Breaking news reports have called a new blood test which can allegedly pick up 12 of the most common cancers in the blood before symptoms show, a ‘bloody miracle’. A Scottish Sun report from this week lists bowel cancer as among the cancers which can be detected by the test. In addition, in controlled studies the test has been called ’99 percent accurate’.
While the test is currently in the trial stages, if successful it could be offered more widely across the NHS (National Health Service) in the next couple of years. Its success has been attributed to the incorporation of AI-powered technologies and professionals believe it could be a game-changer.
The test, called miONCO-Dx, is currently part of an 8 000-patient trial on the NHS, funded by a £2.4 million UK government grant. It is being developed by British biotech startup, XGENERA, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Southampton. It is being piloted in GP surgeries and hospitals across England.
State-Of-The-Art Testing Methods
The revolutionary test works by analysing microRNA (miRNA) in the blood. These are tiny molecules which play a role in gene regulation and can indicate the presence of cancer. Unique patterns of miRNAs act like biological fingerprints for different types of cancer, and these changes can be identified in the bloodstream before symptoms arise.
The test uses AI to interpret complex patterns in the microRNA data and determine if cancer is present.
A small blood sample, similar to a routine test, is collected and analysed using machine learning algorithms trained on data from over 10 000 patients. The AI scans the miRNA patterns and matches them to known cancer signatures, not only detecting the presence of cancer but often identifying the specific type.
The ‘Big 12’ – The 12 Common Cancers Identifiable By The Test
Researchers are excited about the potential the revolutionary test has in detecting 12 different types of cancer. These cancers have been identified as bowel (colorectal), lung, breast, pancreatic, prostate, bladder, liver, stomach, ovarian, esophageal, kidney and cervical cancer.
Because it is non-invasive, fast, and scalable, miONCO-Dx offers significant advantages over traditional diagnostic methods. It eliminates the need for invasive procedures unless necessary, delivers quick results, and is suitable for large-scale screening programmes such as those currently being trialled by the NHS.
Its ability to detect cancers early means that treatment can be implemented straight away and chances of survival are increased. It also promises to be cost effective, potentially reducing the burden on NHS diagnostic services.
A Need For Early Detection And Effective Treatment
As of 2025, global cancer statistics underscore the growing burden of the disease worldwide. Here’s an overview of the most recent data and projections:
In 2022, there were approximately 20 million new cancer cases globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This same year saw around 9.7 million cancer-related deaths.
WHO statistics further state that about one in five individuals will develop cancer in their lifetime, with approximately one in 9 men and one in 12 women dying from the disease.
By 2050, the global cancer burden is expected to increase by approximately 77 percent, potentially reaching 35 million new cases annually.
It is expected the early diagnosis suggested by the test and the faster resulting treatment implementation could impact the lives of millions affected by the threat of cancer.