Science and Technology

Breakthrough in Early Cancer Detection: Serum Detect Innovates Liquid Biopsy Methods

Revolutionary Approach Unveiled

In a remarkable advancement for early cancer detection, Serum Detect, under the leadership of industry veterans from Foundation Medicine and Gritstone bio, has unveiled a groundbreaking method for enhancing the sensitivity of liquid biopsy tests. Their innovative approach leverages the advancements in the analysis of T-cell receptor repertoires, offering a powerful new tool to detect early-stage cancers that would otherwise remain unnoticed using standard testing methods.

AACR Presentation: The Next Diagnostic Frontier

At the forthcoming American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) conference, Serum Detect will present their pioneering method, which exemplifies the potential to augment and refine the current landscape of cancer diagnostics. Their research focuses on utilizing conventional liquid biopsy specimens to develop diagnostic tests that bolster the current screening methodologies for early cancer detection.

The Imperative of Early Diagnosis

Roman Yelensky, Ph.D., the founder and CEO of Serum Detect, emphasizes the critical importance of early cancer detection for improving survival rates. Delayed diagnoses often confine treatment options and elevate mortality risks. It is a priority for biomedical research to create effective, affordable technological solutions to diagnose cancer at an early stage—a mission Serum Detect is committed to fulfilling.

Liquid Biopsy: A Tool for Early Detection

Liquid biopsy refers to the process of diagnosing cancer through simple blood tests. Although current methods primarily track tumor-shed molecules like circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and have made remarkable strides in detecting recurring and late-stage cancers, they typically stumble when it comes to identifying early-stage diseases, where analytes are in lower concentrations. Recognizing the need for a more expansive detection capability, researchers are exploring whether the immune response to cancer could offer a more prevalent molecular target for screening. Yet, translating this research into practical assays that could complement and amplify existing clinical liquid biopsy techniques has remained a daunting challenge. Serum Detect has risen to this challenge with its proprietary technology.

The Biological Underpinnings of Serum Detect's Method

Founded with a clear vision to surmount these diagnostic barriers, Serum Detect's technology rests upon state-of-the-art computational strategies developed by co-founder Bo Li, Ph.D., at the University of Texas Southwestern. By enhancing scalable algorithms for T-cell receptor (TCR) clustering and statistical association testing within expansive TCR repertoire databases, Li has demonstrated the potential to distinguish groups of similar TCRs that acknowledge the same antigens during immune responses. Serum Detect has proven that TCR repertoire functional units (RFUs) relate to cancer presence and is in the process of developing diagnostics to detect RFUs associated with a cancer-specific immune response.

A Significant Advance in Early Cancer Detection

Using the buffy coat—a residual component of standard liquid biopsy blood samples—the company's methodology offers an exciting, complementary, and orthogonal approach relative to existing methods, potentially amplifying the ability to detect early-stage cancer. With the integration of this cutting-edge technology, Serum Detect is exploring partnerships to enhance ctDNA tests and is also planning to develop diagnostic products internally.

The Expertise Behind Serum Detect

The founding team of Serum Detect brings an unrivaled depth of knowledge in the field. CEO Roman Yelensky, Ph.D. brings invaluable experience from his tenure at Foundation Medicine and Gritstone bio in developing cancer genomics technologies and diagnostics. Co-founder Bo Li, Ph.D., now an Associate Professor at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and his lab at the University of Texas Southwestern and the University of Pennsylvania have devised an array of computational methods intended to isolate cancer-related signals within the TCR repertoire.

Exclusive Insights at AACR 2024

At the AACR Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA, from April 5-10, 2024, Serum Detect will share data indicating the significant value of TCR repertoire analysis for the early detection of cancer. This presentation will spotlight the ability to detect a considerable portion of incipient lung cancer cases by examining the circulating TCR repertoire, an approach that complements established analytes like ctDNA.

For detailed abstract information, the full content is accessible online.

AACR Poster Presentation Details

The company's breakthrough findings will be exhibited through the following poster presentation:

• Poster Title: "Circulating T cell receptor repertoire analysis improves cancer early detection"

• Presentation Number: 2295

• Presenters: Yilong Li, Ph.D.; Michelle Nahas, Ph.D.; Roman Yelensky, Ph.D.

• Session Title: "Liquid Biopsy and Precision Oncology"

• Session Date and Time: Monday, Apr 8, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

• Location: Poster Section 36; Poster Board Number 6

About Serum Detect

Serum Detect stands at the forefront of cancer diagnostics, diligently working to pioneer new technologies for the early detection of the disease. Its focus remains unwavering on developing analysis techniques that identify subtle immunological responses to early-stage cancer through the use of standard liquid biopsy samples.

For more about Serum Detect and its transformative technology, please visit www.serumdetect.com or connect with the company on LinkedIn.

Early Detection: Shaping the Future of Cancer Care

The medical community acknowledges that the ability to detect cancer in its early stages significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. By pushing the envelope and delivering novel diagnostic methods, such as those produced by Serum Detect, these enhanced capabilities signify hope and progress.

Pioneering Promises Fulfilled

The commitment of Serum Detect to address the monumental challenge of early cancer detection reflects a promising future for patients worldwide. The intelligence embedded in their scientific pursuits, especially the use of sophisticated algorithms and immunological insights, may soon become the standard for preemptive cancer screening protocols.

Collaborative Efforts for Comprehensive Care

Serum Detect's pursuit of partnerships with established ctDNA testing methodologies signals a future where multiple diagnostic approaches work in tandem for a complete analysis of early-stage cancers. The promise of such collaboration implies a more comprehensive screening process, potentially saving countless lives through the early interception of cancer.

The Company's Robust Foundation

The richness of expertise among the founders of Serum Detect assures the company's scientific and strategic trajectory. With proven track records in the realm of genomics and a knack for innovation, they are poised to make a difference in the landscape of early cancer detection and diagnostic technologies.

AACR: A Platform for Innovation

As Serum Detect steps onto the stage of the AACR Annual Meeting, their presence symbolizes the convergence of scientific research and practical applications for early cancer detection. It is at such esteemed conferences where the sharing of knowledge and groundbreaking research propels the medical field forward, benefiting patients on a global scale.

The Final Word: A Call to Advance Diagnostic Technologies

The saga of evolving cancer detection methods is witnessing a new chapter with contributions from Serum Detect. Their efforts to revolutionize the liquid biopsy space underscore an emerging era in oncology - one where early detection is not just a possibility, but a reality.

Conclusion: Embracing a New Diagnostic Dawn

Serum Detect’s innovative approach to liquid biopsy and early cancer detection heralds a new era in oncology diagnostics. With the combination of expertise and advanced technology, Serum Detect is setting a new course in the quest for more efficient and sensitive cancer screening methods. As the company moves forward, the medical community eagerly anticipates the transformative impact this approach will have on saving lives and improving cancer care.

(SOURCE Serum Detect Inc.)