy and accessibility of early cancer detection.