Breakthrough AI-Powered Blood Test for Early Cancer Detection

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. Researchers at the University of Southampton and biotech startup Xgenera have developed miONCO-Dx, an AI-driven blood test that promises to revolutionize oncology diagnostics by detecting 12 common and deadly cancers with only 10 drops of blood.

How miONCO-Dx Works

The test leverages advanced microRNA analysis to identify tiny genetic fragments released by tumors into the bloodstream. An AI algorithm then scans these markers to not only detect cancer presence but also pinpoint its location in the body—covering lung, ovarian, bowel, breast, pancreatic and certain brain cancers.

Clinical Trial Success

• 20,000-patient feasibility study demonstrated a stunning 99% accuracy rate.
• NHS is now sponsoring an 8,000-patient trial with £2.4 million in government funding.
• Early results indicate dramatic reductions in false positives and faster diagnostic timelines.

Impact on Patient Care and Workflow

Current cancer diagnostics rely heavily on invasive procedures like colonoscopies and biopsies. By contrast, miONCO-Dx’s non-invasive approach could:

• Reduce the need for surgical sampling by up to 70%.
• Shorten diagnostic turnaround time from days to hours.
• Free up imaging and pathology resources for other critical cases.

Driving Innovation and Legacy

The trial honors the legacy of Dame Deborah James, a journalist and advocate whose fundraising led to the creation of the Bowelbabe Laboratory. This facility will continue to focus on early cancer detection, supporting innovations like miONCO-Dx to save lives through prompt diagnosis.

As healthcare systems worldwide face growing demand, integrating AI-powered tests into routine screenings could mark a new era in precision medicine—delivering faster, more accurate results with minimal patient discomfort.

Key points

• AI-powered blood test detects 12 common cancers with 99% accuracy from just 10 drops
• miONCO-Dx locates tumor origin and reduces need for invasive diagnostics
• NHS clinical trial involves 8,000 patients supported by £2.4 million funding