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17 June 2021
Researchers pilot new tests for the early detection of lung cancer, as ground-breaking trial gets underway in Yorkshire
The first participants are being invited to take part in a ground-breaking research trial that aims to save lives by improving the early diagnosis of lung cancer.
Lung cancer is the biggest cause of cancer death in the UK and worldwide. In the UK, 25,000 people are diagnosed with advanced, inoperable lung cancer every year.
The iDx Lung trial led by The Leeds Centre for Personalised Medicine and Health (LCPMH), together with the University of Leeds and Southampton University, are working alongside NHS England’s Targeted Lung Health Checks programme and the Yorkshire Cancer Research-funded Leeds Lung Health Check, in collaboration with industry.
People at high risk of lung cancer who are attending mobile CT (computed tomography) scanning units in the community in Leeds will be invited to participate in the iDx Lung trial and will give a nasal swab and a blood sample. The samples will then be analysed for changes that may indicate the presence of early cancer development.
The study aims to collect samples from 4,000 patients in Yorkshire and combining the results of simple biological tests with the results from the CT scan will better identify those most at risk, improving the accuracy of the diagnosis, as well as dramatically improving outcomes for patients.
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What’s more, the diagnostic process will be streamlined, saving money and ensuring resources are directed to help those with the greatest need.
Richard Neal, Professor of Primary Care Oncology at the University of Leeds, and a GP in the city said:
“We are delighted to be working on this important project with University of Southampton, the NHS and industry partners. Lung cancer remains a huge problem as we continue to see it diagnosed at a very advanced stage. This work will help us to target those at most risk and diagnose the disease at an earlier and treatable stage.”
Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “In Yorkshire, lung cancer incidence and mortality rates are significantly higher than the England average. The Leeds Lung Health Check, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, has checked thousands of people in the city for early signs of the disease through screening.
“These patients will now have the opportunity to take part in additional tests using cutting-edge technology that can find cancer at an even earlier stage than screening. Bringing pioneering trials like iDx Lung to Yorkshire is a key part of the charity’s aim to save lives in our region.”
The Leeds Centre for Personalised Medicine and Health is part of Leeds Academic Health Partnership.
Dr Liz Mear, Managing Director of the Partnership said: “This is great news as we strengthen our approach to personalised health and focus on new approaches to prevent ill health and reduce health inequalities.
“Our Centre is already recognised for its excellent work and we’re delighted to be involved with this important study.”
The trial is being funded by a £2.75m grant from UK Research and Innovation’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) and £750,000 from Cancer Research UK and is part of a total investment of £10 million from the Government’s Early Diagnosis Mission.
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