As a rule of thumb, treating cancer is much easier and more successful when detected early. In a UK report from 2018, only 55% of cancers are detected at stage 1 or 2. Cancer type also plays a significant role in early detection. In the report, 90% of testicular cancer cases were detected early, compared to only 22% of pancreatic cancers (ref 1). 

 Researchers have long been searching for screening methods that are minimally invasive, non-damaging, yet sensitive enough to detect small populations of cancerous cells, aiding and improving early detection. Out of this effort has grown an increased excitement around a genetic element called long non-protein coding RNA (lncRNA).

Read the full article on Twist’s Blog, Writing The Future.