science
NHS trials AI blood test for ovarian cancer screening
A blood test developed by a Leeds firm is being introduced at two NHS trusts after showing 99 percent accuracy in detecting or ruling out womb cancer among 3,313 women. Officials say the test could reduce the need for uncomfortable ultrasound scans for one in five of the 90,000 postmenopausal women referred each year in England.
Jul 7, 7:01 PM·1m read1 source
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An AI-powered blood test is being rolled out at two NHS trusts after a trial showed it can detect or rule out womb cancer with 99 percent accuracy. The test analyzes 30 blood markers to classify patients as low, elevated or high risk. In the Yorkshire study of 16,481 patients, it correctly identified cancer status for all 3,313 women referred because of heavy postmenopausal bleeding.
Current diagnostic process Under existing NHS rules, every woman referred for suspected womb cancer receives a transvaginal ultrasound scan. About 20 percent of the 90,000 women sent for investigation each year in England do not have cancer. If the scan or later tests raise concern, patients may undergo a biopsy or hysteroscopy.
Planned use at two trusts Mid Yorkshire NHS teaching trust will begin using the test for six gynaecological and upper gastrointestinal cancers. Leeds teaching hospitals NHS trust will adopt it for gynaecological cancer. The test was developed by Leeds-based PinPoint Data Science.
Its chief medical officer said the 99 percent accuracy rate for womb cancer is remarkable by clinical standards and that the test can safely identify very low-risk women. A GP at a West Yorkshire practice said the test could shorten the process of ruling out cancer, which sometimes requires up to six visits.
A consultant gynaecologist at the Leeds trust said the test allows more intelligent triage and could shorten waiting lists. Cancer Research UK described the results as promising but said more research is needed to confirm benefits for patients and the NHS.
