Blood Test Predicts Childhood Cancer Relapse, Saves Lives
Detecting ‘Leftover’ Cells to Predict cancer Relapse Risks
Tags: SingHealth Duke-NUS, Singapore, Healthcare & Lifesciences
A team from KKH, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and the Institute for Health Innovation and Technology has developed a non-invasive method to predict childhood cancer relapse by analyzing circulating cancer cells in blood samples. This approach identifies "leftover" cancer cells and specific genes linked to cancer spread and relapse, particularly in neuroblastoma, enabling early intervention and potentially life-saving treatments. The method is pain-free, requires only a small blood sample, and is less costly than traditional tests. The team aims to extend this technology to other childhood cancers to improve treatment monitoring and relapse prediction. This innovation provides a promising tool for early relapse detection in pediatric oncology.
IP Type or Form Factor: Platform
TRL: 4 - minimum viable product built in lab
Industry or Tech Area: Diagnostics & Screening; Healthcare Provider
