Partnership with Oxford Nanopore Technologies will support development of RNA liquid biopsy for cancer early detection

June 26, 2026 - 00:10

A new partnership between a diagnostics company and Oxford Nanopore Technologies is set to push forward the development of a blood test that can spot cancer at its earliest stages. The collaboration focuses on using RNA sequencing technology to detect not just full-blown cancer, but also abnormal "precancerous" cells from a simple blood draw.

The approach moves beyond traditional DNA-based liquid biopsies. Instead of looking for genetic mutations in tumor DNA floating in the bloodstream, the test analyzes RNA patterns. RNA acts as a messenger between DNA and proteins, and its levels can shift dramatically when cells begin to turn malignant. By capturing these subtle changes, the test aims to identify disease long before symptoms appear or before a tumor is visible on a scan.

Oxford Nanopore's portable sequencing devices are central to the plan. Their technology can read long strands of RNA in real time, which is critical for spotting the complex molecular signatures of early-stage cancer. The goal is to create a screening tool that is both sensitive enough to catch tiny traces of disease and practical enough for routine checkups.

If successful, the test could change how cancer screening works. Current methods like mammograms or colonoscopies are effective but are limited to specific organs. A single blood test that screens for multiple cancer types, including precancerous lesions, would be a major step forward. The companies have not announced a timeline for clinical trials, but the partnership signals growing confidence in RNA-based diagnostics as a viable path for early detection.