In a pioneering research project, Network members Cansense, Swansea University, and Swansea Bay University Health Board have received further funding to develop a breakthrough approach in detecting lung cancer earlier with a simple blood test.

Lung cancer is one of the UK’s deadliest cancers, with late diagnoses contributing to poor survival rates. Traditional diagnostic tools, such as CT scans, cannot always determine if detected lung nodules are cancerous, which often leads to invasive follow-up appointments and delays in treatment.

Led by Professor Dean Harris, the study uses Raman spectroscopy, a cutting-edge technique that creates a unique molecular fingerprint from blood samples. The goal is to identify cancer-specific markers at a much earlier stage – potentially transforming the diagnostic pathway.

Swansea University spin-out company Cansense is based in our offices on-campus, and is working on advancing non-invasive cancer diagnostics. This is instrumental in applying and scaling this technology. As a Network member, their collaboration strengthens ties between academic research and real-world clinical application, embodying the our mission to bridge health innovation with impact.

With over 60 patients already participating, the study’s new funding from the Medical Research Council Impact Acceleration Account holds promise for integrating blood tests into national screening protocols. If successful, this could enable GPs across Wales and beyond to detect lung cancer earlier, improving survival rates and reducing strain on NHS diagnostic services.