AI Blood Test Revolutionizes Early Breast Cancer Detection
Australia Unveils Groundbreaking Lipid-Based Analysis
A pioneering artificial intelligence-powered blood test, developed in Australia, promises to detect breast cancer earlier and with less invasiveness than traditional methods.
Early Detection Breakthrough
This innovative test, now in clinical use in Sydney and Melbourne specialist clinics, identifies subtle molecular signals in blood. It can potentially diagnose cancer months or even years before symptoms manifest, a significant advancement over current imaging and biopsy techniques, according to UNSW Associate Professor Fatemeh Vafaee.
AI’s Crucial Role
The AI analyzes millions of molecular markers to pinpoint early cancer indicators. Fatemeh Vafaee and her Biomedical AI Laboratory at UNSW are at the forefront of this development.
“By integrating explainable AI techniques, we ensure that the models provide not only accurate outcomes but also clinically interpretable insights, crucial for building trust and supporting decision-making in real-world healthcare settings,” said Fatemeh Vafaee.
This AI-driven approach offers a vital new option for breast cancer screening, especially for women with dense breast tissue where conventional imaging may be less effective. The UNSW team collaborated with Australian biotechnology firm BCAL Diagnostics on this project.
Globally, efforts are underway to integrate AI-powered blood tests into standard breast cancer screening protocols.
Expanding to Other Cancers
The research team is actively developing multi-analyte tests capable of more precise cancer detection across various tumor types, including lung, liver, and brain cancers. They are also exploring the use of other biofluids like urine and saliva.
The integration of diverse data sources aims to provide a comprehensive view of a patient’s health.
Early detection remains key in cancer treatment outcomes. For instance, a 2023 study published in *JAMA Oncology* found that mammography screening reduced breast cancer mortality by an estimated 37% among women aged 50–74 in the United States.
