SPOT-MAS Lung: AI-Powered Blood Test Brings New Hope to High-Risk Non-Smokers in Asia
SINGAPORE, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a bold step toward equitable cancer care, Gene Solutions introduces SPOT-MAS Lung, a next-generation blood-based test powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and multi-omics analysis. Designed with lung-specific features, SPOT-MAS Lung may offer a promising approach for earlier detection in Asia—especially among asymptomatic individuals who are often missed by traditional screening, or patients with symptoms but inconclusive imaging results.
Why does Lung Cancer Detection Matters in Asia lung cancer detection?
Asia bears the highest disease burden of lung cancer, accounting for 62% of global lung cancer deaths (1). Alarmingly, nearly 50% of patients in the region are diagnosed at the metastatic stage, when symptoms appear, and curative treatment is often no longer possible (2). When detected early, however, the prognosis improves dramatically — with 5-year survival rates increasing more than fourfold (3). Therefore, early screening plays a critical role in improving patient outcomes.
A Missed Window: Asymptomatic Patients Outside the Guidelines
Although smoking-based screening has been effective for certain populations, complementary approaches could help broaden detection to include other at-risk groups (4). Lung cancer in never-smokers (LCINS) was the fifth leading cause of cancer death globally (5). In Asia, 61.9% to 72.9% of lung cancer cases may be missed under current screening frameworks, with never-smokers disproportionately affected (6, 7). Notably, among women with lung cancer, 84.5% did not meet screening eligibility (6), leaving many asymptomatic individuals undetected until treatment is no longer curative.
Each Asian country defines the high-risk population for lung cancer screening differently. However, in most cases, "high-risk" is commonly understood as individuals with a smoking history exceeding 30 pack-years (8). Only a few countries—such as China—include additional criteria, such as living or working in the same room with smokers for ≥20 years (9). Other potentially high-risk groups remain unaddressed or are not included in official screening recommendations.
Unclear Pathways for Symptomatic Cases
Despite its role in standardizing low-dose CT (LDCT) screening for lung cancer, the Lung-RADS system has notable limitations that can complicate clinical decision-making. One major challenge is the lack of guidance for ambiguous findings—such as lung nodules that become denser without increasing in size. These scenarios are not clearly addressed in current Lung-RADS criteria, leaving clinicians uncertain about the next steps (10). As a result, patients may face either unnecessary follow-up procedures or delays in treatment.
SPOT-MAS Lung: A New Hope in Lung Cancer Detection
SPOT-MAS is a blood-based test developed by Gene Solutions to detect cancer by analyzing multiple features of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) shed by tumor cells. It was previously validated as a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) assay through a longitudinal study of 9,024 healthy individuals (11). While the ability to screen for multiple cancers—including lung cancer—in a single blood draw is a promising milestone, a major challenge remains making such advanced testing affordable at scale.
To address this challenge, SPOT-MAS Lung test integrates a multi-omics tumor ATLAS with AI models trained on Asian population data to reduce the cost while maintaining high performance with 90% sensitivity and 92% specificity (12). This test applies analyzing a comprehensive set of biological signals including fragmentomics, nucleosome positioning, copy number alterations (CNAs), and 4-mer end motifs. Outstanding results from analytical evaluations were published in Future Oncology and presented at the European Lung Cancer Congress (ESMO Lung 2025). Importantly, the SPOT-MAS Lung study demonstrated no significant difference in classification performance between smokers and non-smokers (12), supporting its utility for early detection in high-risk groups—particularly in Asia, where never-smoker lung cancer is disproportionately common.
For asymptomatic individuals at high risk, such as never-smokers or women, SPOT-MAS Lung's non-invasive, blood-based approach is a hope to make early detection more accessible. Meanwhile, for patients with symptoms but inconclusive imaging, SPOT-MAS Lung might provide a way to monitor molecular changes over time, offering clinicians additional insights to support timely and informed decisions. By complementing current screening programs, SPOT-MAS Lung helps ensure that no one is left behind on the path to early diagnosis. Another multicenter validation study is planned in Singapore to prospectively assess the performance of the SPOT-MAS Lung test in both screening and diagnostic populations.
Prof. Dr. Anand Sachithanandan, Founding President of Lung Cancer Network Malaysia (LCNM), emphasized the value of innovation in early detection:
"The technology has immense potential to refine and augment existing screening, including addressing the unmet need to diagnose lung cancer earlier in high-risk non-smokers — a cohort neglected by traditional screening criteria."
Community-Based Screening to Bridge the Gap
To translate clinical innovation into public impact, Gene Solutions partnered with 365 Cancer Prevention Society (365CPS) and Bethesda Medical Centre to bring SPOT-MAS Lung into the community. As part of a public health initiative in Singapore, the collaboration offered 120 free tests through an outreach screening event designed to increase awareness and expand access to early detection.
"Bethesda is proud to collaborate with Gene Solutions and 365CPS in this meaningful initiative," said a Bethesda spokesperson. "Early detection is crucial in cancer prevention and management, and we are dedicated to supporting community-based efforts that promote health equity."
Ultimately, regardless of the method, raising awareness around detection quality—especially for high-risk individuals—is essential. Only through earlier, more inclusive detection can we begin to close the critical gaps in lung cancer outcomes. This aligns with Gene Solutions' core mission: to deliver accessible, precision-based cancer screening that meets the needs of real people, in real communities, across Asia.
About Gene Solutions
Gene Solutions, a multinational biotech company in Asia, is leading the way in leveraging advanced AI and ctDNA technologies for innovative cancer detection solutions. The company partners with over 4,500 hospitals and clinics across Southeast Asia and boasts a team of approximately 250 biology experts and technicians out of a total of 700 employees.
Gene Solutions has published more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and conducted over 50 multi-center studies across the region. The company, recognized for its proprietary research and CAP-accredited laboratories in Singapore and Vietnam, combines multi-dimensional genomics with AI-driven approaches to transform cancer care.
Explore more information at: https://genesolutions.com/
References
(1) GLOBOCAN 2020 – Global Cancer Observatory, Lung Cancer Statistics
(2) Lam, D. C.-L.; Liam, C.-K.; Andarini, S.; Park, S.; Tan, D. S. W.; Singh, N.; Jang, S. H.; Vardhanabhuti, V.; Ramos, A. B.; Nakayama, T.; Nhung, N. V.; Ashizawa, K.; Chang, Y.-C.; Tscheikuna, J.; Van, C. C.; Chan, W. Y.; Lai, Y.-H.; Yang, P.-C. Lung Cancer Screening in Asia: An Expert Consensus Report. Journal of Thoracic Oncology 2023, 18 (10), 1303–1322.
(3) Statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society's (ACS) publication, Cancer Facts & Figures 2022 and Cancer Facts & Figures 2021; the ACS website; and the International Agency for Cancer Research website.
(4) Infante, M. V.; Cardillo, G. Lung Cancer Screening in Never-Smokers: Facts and Remaining Issues. Eur Respir J 2020, 56 (5), 2002949.
(5) Kim, R. Y. Insights Into Opportunistic Lung Cancer Screening for Individuals Who Have Never Smoked. JAMA Netw Open 2025, 8 (1), e2454009.
(6) Loh, C. H.; Koh, P. W.; Ang, D. J. M.; Lee, W. C.; Chew, W. M.; Koh, J. M. K. Characteristics of Singapore Lung Cancer Patients Who Miss out on Lung Cancer Screening Recommendations. Singapore Medical Journal 2024, 65 (5), 279–287.
(7) Kakinuma, R.; Muramatsu, Y.; Asamura, H.; Watanabe, S.; Kusumoto, M.; Tsuchida, T.; Kaneko, M.; Tsuta, K.; Maeshima, A. M.; Ishii, G.; Nagai, K.; Yamaji, T.; Matsuda, T.; Moriyama, N. Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening in Never-Smokers and Smokers: Results of an Eight-Year Observational Study. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2020, 9 (1), 10–22.
(8) Pinsky PF. Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT: a world-wide view. Transl Lung Cancer Res. 2018 Jun;7(3):234–242. doi: 10.21037/ tlcr.2018.05.12
(9) National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China. (2024, August 27). Notice of the General Office on the issuance of the Lung Cancer Screening, Early Diagnosis and Treatment Program (2024 Edition). Department of Medical Emergency.
(10) Martin, M. D.; Kanne, J. P.; Broderick, L. S.; Kazerooni, E. A.; Meyer, C. A. Lung-RADS: Pushing the Limits. RadioGraphics 2017, 37 (7), 1975–1993.
(11) Nguyen, et. al. (2025) Prospective validation study: a non-invasive circulating tumor DNA-based assay for
(12) Nguyen, V. T. C., et al. (2025). Cost-effective shallow genome-wide sequencing for profiling plasma cfDNA signatures to enhance lung cancer detection. Future Oncology, 1–12.
CONTACT: pr@genesolutions.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/spot-mas-lung-ai-powered-blood-test-brings-new-hope-to-high-risk-non-smokers-in-asia-302459800.html
SOURCE Gene Solutions Genomics Pte Ltd
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
2024 Cell and Gene Therapy Market Set for Breakthrough Growth, Says BCC Research
"Comprehensive Review Highlights Market Growth, Innovation, and Investment Trends Driving the Future of Cell and Gene Therapy Tools, Biomanufacturing, and Gene Synthesis" BOSTON, June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BCC Research announces the release of its "2024 Cell and Gene: Research Review," which forecasts strong and steady growth across several key areas of the cell and gene therapy (CGT) industry. This momentum is fueled by ongoing innovation, growing investments, and rising global demand for cutting-edge therapeutic solutions. Key Highlights: • Cell and Gene Therapy Tools, and Reagents: Global Markets: The market is projected to grow from $10.0 billion in 2024 to $16.7 billion by the end of 2029. Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): 10.8%. • Cell Therapy Biomanufacturing: Global Markets: The market is projected to grow from $9.7 billion in 2024 to $16.7 billion by the end of 2029. CAGR: 11.5%. • Gene Synthesis: Technologies and Global Markets: The market is projected to grow from $2.0 billion in 2023 to $4.1 billion by the end of 2028. CAGR: 15.8%. Research Coverage and Insights:This Research Review provides a clear snapshot of the fast-moving cell and gene therapy (CGT) industry. It looks at how these technologies are being used across the entire development pipeline from early research to clinical use and large-scale manufacturing, while also examining the key trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the market. Key insights include:Broad Application Scope: CGT technologies are being applied in preclinical studies, clinical trials, therapeutic production, viral vector development, and personalized medicine. Investment-Driven Growth: A significant rise in funding and investment is accelerating innovation and expanding the CGT pipeline. Innovation at the Core: Breakthroughs in gene editing, cell modification, and biomanufacturing are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in modern medicine. Cost Challenges: Despite strong momentum, the high cost of therapy development continues to be a limiting factor for broader market adoption. Research Summary:The 2024 Cell and Gene: Research Review exemplifies the type of quantitative market data, analysis, and guidance that BCC Research has provided since 1971. This research review includes highlights and excerpts from the following reports published by BCC Research in 2024: • BIO208C Cell and Gene Therapy Tools, and Reagents: Global Markets. • BIO211B Cell Therapy Biomanufacturing: Global Markets. • BIO251A Gene Synthesis: Technologies and Global Markets. • BIO258A Global Automated and Closed Cell Therapy Market. • BIO225B Global Market for Cell and Gene Therapy. • BIO256A Global Live Cell Imaging Market. • BIO257A Global Single-cell Technologies Market. After accessing this Research Review and benefiting from its insight, we encourage you to explore the full portfolio of market research reports for a deeper understanding of each topic. BCC Research remains your trusted partner in market intelligence, and we are committed to supporting your future insights and decisions. Navigate Uncertainty with ConfidenceIn times of rapid change and uncertainty, having the right insights can make all the difference. At BCC Research, we are here to support innovation and help you stay ahead. Our custom research reports provide a comprehensive, 360-degree view of your market landscape, giving you the clarity you need to make informed decisions. We believe that timely, expert market intelligence should be accessible to all. That is why, for a limited time, we are offering 30% off the price of any BCC Research report to help more organizations gain access to our latest data and insights. For further information on any of the reports or to make a purchase, contact us at info@ About BCC Research BCC Research market research reports provide objective, unbiased measurement, and assessment of market opportunities. Our experienced industry analysts' goal is to help you make informed business decisions free of noise and hype. Contact Us Corporate HQ: 50 Milk St. Ste 16, Boston, MA 02109, USAEmail: info@ +1 781-489-7301For media inquiries, email press@ or visit our media page for access to our market research data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. Logo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE BCC Research LLC Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cosmopolitan
3 days ago
- Cosmopolitan
Rabies death alert has people worried: here's the UK risk, holiday spots to be aware of and symptoms
After a British woman, Yvonne Ford, 59, sadly died from rabies following a trip to Morocco where she was scratched by a dog, an alert has been shared by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to remind holiday goers to stay safe. UKHSA also sought to reassure those worried that rabies could become an issue here in the UK. In a new blog post responding to the news, UKHSA said while "the individual was diagnosed in Yorkshire and the Humber, there is no risk to the wider public in relation to this case". As a precautionary response, it added, "health workers and close contacts are being assessed and offered vaccination when necessary". But what actually is rabies and the risk of catching it while abroad? What symptoms should we be aware of? And what treatment options are there rabies? Given the tragic death of a woman in Yorkshire and the Humber in relation to rabies (a neurotropic virus) and the fact we're just emerging from a pandemic, it's understandable that people might be concerned. But, says superintendent pharmacist, Abbas Kanani MRPharmS, of Chemist Click, the risk of contracting rabies in the UK is extremely low. "The UKHSA report that there is no risk in animals and low risk in bats." Dr. Bruno Silvester Lope, lecturer in microbiology and epidemiology at Teesside University, adds that, "The UK is classified as rabies-free in terrestrial animals, meaning that the risk of rabies here is very low. The only reservoir of rabies-like viruses is in some species of bats, but human cases from bats are exceedingly rare." "There are a number of countries where the risk of rabies is particularly high. High-risk Asian countries include India, Thailand, Indonesia (Bali), Vietnam, Philippines and China," Dr Lopes notes. "Rabies is also a risk in Africa, and in particular countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. People should also consider the risk of rabies when travelling to Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Turkey, Romania and Serbia. "These countries often have a large population of free-roaming dogs and less consistent access to post-exposure treatment." Always check the travel advice on the government website prior to visiting a new country and be mindful of interactions with animals. You can also look into getting a vaccination and speak with your GP about this. Elsewhere, the UK government has a list of other high risk rabies countries, some of which include: Canada and the USA are both listed as low risk but "foxes, skunks and racoons are high risk". "The main route for the transmission of rabies is by bites or scratches from infected mammals, particularly dogs, which make up over 99% of human cases worldwide," says Dr Lopes, who adds that cats and monkeys can also transmit rabies. "People can also contract rabies through other routes including licks on broken skin or mucous membranes such as the eyes or mouth, by dogs or very rarely, by bat bites." In order to keep safe, the number one piece of advice is to avoid contact with animals – in particular stray dogs, cats, and monkeys – no matter how cute, friendly or clean they may appear. Dr Lopes adds it's also best not to "feed or pet animals, even in tourist areas" and that it's "highly recommended to get a pre-exposure rabies vaccine if you are travelling to high-risk areas for long periods, visiting remote regions with limited medical access or working with animals". If you're bitten or scratched by a dog in a high risk country, it's always best to act quickly, says Dr Lopes, and get the wound cleaned before seeking medical help. "If bitten or scratched, immediately wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical attention for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) even if you are vaccinated," he says. Symptoms of rabies can vary from one person to another and may not appear immediately. In the case of Yvonne Ford, it is reported that it took several months for her symptoms (which included a headache which later led on to her being unable to walk, talk, sleep or swallow) to manifest. Ford passed away in June but visited Morocco back in February. Kanani says signs to be aware of include: "Symptoms usually take some time to appear, typically between 3 to 12 weeks of infection," he details. "Once these symptoms are present, it is likely to be fatal." Unfortunately, rabies cannot be treated once it reaches the central nervous system and symptoms begin, says Kanani explains. "People who have not had the rabies vaccine or have a compromised immune system may also be given a medicine called rabies immunoglobulin," he continues. "Ford's case is rare because rabies is preventable when the correct provisions are followed. However, the survival rate once rabies symptoms are present is practically non-existent." Dr Lopes adds, "Before rabies symptoms start, post-exposure prophylaxis PEP treatment is advised, as well as thorough wound cleaning for at least 15 minutes. In some cases, rabies immunoglobulin is required or rabies vaccination, which involves a course of four doses." Speaking about the very sad case of Yvonne Ford, Dr Lopes highlights "the recent death we have heard about in the news this week is a rare occurrence. Human rabies cases are very rare in the UK, and any death is typically due to infection acquired abroad. "This tends to happen when a person is bitten while travelling but does not seek prompt PEP, they do not realise the seriousness of the risk and there is limited access to care in remote areas." This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC's Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women's Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Japan's Top Eczema App, Atopiyo, Launches in the US: Pioneering Digital Eczema Care
11-time award winner, university-backed, delivers what 31M patients need most — visual tracking, peer support, AI analysis CHIBA, Japan, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Living with eczema isn't just a physical challenge—it affects mental health, confidence, and daily life. That's why ATOPIYO, Japan's leading eczema app, is launching in the U.S., where 31 million people are affected. With a growing community of over 29,000 users, ATOPIYO empowers individuals with eczema to track their symptoms, document treatment progress, and connect with others—all through a simple and intuitive visual platform. A New Way to Manage Eczema During the hot summer months, monitoring eczema symptoms becomes especially important. ATOPIYO makes this easier by allowing users to photograph their skin, meals, and medications—helping them visualize their treatment journey and share it with others over time. "This is the best eczema management app I've used so far. I hope you continue improving it! Being able to compare my symptoms with others who share the same condition—it's groundbreaking."— Google Play reviewer (JP) 3 Key Features: Visual Tracking – Snap photos to easily record and organize symptoms, diet, and medication. Peer Support – Share experiences and connect with others facing similar struggles. Anonymous & Free – Secure platform with no cost barriers to care. "Posting anonymously helps me find others with similar symptoms and treatments—it's incredibly helpful. Just seeing someone say 'I get it' when I'm feeling down from the itching or appearance is a relief. I feel less alone and more motivated to get better. Recording and sharing gives me a surprising sense of positivity. I also hope these posts contribute to new treatment development." — App Store reviewer (JP) Smartphone-Powered AI Analysis On May 20, 2025, research published in the prestigious medical journal Allergy highlighted AI technology co-developed by Keio University, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Teikyo University, and ATOPIYO, which evaluates eczema severity from smartphone photos. This breakthrough technology could be integrated into future app versions, enabling medical-grade assessments at home. Keio University: About ATOPIYO ATOPIYO was developed by Ryotaro Ako, who suffered from severe eczema as a child. Inspired by his experience and supported by his wife, a licensed pharmacist. Since its launch in Japan, ATOPIYO has grown to over 29,000 users and accumulated more than 66,000 user-submitted images. It has received 11 national awards, including the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award, and is currently collaborating with 7 national and university hospitals to support eczema-related research and innovation. "Eczema doesn't stop—not even during sleep—and its visibility can take a serious toll on mental health. ATOPIYO was created to help people manage their symptoms, share experiences, and support each other on the path to recovery."— Ryotaro Ako, Founder of ATOPIYO App Information App Name: Visual Eczema Care App - ATOPIYOPrice: Free (Anonymous use)Category & Age Rating: Google Play – Medical / 12+, App Store – Medical / 17+AppStore: GooglePlay: Contact InformationCompany: Atopiyo LLCLocation: Chiba, JapanEmail: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Atopiyo LLC Sign in to access your portfolio
