Breakthrough in bowel cancer research will boost up diagnosis

Patients could soon benefit from a groundbreaking blood test to detect bowel cancer earlier, faster, and more affordably, reducing reliance on invasive procedures like colonoscopies. Developed by UK-based Xgenera and the University of Southampton, the miONCO-Dx test uses AI to analyse blood samples for cancer signals with over 99% accuracy. Supported by £2.4 million in government funding, it will soon undergo clinical trials involving 8,000 patients. Detecting bowel cancer early is critical, as survival rates are significantly higher at stage 1. This innovation forms part of the government’s wider “Plan for Change” to enhance NHS cancer care, which has already improved diagnosis wait times. Alongside the new BowelBabe Laboratory, dedicated to bowel cancer research, these efforts aim to position the UK as a leader in cancer detection and treatment. By investing in early diagnostics, the government hopes to improve outcomes, reduce NHS strain, and save more lives through earlier, more effective intervention.

05-05-2025