TrueScreen – New patient-friendly tool for prostate cancer diagnostics

Addressing the precision challenge in cancer diagnostics

The TrueScreen commercialisation project is dedicated to developing a non-invasive, urine-based diagnostic solution for urological cancers, especially prostate cancer. Current diagnostic methods, such as the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test, often lack specificity, leading to overdiagnosis and unnecessary medical expenses. Overdiagnosis not only results in unnecessary treatments and procedures but also creates significant psychological distress for patients.

TrueScreen leverages novel biotechnologies and artificial intelligence to analyse urine samples, accurately identifying aggressive cancers that require immediate action. This innovative method promises to improve cancer detection without invasive procedures, significantly reducing unnecessary biopsies and enhancing early detection of urological cancers. By addressing the specificity challenge, TrueScreen aims to provide a more accurate and patient-friendly diagnostic tool that can be widely adopted in clinical settings.

Research and development: Converging science and innovation

TrueScreen emerged from extensive research in urology, molecular biology, genomics, and artificial intelligence. This interdisciplinary approach resulted in a non-invasive, urine-based cancer screening method that overcomes the limitations of traditional biomarkers. By integrating genomic technologies with a deep understanding of urological cancer biology and proprietary AI algorithms, TrueScreen offers precise and non-invasive cancer detection.

Market opportunities and applications: Transforming patient care

As the global population ages, the prevalence of cancer is increasing, highlighting the need for innovative diagnostic solutions. TrueScreen's commercialisation is driven by the recognition of its potential to revolutionise patient care. The primary market focus includes the U.S., while considering global expansion strategies. The innovation's unique urine-based, non-invasive approach offers a patient-friendly experience, making it appealing to healthcare providers, diagnostic laboratories, and private healthcare facilities.

TrueScreen aims to enter the market by targeting early adopters before expanding into mainstream markets, contingent on regulatory approvals and demonstrated cost-efficiency. The technology's scalability and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive option for widespread clinical use. By reducing the need for invasive procedures and associated healthcare costs, TrueScreen has the potential to significantly impact the healthcare industry. Furthermore, the non-invasive nature of the test is expected to increase patient adherence, leading to better health outcomes and more effective cancer management.

Impact and benefits: Enhancing diagnostic precision

TrueScreen has the potential to significantly impact urological cancer diagnostics by providing a highly accurate, non-invasive screening method. It aims to reduce unnecessary invasive procedures like biopsies, improve early cancer detection rates, and lower healthcare costs. Enhanced diagnostic precision leads to better patient outcomes and more effective treatment plans. The accuracy of TrueScreen enables healthcare providers to make more informed decisions, ultimately improving the overall quality of care.

Preliminary results indicate a four-fold reduction in cost per sample, potentially increasing to a 20-fold cost reduction. This cost-efficiency makes TrueScreen highly scalable and accessible for widespread clinical use, with the potential to substantially reduce healthcare costs. Additionally, the technology's ability to accurately identify aggressive cancers ensures that patients receive timely and appropriate treatment, further improving survival rates and quality of life.

Future path to commercialisation

The TrueScreen commercialisation project, initiated in June 2024, is set to continue until May 2026. The focus is on validating the proof of concept, refining the sampling process, and ensuring diagnostic test accuracy. Clinical trials will demonstrate TrueScreen's effectiveness in detecting urological cancers with high sensitivity and specificity. These trials are crucial for obtaining regulatory approvals and establishing the technology's credibility in the medical community. It is therefore crucial for the project to foster strong partnerships, as exemplified by the collaboration with Helsinki University Hospital (HUS). 

The commercialisation strategy centres on the U.S. market, with plans for global expansion. Potential paths include licensing agreements and the formation of a spinout company. Strategic partnerships with industry leaders in biotechnologies, biomarkers, and healthcare are crucial for scaling TrueScreen for widespread adoption. By collaborating with key stakeholders, TrueScreen aims to streamline the market entry process and ensure successful integration into existing healthcare systems.