Scientists from the UK’s University of Exeter have developed a method for interpreting standard blood tests, which can assist in the early detection of cancer.
This new approach is being integrated into the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (RDUH).
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Each year, the RDUH team processes approximately 500,000 blood tests that include a platelet count. A high platelet count can sometimes indicate the presence of certain cancers, such as lung and bowel cancers.
The new algorithm will enable a more tailored analysis of raised blood platelet levels, allowing for individual variations to be considered, which is not currently the practice.
It is estimated that the algorithm could flag nearly 500 subjects with increased platelets annually, with approximately 20 of these cases potentially leading to an earlier cancer diagnosis.
When a high platelet count is detected, general practitioners (GPs) will receive a notification along with guidance on the subsequent steps for investigation.
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By GlobalDataThe pilot phase of this initiative will involve blood tests from five medical centres in Devon.
The study was led by Sarah Bailey, who is an associate professor of Primary Care Diagnostics at the university.
Bailey said: “This study paves the way for more tailored interpretation alongside practical advice for GPs about next steps. We’re delighted to see it in action in Devon already, and we hope to see it rolled out even further, to benefit patients and potentially save lives.”
The pilot is expected to last for two years, with plans for a phased expansion.
If successful and implemented across the NHS, the algorithm could identify 10,000 subjects each year with elevated platelet counts before a cancer diagnosis.
Funded by philanthropist David Walton, the study of the university’s team involved reviewing data from more than six million adults aged over 40 from England, Australia, and Canada.
It revealed that natural variations in platelet count could be instrumental in diagnosing cancer sooner.
The High or Elevated Level of Platelets (HELP) Flag project leveraged anonymised electronic health records to track individuals who had a blood test within a year and monitored subsequent cancer diagnoses.
In collaboration with the Peninsula Cancer Alliance and RDUH, the university is carrying out an evaluation to analyse the new test in triggering earlier diagnosis warnings and to consider further rollout if proven successful. The evaluation is to be performed through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Exeter Biomedical Research Centre and Exeter HealthTech Research Centre.
