Is Early Lung Cancer Detection on the Horizon?

• February 5, 2024

A recent article published on MedTech Dive sheds light on a new clinical trial initiated by Freenome, a private company specializing in multiomics diagnostics, on early detection of lung cancer through a blood test. 

With an enrollment target of 20,000 participants, the trial specifically targets current and former smokers aged 50 and older eligible for low-dose CT scans. Freenome’s innovative approach involves analyzing DNA, RNA, proteins, and more using machine learning to identify cell-free biomarker patterns indicative of cancer. This marks the company’s expansion into lung cancer following a successful 30,000-subject trial for colorectal cancer. 

The trial participants will provide blood samples for analysis and undergo screening chest CTs, with Freenome tracking them for at least 24 months. The study aims to evaluate the test’s sensitivity and specificity for lung cancer detection at 12 months, with a secondary endpoint assessing performance over 24 months. Freenome seeks FDA approval based on the trial data, proposing its blood test as a radiation-free alternative to CT imaging. 

Moreover, the study aligns with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s updated screening recommendations, which expanded eligibility criteria. If successful, Freenome’s test could offer a non-invasive and efficient option for lung cancer screening, potentially revolutionizing early detection in high-risk populations. The estimated primary completion date for the trial is June 2026.