NEWS
Blood test could detect multiple cancers
Researchers at the University of Oxford have unveiled a new blood test – powered by machine learning – which shows real promise in detecting multiple types of cancer in their earliest stages, when the disease is hardest to detect. Named TriOx, this innovative liquid biopsy test analyses multiple features of DNA in the blood to identify subtle signs of cancer, which could offer a fast, sensitive and minimally invasive alternative to current detection methods. The study, published in Nature Communications, showed that TriOx accurately detected cancer (including in its early stages) across six cancer types and reliably distinguished those people who had cancer from those that did not. While the test is still in the development phase, it demonstrates the promise of blood-based early cancer detection, a technology that could revolutionise screening and diagnostic practices.
Liquid biopsies have become an important focus of research in recent years as a less invasive alternative to existing diagnostic tests. However, most liquid biopsy tests currently in the clinic only look at one or two features of the cancer DNA, which limits how well they can detect cancer.
In this study, which was funded by Innovate UK and the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), the researchers combined a cutting-edge DNA analysis technique called TAPS with machine learning, to analyse and combine multiple key features from the DNA circulating in the blood. This approach improves the detection of the small fraction of cancer DNA, making the TriOx test particularly sensitive for identifying cancer. The research team is now developing and validating the test across more cancer types and larger patient groups. They’re also exploring ways in which TriOx could be integrated into routine healthcare in the future, with the ultimate goal of making early cancer detection as common as cholesterol or blood sugar testing. n Vavoulis DV, Cutts A, Thota N, et al. Multimodal cell-free DNA whole- genome TAPS is sensitive and reveals specific cancer signals. Nat Commun. 2025 Jan 8;16(1):430. doi:10.1038/ s41467-024-55428-y
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IBMS responds to Elective Care Reform Plan
The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) has published a response to the government’s newly published ‘Reforming elective care for patients’, saying that investing in diagnostic capacity, digital transformation, and a robust biomedical science workforce is essential to delivering faster, more equitable elective care for all. The IBMS welcomes the ambitious goals stated in ‘Reforming elective care for patients’ to reduce waiting times, invest in diagnostics, and enhance patient choice and experience. In a statement the Institute commented: “Our members – biomedical scientists and laboratory staff working across pathology and diagnostic services – are fundamental to ensuring these reforms achieve real, tangible benefits for patients.
IBMS Chief Executive David Wells said: “Giving patients rapid access to their test
results ensures informed decision-making and strengthens support. However, it’s just as important that these results come with the right professional context and guidance. Biomedical scientists – the experts at the heart of diagnostics – should play a pivotal role in interpreting test data, explaining results clearly, and easing pressure on medics.”
The IBMS statement concludes: “The IBMS welcomes the government’s commitment to improving elective care, particularly the recognition that investment in diagnostics is key to transforming patient experiences and clinical outcomes. Biomedical scientists are integral to making these reforms a success: from designing robust testing pathways and harnessing digital innovations, to interpreting results and helping patients and clinicians alike gain deeper insight into diagnoses.”
New partnership to advance sequencing-based IVD neonatal testing
Revvity has announced a strategic agreement to commercialise an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) workflow solution for neonatal sequencing, co- developed with Element Biosciences, a life science company democratising access to advanced DNA
and multi-omic sequencing solutions. This initiative builds upon Revvity’s
recent introduction of an automated next- generation sequencing (NGS) workflow for newborn sequencing research and strengthens Element’s momentum towards regulatory approval of the benchtop AVITI sequencing system (pictured). The collaboration involves the co- development of a comprehensive IVD solution tailored for newborn sequencing. Additionally, customers will have immediate access to a research use only (RUO) version of the newborn sequencing research workflow.
“This strategic endeavour represents a significant step forward in our commitment to advancing newborn health through innovative genomic technologies,” said Yves Dubaquie, Senior Vice President,
Diagnostics at Revvity. “By combining our expertise in newborn screening and rare disease detection with Element’s technological
capabilities, Revvity aims to deliver a robust, efficient, and
accessible solution for neonatal sequencing in both research and clinical settings.” The new IVD solution offered by Revvity will be an important organic next step for each company, expanding the reach of both Element’s AVITI sequencing system and Revvity’s newborn sequencing research workflow, which includes its sample collection devices, dried blood spot punchers, automated nucleic acid extractors, liquid handers, NGS library preparation kits with carefully curated NGS panels, and comprehensive software for variant calling data analysis and interpretation. The combined technologies will provide an end-to-end solution for the NGS continuum that supports pioneering neonatal research and the necessary approvals for a cutting-edge IVD in this field.
FEBRUARY 2025
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