It Takes Two
We have an "inside-out" method with Multi-cancer Early Detection (Blood) test and an "outside-in" method with Body Imaging (MRI) to enhance sensitivity for detecting Stage I cancers.
Multi-cancer Early Detection uses DNA sequencing technology to amplify any existing cancer DNA in the blood to the point where it becomes detectable. It has the potential to be highly sensitive for picking up genetic mutations.
DNA and mRNA Mutations that are found in cancer are well documented, and can in some cases even provide predictive potential for spreading/metastasis as well as treatment options that target specific mutations.
Blood testing can provide a wholesale analysis for detecting up to 50 types of Active Cancer. Positive tests need to be confirmed with a diagnostic scan with ultrasound, CT, or MRI.
These are tests for Active cancers, not cancer predispositions.
Objective
Pick-up cancer mutations that denote Active Cancer early, sometimes even before a visible tumor develops.
Limitations
While the chemistry is quite foolproof, the bioinfomatics required for accurate analysis is slow, and continue to improve with time, to be perfected with AI over time.
Routine physical examinations are not evidenced to produce any meaningful findings. Physical examinations are also limited finding superficial information. eg. listening to the lungs will not find a lung cancer, and the kidneys cannot be examined by touch as they are too deep in the body.
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Imaging modalities aim to resolve suspicious physical findings in the body. The Human body is not text-book perfect. The additional benefit to serial annual scans is to provide information on changes that occur over time, which enhances the ability to detect potential cancer growth/progression.
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A 3Tesla MRI is used for this process and is often called a "Full Body MRI". This is a 90min scanning process where the head is in the machine for 30min.
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MRIs carry no ionizing radiation and repeated scans does not increase cancer risk.
Objective
Pick up solid lesions early and monitor for growth over time or perform diagnostic scans in follow-up to rule out or confirm cancer.
Limitations
Inadequate resolution of the lungs due to movement/breathing. A CT low-dose of the chest is recommended for those with significant lung cancer risk.
Tumors too small to see are not seen or immediately treatable.
