Nuclear imaging tests, such as positron emission tomography (PET), sometimes use weakly radioactive compounds linked to molecules that bind to specific targets on the surface of cancer cells. Specialized cameras can then reveal even tiny deposits of cancer cells, helping to measure the spread of cancer through the body. And a big advantage of having imaging and treatment molecules that use the same target is that imaging can then give doctors a sneak preview of whether the treatment is likely to work.
the global Cancer Diagnostics Market was pegged at $168.60 billion in 2020, and is estimated to reach $280.59 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2020 to 2028.
Increase in incidences and prevalence of various cancer types, initiatives by government and other organizations to spread awareness about cancer, and surge in number of diagnostics laboratories in developed countries drive the growth of the global cancer diagnostics market. However, risk of high radiation exposure by the use of CT scanners and high cost associated with diagnostics imaging systems hinder the market growth. On the contrary, development of diagnostic approaches for various cancer mutations is expected to create lucrative opportunities for the market players in the future.
Lunit’s AI boosts Guardant Health’s cancer detection capability
South Korean AI company Lunit has tied up with its investor, Guardant Health, for AI integration.
Under the partnership, Lunit will integrate its PD-L1 scoring algorithm into Guardant’s cancer biomarker detection workflow in the Guardant360 TissueNextTM PD-L1 test for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Lunit SCOPE PD-L1, a CE-marked AI solution, detects and analyses PD-L1, a type of cancer biomarker.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Lunit SCOPE PD-L1 does AI-based quantification of tissue samples using a scoring system. Integrating it with the Guardant test will enhance biomarker assessment for NSCLC patients, the company claimed in a press statement. The AI has helped lift the test’s detection of PD-L1 by over 20% compared to manual pathologist interpretation.
THE LARGER TREND
In 2021, Guardant Health backed Lunit’s Series C Tranche B funding round with a $26 million investment. The company previously said that it expects its investment in the company to be used in developing new precision oncology products that improve cancer care.