€13.6 million funding for early detection of Lynch syndrome cancers

The PREDI-LYNCH project has received €13.6 million in funding from the European Union’s Horizon Missions programme. This ground-breaking project involves 28 organisations from across Europe and is coordinated by Oslo University Hospital. Tampere University is responsible for the Finnish part of the project, with a funding share of €1.4 million.

The aim of the PREDI-LYNCH project is to improve the early detection of cancer in individuals carrying the Lynch syndrome genetic mutation. Lynch syndrome is the most common hereditary cancer syndrome which increases the risk of several types of cancer, such as colorectal, endometrial, urinary tract, and other abdominal cancers. Unfortunately, the disease is often diagnosed only after it has progressed, meaning that the opportunity for early intervention and prevention is lost.

To detect cancer early in gene mutation carriers, the PREDI-LYNCH project will create a high-tech screening method that is a combination of liquid biopsy tests integrated with artificial intelligence. It will lead to a more efficient early detection and prediction model. The liquid biopsy combination is affordable and non-invasive and utilises a previous invention by Tampere University’s researchers, namely the Uroscout sequencing test based on tumour DNA in urine.

Better diagnostics can ease the burden on healthcare

In the PREDI-LYNCH project, Tampere University leads a multinational clinical study where approximately 2,000 research subjects are randomised to undergo either the current colonoscopy screening or a liquid biopsy screening. Samples from the liquid biopsy group will be collected for all the sub-projects.

In addition to clinical work, the project will analyse large amounts of biological variables, such as genetics, gene expression, cell metabolism, and proteins, which will be used for new innovations. The consortium’s sub-projects collaborate with promising biomarker companies like MSInsight and Elypta, providing a multi-level approach to detecting genetic markers and cancer-related changes.

“This nearly €14 million funding highlights the immense importance of cancer predisposition syndromes in research and the significance of patients carrying these gene variants. More efficient early detection can save lives, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce the healthcare burden on society,” comments Toni Seppälä, leader of the Finnish sub-project.

The PREDI-LYNCH project aims for a rapid implementation of new screening methods across Europe. At the same time, it seeks to ensure that the solutions are compatible with different healthcare systems and societal values.

“It is important that the interval between screening colonoscopies for Lynch patients does not depend on the surrounding healthcare system or its funding model. It must be also considered that not all healthcare systems necessarily value early or very precise diagnostics because that would increase incidence rates,” Seppälä notes.

Read the Oslo University Hospital press release