Article • Proof-of-concept study

First test for the early detection of head and neck cancer being developed

Most head and neck tumours are discovered in late due in part to the fact that there is no established method for early detection. To close this gap, a team at oncgnostics, a biotechnology company based in Jena, Germany, is participating in a study which aims to develop an early detection test.

Article: Sonja Buske

In Germany alone, every year 17,000 people are diagnosed with head and neck cancer, i.e. malignant tumours of the oral cavity, throat, larynx, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and outer neck, especially the thyroid gland. Often, tumours develop from so-called leukoplakia, conspicuous white patches in the mouth and throat.

Since they do not cause any symptoms, however, very few patients consult a doctor, explains Dr. Alfred Hansel, biologist and CEO of oncgnostics, and adds that “most patients see a doctor only when they have severe difficulties swallowing. By then the tumour is often advanced and requires chemotherapy or surgery – depending on the location and type of tumour. At that point, cure rates are low. Therefore, we would like to develop a test that detects tumours early.”

Study in five centres

To achieve this goal, the biotechnology company has launched a broad study in five centres. In a first step, a liquid biopsy is performed in patients diagnosed with a head and neck cancer prior to treatment in order to detect DNA methylation markers in saliva. If this is successful, further saliva or swab samples are taken during follow-up to monitor the markers and assess relapses. “Going forward, we might be able to search for precisely these biomarkers in patients with an increased cancer risk, for example patients with leukoplakia,” Hansel is confident. First test kits could become commercially available after the conclusion of the study in mid-2026.

Article • Cervix, vulva and vagina

More certainty with methylation tests for early detection of cancer

A second-generation lab test for early detection of cervical cancer is the most recent addition to Oncgnostics’ portfolio. In particular, the company’s solution will help women in countries with limited cancer screening. Moreover, new research on the early detection of vulval and vaginal cancer might soon enable the development of tests for these cancers.

According to Dr. Hansel screening the entire population is neither realistic nor necessary. Instead he supports the idea of a standardized screening program for groups at risk, i.e. smokers over 50 years of age and patients with an HPV infection. Similar to a Covid-19 test, Hansel says, the people in these groups could take the saliva samples themselves and send them to a laboratory. “To the best of our knowledge,” he adds, “this process would be unique worldwide.”

Profile:

Dr Alfred Hansel is CEO of oncgnostics GmbH. After his doctorate in in molecular microbiology, he gained many years of experience in the field of project management through work at domestic and foreign university institutions and was in the industry in the areas of product development, sales and marketing. The spin-off of oncgnostics GmbH is based on his scientific work in the functional area of gynaecological
molecular biology“ as well as a project group led by him.

01.03.2024