A ground-breaking at home finger-prick blood test to measure patient cancer remission and reoccurrence could transform cancer monitoring.
The Victorian Cancer Biobank (VCB), which collects tissue, blood and data for cancer research and clinical trials in Victoria, hopes that this new technology may one day allow us to manage cancer reoccurrence as easily as monitoring blood sugar levels for diabetic patients.
"It is estimated that 78 million people globally are currently in cancer remission, and the Cancer Biomarker biosensor test could potentially revolutionise cancer monitoring which is currently only available through a clinic or hospital-based imaging and blood tests,” Victorian Cancer Biobank General Manager Wayne Ng said.
Established in 2006, the Victorian Cancer Biobank is a consortium through long-term partnerships between Cancer Council Victoria as the lead agency, and five major health precincts in Melbourne. The Biobank has fuelled the growth of cancer research both locally and globally, putting Victoria at the forefront of research advancements.
Dr Ng hopes the handheld portable cancer biosensor test will allow patients to perform a vital test at home.
“This will be a game changer for cancer monitoring which is currently only available through clinic or hospital-based imaging and blood tests,” said Dr Ng.
Universal Biosensors, a Victorian-based company, has obtained bio specimens from the Biobank for their international development clinical study into the biosensor test.
The initial feasibility testing conducted using Biobank samples has assessed the performance of the test in a cohort of 130 patients across multiple cancer types, including colorectal, prostate and breast.
“We encourage more people to donate their samples through our partnered hospitals so we can continue to support the development of this test and many more lifesaving research projects,” Dr Ng added.
"The Victorian Cancer Biobank plays a critical role in supporting life-saving cancer research and clinical trials in Victoria. Thanks to the patients and scientists who contribute to this biobank, we have an invaluable resource that is driving great advances for cancer patients," said Todd Harper AM.