Oxford Nanopore and Cyclomics begin testing on non-invasive cancer detection method

A new research workflow for a non-invasive method for detecting molecules associated with cancer from Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Cyclomics is entering developer access.

It is the first solution in the world to use nanopore sequencing for ultra-sensitive detection of circulating tumour ​DNA (ctDNA). It works by identifring and analysing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the blood steam. As tumour cells die, they release DNA, if specific mutations are present in the DNA of those tumour cells, those mutations can be found in the ctDNA. However, the very low percentage of the cfDNA which originates from the tumour has historically made detection of cfDNA challenging.

Cyclomics’ newly developed CyclomicsSeq leverages nanopore technology to address this challenge, using its ability to sequence any-length fragment of DNA. The method has an accuracy of nearly 100 per cent.

A first universal version of the CyclomicsSeq workflow, which includes library prep and analysis, is now being trialled with select users in a developer access programme. An open early access programme will follow in ​the ​coming months.

Cyclomics and Oxford Nanopore ​are also initiating​​ ​multiple clinical research studies, including with Erasmus Medical Center in The Netherlands and other institutions to assess the clinical utility of their sequencing solution, including the clinical benefit of quick turnaround gained by not having to wait to batch samples.

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Gordon Sanghera, CEO, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, commented:  “We are excited to partner with Cyclomics to increase access to accurate and fast detection of cancer using nanopore sequencing. Monitoring recurring cancer today involves time-consuming, invasive scans and tests – many of which are expensive and stressful.

“We are proud to introduce a new method that could signal a paradigm shift in cancer detection and management by enabling healthcare providers to detect recurring cancer, with nearly 100% accuracy in the case of TP53 in the Cyclomics study, through only a blood draw. Although we’re still in the research stage of deploying this technology, we’re optimistic about what this could mean for the future of cancer and patient care.”

Jeroen de Ridder​​​​​, ​Co-founder​, Cyclomics, commented: “Ever since we started using nanopore sequencing for genomics research at our academic labs, we were thrilled by the real-time nature and accessibility of the technology. We soon ​realised​ the potential of nanopore sequencing for developing novel assays for detection of disease mutations, particularly in the context of cancer.

“The CyclomicsSeq technology enables highly accurate sequencing of single cancer DNA molecules in the blood stream of any cancer patient. In the last year we have worked hard to integrate CyclomicsSeq with nanopore sequencing workflows as part of our partnership with Oxford Nanopore Technologies. In the coming years, together with the Oxford Nanopore team, we will further expand the CyclomicsSeq platform and broaden its applicability to other cancers.”

Bianca Mostert, Oncologist at Erasmus Medical Center, commented: “Accurate low frequency variant calling from cfDNA has the potential to improve on current clinical response evaluation after neoadjuvant chemoradiation in oesophageal cancer. CyclomicsSeq offers a very promising solution for this purpose and we are looking forward to evaluating it”.

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