Alderley Lighthouse Labs joins world-first cancer blood test trial

STRIDE-RCT trial targets early detection for 20,000 NHS patients

The trial aims to determine if blood tests can assist doctors in identifying cancer before serious symptoms develop.

UA.news reported on 10 November 2026 that the clinical trial is designed to help doctors detect common cancers earlier and identify their potential site of origin.

AI-driven blood tests identify 12 types of cancer

UA.news reported on 10 November 2026 that the study also focuses on six types of cancer that are often diagnosed too late: prostate, ovarian, bowel, pancreatic, stomach, and liver.

Government provides £8.49 million for clinical research

This funding is part of the government's Industrial Strategy and Life Sciences Sector Plan, which aims to establish the UK as the leading life sciences economy in Europe by 2030.

Addressing the challenge of vague abdominal symptoms

These common symptoms often make it difficult for general practitioners (GPs) to identify cancer early.

This difficulty can lead to later-stage diagnoses that are harder to treat. New diagnostic tools are specifically needed for pancreatic cancer because vague symptoms like indigestion and persistent tummy pain make it challenging for doctors to decide who requires an urgent hospital referral.

Improving survival rates through earlier diagnosis

In England, approximately 71,000 people receive a diagnosis of pancreatic, stomach, liver, ovarian, or bowel cancer annually, resulting in nearly 35,000 deaths. Currently, only 2% to 6% of urgent cancer referrals result in a confirmed diagnosis.

Early detection is vital for patient outcomes, as survival rates for bowel cancer are approximately 9 in 10 for stage 1 patients compared to 1 in 10 for stage 4 patients over a five-year period. The clinical trial is expected to assist in improving the diagnosis of bowel cancer by helping health professionals identify which patients require an urgent referral.

Future national rollout depends on trial assessment

The trial is taking place in England to help GPs determine which patients require further testing for cancers that are often difficult to detect early, including pancreatic, ovarian, bowel, and stomach cancer.

This effort aims to streamline urgent referrals and reduce pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) by identifying patients who need further investigation sooner. The NIHR has been investing in high-quality research to improve patient care for the past 20 years.

Results from the trial are expected to provide guidance for future research and inform decisions on whether these blood tests could be implemented within the NHS. A decision on whether to introduce these tests nationally in England will be made after the results of the trial are assessed.

The government emphasizes that even with new testing innovations, standard care practices like listening to patients, following up on persistent symptoms, and ensuring screening attendance remain essential.