After 10 years of research, the Norwegian firm DiaGenic is ready to launch the blood tests in India, where half of all women who develop breast cancer now die. DiaGenic hopes to increase the survival rate.
The firm's cancer detection research started with some studies conducted at Norway's agricultural college. Two researchers there noticed that if fir trees got sick at their roots, the sickness became noticeable in the genetic structure of the trees' needles within a few days.
They believed a similar process could occur in humans, and they founded DiaGenic, which is now listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange.
"The idea is that the body reacts when we get sick," Dr Erik Christensen, chief executive of DiaGenic, told Aftenposten.no. By monitoring genetic activity, they believe they can detect onset of specific diseases, through the body's secondary reaction.
He said the firm has concentrated on finding a method for detecting breast cancer, as a supplement to mammography. "Especially in younger women, this can give more certain and precise detection," Christensen said.
One of DiaGenic's founders is from India, and much of the research has taken place in India. Another study is needed before the test can be launched in Europe, so India is the initial testing ground. Christensen hopes the test also can eventually be used to detect Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s Disease at an early stage as well.
