Rhythm Biosciences (ASX:RHY), an Australian medical diagnostics company, announced advancements in its technology platform aimed at early detection of gastric cancer through blood-based protein biomarkers.
The company has identified combinations capable of distinguishing between cancer patients and healthy controls with high sensitivity and specificity.
Currently, invasive methods such as upper endoscopy combined with tissue biopsy serve as the gold standard for gastric cancer detection.
Rhythm's new approach could offer a less invasive and cost-effective alternative, which is crucial given the poor five-year survival rate of 38% for gastric cancer patients.
"In our latest study, we have identified promising combinations of 6, 7, and 8 protein biomarkers that show potential in early detection of gastric cancer," said Dr. David Atkins, CEO of Rhythm Biosciences.
"These results warrant further validation in a larger and more diverse population," Atkins added.
The geographical distribution of gastric cancer shows a significantly higher prevalence in Asia, where the disease rates can be up to six times higher compared to the USA.
Of the approximately one million new cases diagnosed globally every year, over 50% are in Asia, with countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam leading in numbers.
To confirm these promising results, Rhythm Biosciences is preparing plans to develop this diagnostic assay further, with an aim to validate and commercialise a proprietary blood test for early detection of gastric cancer.
The initiative aligns with the company's mission to improve patient outcomes and reduce the global burden of cancer.