New AI Technology Enhances Cancer Monitoring Through Blood Tests

A groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) tool has been developed by scientists at the A*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore (A*STAR GIS) to enhance the monitoring of cancer through blood tests. This new method, named Fragle, allows for quick and cost-effective tracking of cancer by analyzing DNA fragments found in blood samples.

Fragle operates by requiring only a minimal amount of blood, enabling it to assess the size of DNA fragments. This analysis helps in distinguishing cancer-related DNA from that of healthy cells, thus providing a reliable means for physicians to monitor responses to cancer treatments more frequently and accurately. The findings related to this innovative approach were published in the prestigious journal Nature Biomedical Engineering.

Traditional techniques for measuring circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood typically involve complex and expensive DNA sequencing processes. These methods can yield inconsistent results due to the variability of cancer mutations among patients, complicating the tracking of treatment efficacy. In contrast, Fragle uses AI to identify unique size patterns of DNA fragments, which differ between cancerous and healthy cells. This enables the tool to deliver faster results while using significantly less genetic material.

The Fragle method has proven to be highly reliable, demonstrating accuracy across various blood samples from numerous cancer patients with different types of cancer. Furthermore, it is adaptable, functioning seamlessly with many established DNA profiling techniques currently in use in medical facilities.

• Cost-Effective: The Fragle method is expected to reduce monitoring costs dramatically, with estimates suggesting a price point below SGD $50, compared to over SGD $1000 for conventional tests.
• Versatility: Its compatibility with common DNA profiling methods makes it easy for hospitals and laboratories to integrate Fragle into their existing workflows.
• Early Detection of Relapse: Fragle has the capability to detect minimal residual disease (MRD), allowing for earlier identification of potential cancer relapses post-treatment.

According to Dr. Anders Skanderup, a Senior Principal Scientist at A*STAR GIS, the Fragle tool is analogous to tracking viral outbreaks by analyzing genetic material in wastewater. It provides a similar approach to monitoring cancer treatment responses and early relapse detection.

The research team is now focused on enhancing Fragle's sensitivity to detect lower levels of cancer DNA, which is crucial for identifying disease relapse at an earlier stage. They are collaborating with the National Cancer Center Singapore (NCCS) to explore clinical applications and opportunities for this innovative technology.

Associate Professor Daniel Tan from the NCCS expressed enthusiasm about initiating studies to determine how Fragle can be utilized for earlier detection of disease relapse in lung cancer patients.

In an ongoing clinical trial involving over 100 participants, the research team is utilizing Fragle to monitor ctDNA levels bi-monthly during treatment. The objective is to identify signs of relapse before they become apparent on standard imaging scans. Additionally, they aim to ascertain whether early fluctuations in ctDNA can predict patient responses to therapy, thereby assessing the value of integrating ctDNA tests into routine cancer monitoring.

Dr. Wan Yue, Executive Director at A*STAR GIS, expressed optimism regarding the potential of Fragle to enhance cancer tracking and treatment monitoring. This advancement is anticipated to lead to improved cancer care, benefiting not only the local population in Singapore but also offering global health implications.

For further detail, the original research can be found in Nature Biomedical Engineering.