Within the framework of the annual World Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), held this year in Barcelona, Kience presented the results of its latest validation study of an innovative non-invasive test based on blood and urine samples. This important event brings together the most prominent international companies in the sector, presenting the most innovative advances in cancer research.
The test proposed by Kience is specifically aimed at individuals aged 40 and older and promises to offer early and accurate screening for up to 42 types of solid tumors and 5 hematological neoplasms, even in early stages before any symptoms appear. Early detection is crucial as it increases the likelihood of successful treatment.
One of the most remarkable features of the test is its lower invasiveness, lower cost, and ability to offer fewer false positives compared to current market tests. This is due to a proprietary machine learning algorithm that includes the Barcelona Criteria. These criteria, established in 1994 by Dr. Rafael Molina and other members of the Spanish Society of Clinical Chemistry (SEQCML), focus on the correct interpretation of tumor markers.
To create the algorithm, Kience used a sample size of 192,090 patients, derived from the aggregation of more than 1,600 previous studies, some acquired through technology transfer contracts with medical centers. These samples were processed using complex mathematical functions to increase specificity and sensitivity. Subsequently, a specific sample of 314 patients was recruited, finally validated with 166 of them, whose blood and urine samples were analyzed by Laboratorio Echevarne in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona.
The initial results of the algorithm without the Barcelona Criteria showed a sensitivity of 100%, but a specificity of only 67% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 21%. By including the Barcelona Criteria, specificity and PPV significantly improved, both reaching 100%. These results demonstrate the importance of including these criteria in any test that uses tumor markers to avoid false positives and misdiagnosis.
Currently, Kience has initiated a new international clinical trial with 26,000 patients to further improve the accuracy of the algorithm in the general population. This trial will take place from September 2024 to December 2026.
Kience Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Delaware, United States, resulting from the integration of the Catalan companies Cloud Health Solutions, Bioprognos, and Blueberry Diagnostics. It focuses on developing revolutionary tests for cancer prevention, screening, and diagnostic confirmation.
via: MiMub in Spanish
