Blood Test Offers Hope for Earlier Lung Cancer Detection, But Challenges Remain

NEW YORK, NY – November 18, 2025

A New Approach to Early Detection

PrognomiQ has launched ProVue Lung, a blood-based Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) designed to detect lung cancer at its earliest stages. The company, founded in 2020, is initially rolling out the test through Early Experience Programs at Allegheny Health Network and Lung Innovations Network at Penn Highlands Healthcare in Pennsylvania. This launch represents a significant step in the ongoing quest for more effective and accessible lung cancer screening methods, a disease that remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The promise of a simple blood test, as opposed to the current standard of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, could dramatically increase screening participation rates and ultimately save lives.

The Science Behind ProVue Lung

ProVue Lung differentiates itself by utilizing a multi-omic approach, specifically proteomics. Instead of focusing on a single biomarker, the test analyzes a panel of proteins in the blood that are indicative of the presence of lung cancer. This complex analysis allows for a potentially more accurate and nuanced detection compared to traditional methods. PrognomiQ has secured over $135 million in funding, indicating strong investor confidence in its technology. The company is actively pursuing further validation with a prospective 15,000-subject study to support its development of an In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) test. Early data suggests the test achieves 85% sensitivity and 55% specificity overall, with an impressive 81% sensitivity for Stage I lung cancer. Its Negative Predictive Value (NPV) is reported as greater than 99.8%, meaning a negative result is highly reliable in ruling out the presence of cancer. The test is initially targeted toward high-risk individuals—those aged 50 and older with a 20+ pack-year smoking history—reflecting a pragmatic approach to maximizing the impact of limited screening resources.

Beyond the Scan: Addressing Limitations of Current Screening

The current standard for lung cancer screening, LDCT scans, has proven effective in reducing mortality rates, but suffers from significant limitations. Participation rates remain low, with many eligible individuals not undergoing regular screening. This is due to a variety of factors, including the inconvenience of scheduling and attending appointments, the cost of scans, and anxiety surrounding false-positive results. “A major hurdle with CT scans is patient compliance,” explains a public health expert familiar with lung cancer screening programs. “People don't want to go through the process, they worry about radiation exposure, and they often delay or forgo screening altogether.” A blood-based test like ProVue Lung could overcome these barriers by offering a more convenient and less invasive alternative. However, the lower specificity of the test—55%—raises concerns about the potential for false positives, which could lead to unnecessary follow-up procedures and increased patient anxiety.

The Rise of Multi-Omic Diagnostics and Future Implications

PrognomiQ's ProVue Lung isn’t operating in a vacuum. It represents a growing trend towards multi-omic diagnostics, where the analysis of multiple layers of biological information—proteins, metabolites, DNA, RNA—provides a more comprehensive understanding of disease. This approach holds immense promise for early detection, personalized treatment, and improved patient outcomes. “The future of cancer diagnostics is undoubtedly multi-omic,” states a biotech analyst following the field. “By looking at the interplay of multiple biomarkers, we can achieve a level of accuracy and sensitivity that was previously unattainable.” The company's funding and commitment to a large-scale clinical trial signal a serious investment in this emerging field. However, the transition from LDT to IVD status will be crucial for widespread adoption, requiring rigorous validation and regulatory approval. The challenge lies not only in achieving high accuracy but also in demonstrating cost-effectiveness and scalability. The potential impact of such technology extends beyond lung cancer, with applications in other areas of oncology and disease detection.