How does the test work?

Anish Tripathi : The test leverages stem cells that were discovered by researchers in organ tissues. They are very small and rare, but play an extremely important role in fulfilling the requirements of an organ for the specialised cells.

Can the test really detect cancer at stage zero? What is stage zero?

Anish Tripathi : There is a 12 to 18 month window from the time the mutations start occurring in these stem cells and a fully blown tumour occurs. That’s the period when we can use this test to detect cancer early.

Why is early detection of cancer such a big deal?

Anish Tripathi : The number of cancer patients in India is significant. More than a million cancer patients are detected every year. A lot of doctors believe that the actual number of cancer patients suffering could be three to four times the number that is reported. However, the tragedy of cancer is that it is detected very late (third or fourth stage) when it is a strong disease, difficult to cure, the cost of treatment is high, the time of treatment is longer, and the possibility of fatality is also greater.

Anish Tripathi : The test is relevant for everyone – for asymptomatic people like you and me for screening purposes, for cancer patients, and even survivors. But, there are certain categories of people who have a higher predisposition to developing cancer, who are classically defined as a high-risk population, who should consider getting the test done for sure. These include: People with a family history of cancer Smokers Those who excessively consume alcohol

How much does it cost?

Anish Tripathi : We want to keep the price as low as possible in India. The list price is Rs 14,000, but can cost as low as Rs 9,000. There is still a large constituency of people who can afford to pay. However, for those people who cannot afford it, we are trying to figure out ways in which we can make it available.

What can this test change things for the future of cancer treatment, especially in India?

Unfortunately, the detection of these cells in stage zero is not considered cancer even by an oncologist today. You cannot start treatment without radiological evidence for a particular tumour. We hope that as our test becomes available across India, there will be a demand from oncologists to treat early-stage cancer, and then it will be up to the pharmaceutical companies to come up with treatment options for early-stage cancer.

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This Test Can Detect Cancer at Stage Zero: How Does It Work? Who Is It For?

"Detecting a potential tumour at stage zero makes it an infinitely more curable disease."

Anoushka Rajesh

Published: 26 Jun 2023, 7:00 AM IST

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What if testing for cancer could become part of your routine annual check up, and one could detect cancer even before a tumour is formed?

An early detection cancer test developed with Tzar Labs, Singapore - a specialised molecular diagnostic company - in collaboration with Mumbai-based Epigeneres Biotech, could make this a reality.

The simple blood test is a prognostic, non-invasive, and safe test for cancer detection, which can be taken as frequently as required.

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This Test Can Detect Cancer at Stage Zero: How Does It Work? Who Is It For?

"Detecting a potential tumour at stage zero makes it an infinitely more curable disease."

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Topics: Cancer Cancer testing Cancer In India