Welsh research aims to speed up lung cancer screening process

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the UK and responsible for more than 20% of all cancer deaths in Wales, with the majority of patients only diagnosed at an advanced stage. Only 6% of patients survive for five years post-diagnosis.  

Two trials supported by Health and Care Research Wales are exploring ways to speed up the lung cancer screening process, so treatment can be initiated sooner – both focusing on innovative blood tests. 

The first study led by Professors Dean Harris and Ira Goldsmith from Swansea Bay University Health Board is using a technique called Raman spectroscopy to detect changes in blood samples related to lung cancer. If successful, it is expected to significantly impact the diagnosis of lung cancer at an earlier stage. Professor Harris said: 

Early diagnosis is vital when a suspicious nodule is detected in the imaging process. Current screening tests involve CT scans which can’t always tell if nodules are cancerous. Our study is examining whether the blood test can identify malignant nodules sooner, allowing earlier intervention, or to identify whether nodules have a very low risk of becoming malignant in the future, which could avoid the need for further CT scans, saving resources. The outcome of this study could be hugely significant for earlier diagnosis of lung cancer, improving outcomes for our patients.” 

Patients who have had lung nodules detected are being recruited from across Swansea Bay, Cwm Taf Morgannwg and Aneurin Bevan University Health Boards. Their blood tests results are now being analysed, with early results expected this summer. 

The second study is also aiming to use a blood test to dramatically shorten the length of time from referral to the start of treatment.  

Co-led by Dr Madga Meissner, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Velindre Cancer Centre, and funded by a Health and Care Research Wales Research for Patient and Public Benefit (RfPPB) grant, the QuicDNA study introduced a new blood test that can detect genetic changes in circulating tumour DNA (known as ctDNA).  

Currently, patients with suspected lung cancer are referred for a biopsy to collect a small sample of tumour tissue. This is tested in NHS laboratories, with the results reviewed by clinicians to confirm diagnosis and plan treatment. This can take eight weeks or longer, which can be critical for those with advanced stage lung cancer. 

The ctDNA test results matched the tissue biopsy results in 98% of cases where both were available, and were available an average of two weeks earlier from the date of sample collection.  

This groundbreaking study was recognised with a prestigious Moondance Cancer Award in 2024. Its findings will now be validated in a larger study.  

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