A Simple Blood Test, A Giant Leap in Cancer Detection
We use a unique 6-protein panel that acts as a precise identifier to differentiate lung cancer patients from healthy individuals. This is how it works: First, a standard blood sample is taken, just like during a regular check-up at your family doctor or a clinic. This sample contains something called plasma, which is key to our testing. In lung cancer patients, we’ve found that five of these proteins are found in higher amounts than usual, while one is found in a lower amount. Think of these proteins as markers or flags that signal the presence of lung cancer. An algorithm evaluates from the resulting data points if a person is likely to have lung cancer or not.
To detect these markers, we employ two cutting-edge techniques: Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
Mass Spectrometry is like a high-tech scale that weighs and identifies proteins by breaking them down into ions. Each protein has its unique ‘weight signature,’ allowing us to pinpoint and quantify the markers in the blood. On the other hand, ELISA works a bit like a detective with a magnifying glass. It uses specially designed antibodies to latch onto and highlight the proteins we’re interested in. A secondary antibody, attached to an enzyme, acts as a signal amplifier, creating a color change that tells us how much of each marker is present.
At Aerion Bioscience, we’re not just stopping there. We’re developing a user-friendly test kit based on ELISA for easy use and mass scalability for large scale screening of high-risk groups, and we’re also partnering with labs to offer the high-precision MS technique. Our goal? To make early detection of lung cancer simple, accessible, and reliable for everyone.