Could a simple blood test powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and protein analysis detect cancer at an early stage? A major clinical trial launched in England is seeking to answer that question.
The study, known as STRIDE-RCT, is being conducted by the University of Birmingham and focuses on 13 types of cancer, including bowel, pancreatic, stomach, liver, ovarian, prostate, kidney and bladder cancer.
More than 20,000 patients aged over 45 are taking part across 200 GP practices. They have symptoms such as persistent bloating, abdominal pain or discomfort.
The research will examine whether GPs can use these tests to identify signs of cancer earlier and refer patients for further investigations, potentially improving their chances of successful treatment.
UK Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said that the earlier cancer is detected, the greater the chances of successful treatment. She said the trial would establish whether simple blood tests could help GPs identify much earlier those patients who need urgent medical attention.
Early diagnosis can improve survival rates
The importance of early detection is reflected in figures from England’s healthcare system.
Around 71,000 cases of pancreatic, stomach, liver, ovarian and bowel cancer are diagnosed in England each year, while almost 35,000 people die from these diseases.
For example, around nine in 10 patients diagnosed with bowel cancer at stage one survive, compared with just one in 10 of those diagnosed at stage four.
Professor Anil Bango, one of the study’s lead researchers, said many patients reach specialists after experiencing vague symptoms for months. Meanwhile, most people referred urgently because of suspected cancer are ultimately found not to have the disease.
He said the new technology could help doctors distinguish more effectively between these cases, reducing both delays in diagnosis and unnecessary referrals.
Trial funded with £8.49 million in government support
The programme is funded by the UK Government, with funding expected to reach £8.49 million.
It has begun in urban, rural and socially deprived areas of England.
Researchers will assess how effective the tests are when used alongside GPs’ clinical judgement. Any decision on whether they could be introduced nationwide will depend on the findings.
No specific timetable has yet been announced for the publication of the first results.
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