Genetron Health and West China Hospital Joint Lung Cancer Early Precision Diagnosis Project Wins National Science and Technology Progress Award
Today, the project “Establishment and Clinical Application of Key Technologies for Early Precise Diagnosis of Lung Cancer,” developed through in-depth collaboration between Genetron Health (NASDAQ: GTH) and West China Hospital of Sichuan University, was awarded the Second Prize of the 2020 National Science and Technology Progress Award. As a result, Genetron Health has become the only company in the field of precision oncology to receive this award this year.
Led by Professor Li Weimin of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, with in-depth participation from the Genetron Health team, this project has elucidated the unique molecular and genetic characteristics of lung cancer in young non-smokers. It has established a novel low-dose spiral CT screening technology for high-risk populations aged 40 and above in China, addressing the challenge of missed diagnoses in early-stage lung cancer. Furthermore, the project developed a radiomics-based lung cancer prediction model, created a leading intelligent lung cancer disease database in China, and engineered an AI-assisted diagnostic system for lung cancer (pulmonary nodules), thereby overcoming technical barriers to precise early diagnosis. By deciphering the molecular mechanisms of lung cancer evolution through multi-omics analysis, the project identified highly accurate molecular biomarkers for early diagnosis, resolving bottlenecks in targeted therapy based on early molecular subtyping of lung cancer.
Addressing the challenge of precise diagnosis and treatment for early-stage lung cancer, the project team developed a novel molecular detection method for trace samples from early-stage lung cancer patients. This method is centered on Genetron Health’s independently developed patented technology, “One-Step Rapid Amplicon Library Preparation” (Chinese Invention Patent No. ZL201710218529.4, hereinafter referred to as “One-Step Method”). It surpasses current mainstream international technologies in multiple metrics, including accuracy and accessibility, establishing itself as a benchmark for next-generation high-throughput molecular detection technologies.
Project data indicate that, in terms of accuracy, Geneseeq’s “one-step” patented technology achieves 100% accuracy in detecting mutations at a 3% variant allele frequency with an input of 10 ng of DNA; and 100% accuracy in detecting fusions at 100 variant copy numbers with an input of 30 ng of RNA, thereby meeting the requirements for testing trace samples in early-stage lung cancer.
In terms of accessibility—encompassing ease of use and economic cost—the adoption of “one-step” technology eliminates the need for multiple tube-opening procedures, thereby preventing potential contamination. It reduces library preparation time from the traditional 1–2 days to just 1.5 hours, with only 5 minutes of manual operation required. Test reports can be issued as early as two days after sample receipt, lowering the skill requirements for laboratory personnel and significantly reducing sequencing costs.
Figure: Human 8-Gene Mutation Combined Detection Kit (Semiconductor Sequencing Method) (NMPA Registration No. 20203400072)
In this project, Genetronics’ “Human 8-Gene Mutation Combined Detection Kit (Semiconductor Sequencing Method)” (NMPA Registration No. 20203400072), which incorporates the “one-step” method, has played a significant role. This kit enables simultaneous detection of eight gene mutations and fusions closely associated with targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, providing a range of services including medication guidance, molecular subtyping, and prognosis assessment. Furthermore, Genetronics has developed complementary high-throughput next-generation sequencing instruments, the Genetron S5 (NMPA Registration No. 20193220820), and the automated sample preparation system, GENETRON Chef, along with an integrated automated analysis system. This comprehensive suite of testing equipment and systems covers the entire genetic testing workflow, substantially lowering the technical barriers to clinical adoption, meeting the testing needs of basic laboratories in hospitals at all levels, and addressing the shortage of professional analytical personnel.
Wang Sizhen, Co-founder and CEO of Genetron Health, stated, “We are immensely proud that our proprietary technologies and products have contributed to clinical innovation and received recognition through a national-level award. We believe that our technological explorations centered on comprehensive cancer diagnosis and treatment across the entire disease continuum will, with the large-scale application of our products, truly transform how people manage their health.”
The State Science and Technology Progress Award is one of the five major categories of the State Science and Technology Awards established by the State Council (the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award, the State Natural Science Award, the State Technological Invention Award, the State Science and Technology Progress Award, and the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award).
The State Scientific and Technological Progress Award is primarily conferred upon Chinese citizens and organizations that have made creative contributions in the processes of technological research, development, and innovation; the promotion and application of advanced scientific and technological achievements; the facilitation of the industrialization of high-tech industries; and the completion of major scientific and technological engineering projects and programs.
Genetron Health (NASDAQ: GTH) is a global leader in precision oncology, dedicated to advancing cancer genomics research and applications. The company strives to transform cancer diagnosis and treatment by leveraging cutting-edge molecular biology and big data analytics. Genetron Health has established a comprehensive portfolio of products and services spanning the entire cancer care continuum—from early screening, diagnosis, and therapeutic recommendations to monitoring and prognostic management. Furthermore, the company actively collaborates with partners across the industry value chain to expand innovative applications and scenarios for molecular testing technologies.