A study for the future development of an early-stage breast cancer detection test
This study, named FAST 40, is exploring a new blood test called Artemis that aims to detect breast cancer at a very early stage. Breast cancer is common, and early detection can make treatment easier, but current screening doesn't cover all women. Artemis is a blood test being developed to find breast cancer without radiation or mammograms. This study needs 40 women aged 50-71: half healthy, and half recently diagnosed with early breast cancer who haven't started treatment. Participants will give a single blood sample and answer some health questions. The aim is to see if the blood test can reliably distinguish between these two groups, which will help develop a future early detection tool.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Breast cancer is a common health concern for many women in the UK. Finding it early often means treatment is more straightforward and effective. Currently, the NHS offers mammograms to women aged 50 to 70. However, this leaves out a significant number of women who might benefit from regular checks, or who are outside this age range.
A company called Faster Diagnostics Ltd is working on a new approach: a blood test called Artemis. The idea behind the Artemis Test™ is to find breast cancer at a very early stage, potentially without the need for X-rays (like mammograms). This particular study, called FAST 40, is a small, initial step to see if this new blood test idea works. Researchers want to know if they can find distinct patterns in blood samples that clearly show the difference between women who have early breast cancer and those who don't.
If this study is successful, the information gathered will be used to further develop the Artemis Test™. The ultimate goal is for this blood test to become a useful tool in the future to help doctors identify breast cancer earlier, potentially improving outcomes for many women.
Key takeaways
- Developing a new blood test (Artemis) for early breast cancer detection.
- Aims to find breast cancer without radiation or mammograms.
- Participants needed: women aged 50-71, some with early breast cancer, some healthy.
- Involves a single visit to a GP for a blood sample and health questions.
- No direct medical benefit, but helps future breast cancer detection.
- Low risk, similar to a routine blood test.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for women aged between 50 and 71 years old. They need 40 volunteers in total. Half of these volunteers (20 women) should be healthy, meaning they have never had a cancer diagnosis and are not currently being investigated for cancer.
The other half (20 women) need to have been recently diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer (Stage 0 to Stage II). It's important that these women have not yet started any treatment for their breast cancer. You won't be able to take part if you are pregnant, have recently had a vaccine within the last 3 months, or are taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a woman aged 50 to 71 years old?
- Do you have a recent diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer (Stage 0, I, or II) and haven't started treatment, OR are you a healthy woman with no previous cancer diagnosis?
- Are you willing to give a single blood sample?
- Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Have you NOT received any breast cancer treatment yet (if diagnosed)?
- Have you NOT had a vaccine or taken part in another clinical study within the last 3 months?
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study is straightforward and only involves one visit to a local NHS GP surgery in the UK. During this visit, a member of the study team will fully explain everything about the study and answer any questions you have. If you're happy to proceed, you'll be asked to provide written consent.
Then, a trained professional will take a small blood sample from you – just like a routine blood test. You'll also be asked some questions about your general health, any other medical conditions you have, if you smoke, and what you've eaten or drunk in the three hours before your blood test. If you have breast cancer, the study will also note details from your diagnosis report. The blood samples will then be sent to special laboratories for analysis. You will receive a £50 payment for your time and participation in the study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Research LinkUnverifiedLeicester, England
- Marine Lake Medical PracticeUnverifiedWirral, England
Common questions
What is the Artemis Test™?
It's a new blood test being developed to try and detect breast cancer at a very early stage, without needing a mammogram or radiation.
Will I find out my test results?
No, because the test is still in development, it cannot provide individual results about whether you have cancer. The blood samples are analysed for research purposes only.
How long will my visit take?
The study only involves one visit to a GP surgery. The exact duration isn't specified, but it will be long enough to explain the study, get your consent, take a blood sample, and answer some health questions.
Where is the study taking place?
The study visits will happen at NHS GP surgeries across the UK. The blood samples will be analysed in specialist labs in London and Leicester.
Who is paying for this research?
The study is funded by Faster Diagnostics Ltd, the company that is developing the Artemis Test™.
How to find out more
Simon Duncan
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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