The Big Question  

What if a simple test could save millions of lives by catching cancer early? 

The Problem  

Accurate detection of Stage I cancers, when the tumors are small and the chances of survival are high, is critical to effective diagnosis and treatment. Currently, recommended cancer screenings only account for four cancer types (breast, cervical, colon, and lung) and commercially available Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests often fail to catch Stage 1 solid tumors. Late-stage detection results in a delayed diagnosis and, ultimately, a worse prognosis.  

The Current State  

The majority of cancer screenings require a hospital visit for either blood testing or another laboratory procedure. Typically, only older or at-risk individuals are recommended for routine screening. Even with testing, most cancers are not detected through these routine screens. Instead, they are caught at later stages when symptoms have developed. Late-stage cancer diagnoses, unfortunately, drive higher rates of mortality. Cancers are easier to treat successfully when detected early, but today's technology often fails to catch them early enough. 

The Challenge  

The Platform Optimizing SynBio for Early Intervention and Detection in ONcology, or POSEIDON, program aims to fundamentally change the field of cancer screening by developing first-in-class, over-the-counter, MCED tests that screen for 30+ cancers at Stage 1. POSEIDON intends to develop non-invasive synthetic sensors and reporters to reliably detect cancer from breath or urine samples at home. The self-administered kit, based on human-centered design, would allow any adult American to screen for cancers before symptoms arise. The kit would also integrate results securely with electronic health records and ensure individuals connect with a health care professional via a telemedicine call to review results.  

The Solution  

POSEIDON is approaching MCED across two technical areas: (1) synthetic sensors and reporters that enable the detection of ≥30 different solid tumors from a single test; and (2) low-cost, simple-to-operate, at-home cancer screening kits with all hardware and software components. By putting affordable, accessible screening tools into the hands of more people across the country, POSEIDON seeks to increase survival rates and decrease cancer-related costs. ARPA-H is collaborating with the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Screening Research Network to support the development and clinical testing of POSEIDON’s Test Kit.  

Why ARPA-H 

This revolutionary program seeks to change how and when people are screened for cancer, giving every American the chance to test themselves long before they have symptoms. This paradigm shift will decrease the economic and psychological burden of cancer by identifying tumors early and initiating the path to curative treatments. Additionally, by integrating human-centered design, POSEIDON aims to ensure that its tests are designed by and for all Americans.