Strand Life Sciences, part of Reliance Industries, has secured an Indian patent for its innovative blood-based cancer detection technology, leveraging cell-free DNA analysis.
The patented platform integrates advanced genome sequencing, stringent quality control measures, and machine learning to analyze methylation patterns in cfDNA. This method is designed to identify cancer early and determine its tissue origin from a blood sample, addressing a critical need for sensitive diagnostics. The ability to detect widespread methylation changes with minimal errors is a significant advancement, as these changes are often indicative of cancer.
With over 1.5 million new cancer cases reported annually in India, early detection is vital, yet many patients are diagnosed at later stages when treatment options are limited. Current screening guidelines are inadequate, covering only a fraction of cancer types and lacking scalability. The new technology promises to enhance early detection capabilities without the need for extensive local infrastructure, especially as sequencing costs continue to decline.
Ramesh Hariharan, CEO of Strand Life Sciences, emphasized the importance of early detection in the context of India's growing cancer crisis, highlighting the company's commitment to developing AI-enabled liquid biopsy technologies. This patent not only strengthens Strand's intellectual property in the field but also aligns with broader efforts in India to enhance affordable and scalable cancer diagnostics.
This development underscores the potential of integrating AI and molecular techniques in transforming cancer screening, making it more precise and accessible, thus improving patient outcomes in the long run.