Saving time and saving lives

Groundbreaking trials will help detect and treat lung cancer sooner

Published:: 30 May 2022

Southampton scientists are exploring new ways to detect lung cancer earlier, when it’s more treatable, to save more lives.

Working in collaboration with the University of Leeds and healthcare and diagnostic companies, the team at Cancer Research UK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit are offering 10,000 people at high risk of lung cancer a new test that could change the way lung cancer is diagnosed.

The trial, called iDx Lung, uses some of the latest molecular technology. The researchers are looking for markers in the blood that can identify unusual activity in a person’s immune system, which could signify the presence of cancer.

“Our biggest weapon will always be diagnosing early,” says Dr Catherine Pointer, Research Fellow in Experimental Cancer Medicine at Southampton. “The best thing that we can do is just give someone a blood test. Potentially, we will diagnose you months, if not years, earlier.”

Watch the video below to find out more about iDx Lung and the innovative research taking place in our labs.