New Toshiba Blood Test Can Detect 13 Types of Cancers With a Drop of Blood

The new diagnosis method, which was created by the company in partnership with the National Cancer Center Research Institute and Tokyo Medical University, was unveiled on Monday, according to Mainichi.

 

The technology is designed to examine the types and concentration of microRNA molecules secreted in the blood from cancer cells. It could be used to promote the treatment of cancers from its earliest stage.

It is a simple blood test device that can detect 13 different types of cancer, including pancreatic, stomach and breast cancers, with an accuracy rate of 99% in a matter of hours, NHK reported.

 

Toshiba is hoping to commercialize the product in “several years” once it passes trial at the beginning of next year.

Other companies have also created their own versions of this kind of technology, but Toshiba’s Frontier Research Laboratory chief research scientist, Koji Hashimoto, is confident their own product has the upper hand in the race.

“Compared to other companies’ methods, we have an edge in the degree of accuracy in cancer detection, the time required for detection and the cost,” Hashimoto said.

Toshiba created the chip and a small device that can make the diagnosis for just 20,000 yen ($180) or possibly less.

Feature Image Screenshot via Japan News