A decisive step toward democratizing cancer diagnosis: the global potential of an accessible, AI-powered blood test

A recent publication in npj Precision Oncology marks a milestone in translational oncology: the multicenter validation of OncoSeek, an artificial intelligence–driven blood test capable of detecting up to 14 types of cancer early, with high accuracy, low cost, and scalability even in low-resource settings.

Led by an international consortium of researchers from China, the United States, and Brazil, the study enrolled 15,122 participants, including 3,029 patients with cancer, across seven centers and four analytical platforms. The test achieved a global sensitivity of 58.4%, specificity of 92%, and 70.6% accuracy in identifying the tissue of origin. Among the cancers detected were some of the world’s deadliest — pancreatic, liver, lung, ovarian, and gastric cancers — together responsible for more than 70% of global cancer mortality.

Developed by SeekIn Inc. and validated with the participation of Brazilian oncologist and scientist Dr. Raphael Brandão, OncoSeek combines seven circulating protein tumor markers with an AI-based algorithm. Its distinguishing feature is simplicity and scalability: the test can be performed on standard immunoassay equipment already available in most hospitals, at a cost below US$25 per sample, with a turnaround time of under 90 minutes. These attributes make it particularly promising for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 70% of cancer deaths result from late diagnosis.

Beyond technological innovation, OncoSeek represents a paradigm shift in early detection — merging data science, accessible biomarkers, and diagnostic equity. By enabling the detection of multiple tumor types through a single blood test, this approach opens the door to more equitable and cost-effective population screening strategies.

The study underscores Latin America’s growing contribution to global oncology research and exemplifies how international collaboration can accelerate innovation that serves public health worldwide. If confirmed in larger prospective studies, OncoSeek may redefine global cancer screening, transforming a drop of blood into a window of opportunity for early detection and survival.

#OncoSeek #CancerDetection #PrecisionOncology #ArtificialIntelligence #GlobalHealth

Editorial note

This text was produced with the support of artificial intelligence and reviewed by a qualified professional to ensure the scientific accuracy and integrity of its content.