Weill Cornell Medicine researchers have received a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program to validate a new blood test for the early detection of breast cancer. The grant will support the evaluation of Syantra DX Breast Cancer, an experimental diagnostic test that uses artificial intelligence to detect specific biomarkers associated with breast cancer. The test aims to identify breast cancer in its early stages, allowing for timely treatment and potentially saving lives.
The principal investigator of the study, Dr. Massimo Cristofanilli, explains that the new liquid biopsy has the potential to detect breast cancer at a very early stage. Early diagnosis is crucial as it enables treatment to start sooner when it is most effective. Currently, about 240,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the United States, with nearly 42,000 deaths resulting from the disease.
The Syantra DX Breast Cancer test will be evaluated in women between the ages of 30 and 75 who have an elevated risk of developing breast cancer. This includes women with dense breast tissue, abnormal mammograms, genetic predisposition, or suspicious breast symptoms. Mammography is the gold standard for breast cancer screening but is less effective in women with dense breast tissue, which affects almost half of all women.
Participants in the study will have their blood drawn for the liquid biopsy and also undergo standard-of-care screening with mammography or other recommended procedures such as MRI or ultrasound. The primary goal of the study is to measure the specificity and sensitivity of the Syantra DX Breast Cancer test. A positive test result would require follow-up assessment with a pathologist for confirmation.
In addition to improving early detection, the researchers hope that the blood test can be used in underserved populations or areas where standard imaging equipment is not readily available. It could also simplify regular screening by offering a simple blood test that can be conducted at a local doctor’s office, reducing the need for travel to an imaging center.
Dr. Cristofanilli emphasizes the importance of this new technology for detecting cancer in the blood, as it offers innovative solutions to improve outcomes for women. The researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine strive to provide the best possible technologies for breast cancer detection and care.
The study will be conducted in collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and the University of Calgary. By validating the Syantra DX Breast Cancer test, researchers hope to make breast cancer screening more accessible and effective worldwide, offering early detection and potentially reducing the need for invasive treatments.
The grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program demonstrates the importance of funding research that aims to address the challenges of breast cancer detection and improve outcomes for patients. With further validation and development, the Syantra DX Breast Cancer test could revolutionize early detection and contribute to saving more lives.
