São Paulo, Brazil – First Saúde, led by renowned oncologist Dr. Raphael Brandão, announces a pioneering partnership with the biotechnology company SeekIn Inc, to introduce OncoSeek technology in Brazil, a revolutionary innovation in the early detection and screening of cancer. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), this exam represents a significant advance in preventive medicine, being capable of early detection of more than 9 types of cancer – including breast, colon, liver, lung, lymphoma, esophagus, ovary, pancreas and stomach – through a simple blood collection.
Developed by Dr. Mao Mao, internationally renowned scientist and CEO of SeekIn, OncoSeek is a milestone in the MCED (Multi-Cancer Early Detection) category. Its clinical study, covering almost 10,000 patients, was prominently presented at the Early Detection of Cancer Conference (EDCC) in London, October 2023, setting a new standard for early cancer diagnosis.
European regulatory approval was granted to OncoSeek in 2022, signaling a new era in cancer diagnosis and treatment, especially in emerging countries like Brazil. The focus on detection greatly increases the chances of cure and survival of patients, as for example in the case of colon cancer where the 5-year survival rate jumps from 15% to 91% if it is discovered early (Siegel, et al “Cancer statistics, 2022”, CA CANCER J CLIN 2022;72:7–33).
According to Dr. Raphael Brandão, the ideal age range for carrying out this exam is still under study. Naturally, it is believed that the greatest impact will be on older age groups due to the higher prevalence of cancer. However, the inclusion of younger patients in the annual testing routine is not ruled out, given the growth of oncological diagnoses in the public under 50, as reported in the article published by Nature magazine: "Why are so many young people getting cancer? What the data say" in March 2024, which projects a 30% growth in diagnoses for people under 50 by 2030.
Another important aspect is the fact that current cancer screening protocols are focused on some types of tumors. An American Cancer Society study found that cancers without available screening tests (including pancreas, liver, brain, kidney, uterine and stomach) caused nearly three-quarters (71%) of cancer deaths in the United States in 2021. Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests have great potential to increase cancer screening options.
First Saúde is one of the few clinics dedicated to the early detection and diagnosis of cancer in Brazil. "This initiative has the potential to transform the approach to cancer in the country" says Dr. Brandão. Although the OncoSeek exam is not currently covered by medical insurance, First Saúde is dedicated to ensuring access to the best possible treatment, aiming for early detection and reducing the risks associated with cancer.
About First Saúde:
First Saúde is a clinic specialized in early detection and treatment of cancer, led by Dr. Raphael Brandão, a leading oncologist in Brazil. In partnership with SeekIn, the clinic brings the most advanced cancer detection technology to the country, promoting a new era in preventive medicine.