Led by Proteotype Diagnostics in collaboration with the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit (SCTU), the MODERNISED trial is testing a novel method that identifies immune-triggered protein changes in the blood, rather than relying solely on DNA from cancer cells.
Most current research into multi-cancer blood tests focuses on detecting abnormal DNA released by tumour cells, explained Professor Andy Davies, Director of the Southampton Cancer Research UK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre. But this circulating tumour DNA is often undetectable in the earliest stages. Instead, they are measuring specific proteins triggered by the immune response, which may offer an earlier warning sign.
The trial aims to recruit 1,000 patients, with more than 450 already enrolled across five hospital sites in Hampshire and Dorset. The study will soon expand to Manchester. It covers a wide range of solid tumours including breast, lung, bowel, prostate, ovarian, pancreatic, and melanoma, among others.
One of the participants, 72-year-old Ian Robinson from Fawley, was diagnosed with bowel cancer during a routine NHS screening, despite showing no symptoms. “You’d never know until it’s too advanced,” he said. “This research could help protect my children and grandchildren.”
Dr Victoria Goss, Head of Early Diagnosis Research at SCTU, highlighted the need for broader screening. “Currently, the UK only screens for four types of cancer. We need more inclusive, faster diagnostics. Earlier detection gives patients more treatment options and significantly better outcomes.”
The Enlighten test, still in early evaluation, has shown promising accuracy in initial studies. Control groups, including both symptomatic patients without cancer and healthy individuals, are being used to validate the results.
The trial is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Office for Life Sciences, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to research-led healthcare innovation.