Implementation

Non-invasive, early cancer screening would revolutionize early cancer detection, and ultimately save thousands of lives as this would allow clinicians to diagnose and intervene in the early stages of cancer formation. Currently, cancer screening is mostly for higher-risk individuals where there may be cause for concern. However, this results in the detection of cancer in its late stages in patients, which dramatically reduces the patient’s survival rate when found. Our designed E. coli could allow for cancer screening through a routine blood test, greatly expanding the number of people who screen for cancer and much earlier detection. Our engineered E. coli could also allow for greater access to cancer screening for many individuals who may not have had the opportunity to be screened. Our product has the potential to increase both cancer screening rates and survival rates of cancer to save millions of lives by giving clinicians a tool that is cost-effective and can detect cancer in its early stages, allowing for early interventions and potentially optimal patient outcomes.