January 2023 Digital Health Roundup

January 2023 Digital Health Roundup

Science and technology are working together to help with cancer screening and treatment. Machine learning uses artificial intelligence to process data in large quantities with more efficiency and accuracy. A new multicancer screening test has been developed to detect cancer in early stages. This test uses a small amount of blood in combination with machine learning to screen for cancer. With the help of machine learning, a new genetic test has been helpful to test whether a specific cancer treatment will be effective in ovarian cancer patients. New technology is now available to expedite necessary surgery for lung cancer patients.

New Multi-Cancer Test Can Detect Disease at Early Stages with Small Amounts of Blood, Urine

Now, researchers from Chalmers University of Technology have demonstrated that a previously untested method can detect multiple types of cancers early on, including types that are currently difficult to detect reports StudyFinds. While studying metabolism, scientists discovered glycosaminoglycan, which is crucial for cell growth and repair. This sugar has been found to be a biomarker for early cancer detection. Scientists use a small amount of blood or urine with machine learning algorithms to detect this metabolite. It has been shown to help detect all 14 different cancers in their early stages. This test is a simple method that costs less to produce, making it more easily available for patients. Detecting cancer earlier allows for earlier access to treatment for cancer patients which improves patient outcomes. Click to read the full story.

Genetic Test Identifies Ovarian Cancer Patients Likely to Benefit from PARP Inhibitors

The genetic test helps to identify patients who do not benefit from the drug, thus avoiding unnecessary treatment and the adverse effects associated with the drug reports Technology Networks. The PARP inhibitors used to treat this cancer have the potential to cause serious side effects. This drug is used to treat more than half of patients with ovarian cancer. The test checks for a deficiency in specific DNA repair pathways; these are the patients that have tumor types that are sensitive to the PARP inhibitors. Patients that can have these inhibitors can use this therapy for treatment of their ovarian cancer as well as maintenance treatment after surgery. This test uses a genetic test with the help of algorithms from machine learning to guide the patient’s treatment. Doctors use this test to give the proper treatment for the cancer, thereby extending the patient’s life. Click to read the full story.

Game-Changing Tech Means You Could get Surgery the Same Day You’re Diagnosed with Lung Cancer

It can take several weeks to diagnose, and then treat someone with surgery, for lung cancer. But for some patients, INOVA Health System can do both procedures on the same day, thanks to new cutting-edge robotic technology reports NBC Bay Area. This process involves doctors using a bronchoscopy with a biopsy. It allows for staging the lymph nodes and surgery if needed, all in one day. Patients usually must wait weeks or months for the results of a biopsy as well as scheduling a surgery. This wait time causes the patients added stress and anxiety. The expense to the patient is also less by having the procedure done in one day versus paying for two hospital visits. To qualify for this procedure, the patient needs to have findings of a lung nodule that has not spread anywhere. Click to read the full story.