Search
What are you looking for?
Start main content

Press Releases

Press Releases

https://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk/press-releases/cuhk-completes-a-20000-person-plasma-dna-screening-study-of-nasopharyngeal-cancer-and-finds-a-dramatic-shift-to-early-stage-cancers
https://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk/press-releases/cuhk-completes-a-20000-person-plasma-dna-screening-study-of-nasopharyngeal-cancer-and-finds-a-dramatic-shift-to-early-stage-cancers

CUHK Completes a 20,000-person Plasma DNA Screening Study of Nasopharyngeal Cancer, and Finds a Dramatic Shift to Early Stage Cancers

Press Conference Highlight

 

 

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) recently completed a 20,000-person study and confirms that plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA analysis is useful for screening early asymptomatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). By using this technology, NPC patients can be identified at significantly earlier stages, when there is a much greater likelihood of successful treatment. The landmark findings were released in the New England Journal of Medicine today.

 

80% Unscreened NPC Patients are Diagnosed at Advanced Stages

NPC is a common type of cancer in Hong Kong and in other parts of Southern China. It is one of the most aggressive head and neck cancers and frequently metastasizes to distant lymph nodes and organs. The incidence of this cancer is up to 35 per 100,000 in middle-aged men in endemic areas every year. According to the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, there are more than 800 new cases of NPC in Hong Kong every year.

 

As early NPC is relatively asymptomatic, approximately 80% of unscreened patients are diagnosed with advanced NPC, which is more difficult to treat than early stage NPC.

 

Screening NPC by Plasma EBV DNA Analysis

NPC is closely associated with infection by the EBV.  The presence of plasma EBV DNA consisting of short DNA fragments released by NPC cells will help identify NPC patients.

 

More than 20,000 middle-aged Chinese males in Hong Kong without NPC symptoms were recruited between 2013 and 2016 to join the study and were screened with plasma EBV DNA analysis. Among them, 309 persons had persistently positive results on initial and follow-up tests and were invited for further investigation with nasal endoscopic examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Out of 300 participants who were willing to undertake further investigation, 34 were confirmed as having NPC.

 

Results of the study are summarized in the following table:

 

 Patients identified
in the study
Historical Cohort
in HK
Proportion of Stage I/II Disease71%22%
3-year Progression-free Survival97%70%

 

The potential of the predictive value of the circulating DNA analysis for screening early cancers was further highlighted by events occurring in four participants.  Three patients that screened positive did not find tumors in the initial endoscopic examination but then had tumors identified from MRI. In addition, a participant who screened positive but declined further investigation, was subsequently diagnosed with advanced-stage NPC at 32 months after enrolment to the study, and died 2 months later.

 

Based on the results of the study, Professor Allen CHAN, Professor, Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine at CUHK, elaborated that, “This study suggests non-invasive DNA screening strategy could potentially result in better outcomes for patients with NPC. The patients identified by screening were at significantly earlier stages. They could receive more timely and effective treatments which may improve the progression-free survival and reduce treatment-associated morbidity.”

 

Professor Dennis LO, Director of the Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences at CUHK, known for his landmark discovery of the presence of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma, has been working to apply circulating DNA analysis for screening early cancers.  He remarked, “This study has demonstrated the potential of circulating DNA analysis for screening early NPC. Even small tumors could release sufficient amounts of tumor DNA into the blood to allow sensitive detection of very early cancers.”

 

Professor Lo added, “Considering the shift in stage distribution and potential for significant improvement in mortality and morbidity, NPC screening with EBV DNA analysis appears to be a feasible practice in regions with high incidence.”  

 

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) recently completed a 20,000-person study and confirms that plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA analysis is useful for screening early asymptomatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The findings have just been released in the New England Journal of Medicine. Featured are (right) Professor Dennis LO, Director of the Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences at CUHK, and Professor Allen CHAN from the Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine at CUHK.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) recently completed a 20,000-person study and confirms that plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA analysis is useful for screening early asymptomatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The findings have just been released in the New England Journal of Medicine. Featured are (right) Professor Dennis LO, Director of the Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences at CUHK, and Professor Allen CHAN from the Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine at CUHK.

 (Right) Professor Dennis LO, Director of the Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences at CUHK, and Professor Allen CHAN from the Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine at CUHK.

(Right) Professor Dennis LO, Director of the Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences at CUHK, and Professor Allen CHAN from the Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine at CUHK.

Mr LO (right), who was asymptomatic, was diagnosed with NPC after he underwent the plasma EBV DNA test. He is grateful to the very early diagnosis so that he could have speedy recovery after radiotherapy.

Mr LO (right), who was asymptomatic, was diagnosed with NPC after he underwent the plasma EBV DNA test. He is grateful to the very early diagnosis so that he could have speedy recovery after radiotherapy.

 

Group photo of the research team for the Plasma DNA Screening Study of Nasopharyngeal Cancer.

Group photo of the research team for the Plasma DNA Screening Study of Nasopharyngeal Cancer.

 The NPC screening study received a lot of support from many bodies. Featured are representatives of the research team with some of supporting parties, including Dr Hon Fernando CHEUNG, representative of the Labour Party (4th from left); Mr Christopher TSOI (4th from right), representative of the Democratic Party and Miss Sally POON, representative of the Liberal Party (3rd from right).

The NPC screening study received a lot of support from many bodies. Featured are representatives of the research team with some of supporting parties, including Dr Hon Fernando CHEUNG, representative of the Labour Party (4th from left); Mr Christopher TSOI (4th from right), representative of the Democratic Party and Miss Sally POON, representative of the Liberal Party (3rd from right).

Representatives of the research team take a group photo with Dr Ken DRAZAN (3rd from right), President of GRAIL .

Representatives of the research team take a group photo with Dr Ken DRAZAN (3rd from right), President of GRAIL .

 (2nd from left) Prof. Dennis LO remarks that even small NPC tumors could release sufficient amounts of DNA into the blood to allow sensitive detection of very early cancers.

(2nd from left) Prof. Dennis LO remarks that even small NPC tumors could release sufficient amounts of DNA into the blood to allow sensitive detection of very early cancers.

Prof. Allen CHAN highlights that screening NPC by plasma EBV DNA analysis could help identify NPC patients at significantly earlier stages.

Prof. Allen CHAN highlights that screening NPC by plasma EBV DNA analysis could help identify NPC patients at significantly earlier stages.

More Press Releases

CUHK Research Receives Recognitions by Top Medical Journals

CUHK Research Receives Recognitions by Top Medical Journals

Awards and honors
CUHK Launches Territory-wide Screening Study for Early Detection of Nasopharynx Cancer Now Recruiting 20,000 Citizens to Join

CUHK Launches Territory-wide Screening Study for Early Detection of Nasopharynx Cancer Now Recruiting 20,000 Citizens to Join

Research
CUHK Unravels the Whole Genome of Nasopharyngeal Cancer A Great Leap Forward in Personalized Medicine Development

CUHK Unravels the Whole Genome of Nasopharyngeal Cancer A Great Leap Forward in Personalized Medicine Development

Research
A CUHK-led International Study Demonstrates Immune-checkpoint Inhibitor Is Effective in Patients with Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer

A CUHK-led International Study Demonstrates Immune-checkpoint Inhibitor Is Effective in Patients with Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Research
Two CUHK Scholars Named World’s “Top 20 Translational Researchers” Professor Dennis LO Receives the Honour for the Fourth Consecutive Year

Two CUHK Scholars Named World’s “Top 20 Translational Researchers” Professor Dennis LO Receives the Honour for the Fourth Consecutive Year

Awards and honors
CUHK Professor Dennis LO Receives 2021 Breakthrough Prize, an Honour Renowned as the “Oscars of Science”

CUHK Professor Dennis LO Receives 2021 Breakthrough Prize, an Honour Renowned as the “Oscars of Science”

Awards and honors
Insights into B-cells and GPR18 Gene Expression by CU Medicine team  Improve Prediction of Survival in Multiple Cancer Types

Insights into B-cells and GPR18 Gene Expression by CU Medicine team Improve Prediction of Survival in Multiple Cancer Types

Research
CU Medicine Team Discovers a Novel Prognostic Biomarker for a Doubled Survival in Head and Neck Cancer

CU Medicine Team Discovers a Novel Prognostic Biomarker for a Doubled Survival in Head and Neck Cancer

Research
CUHK in collaboration with West China School of Medicine co-Led World’s First-in-human Clinical Trial using CRISPR technology for lung cancer Confirmed gene-edited T-Cell Therapy is Safe and Feasible in Treatment of Advanced NSCLC

CUHK in collaboration with West China School of Medicine co-Led World’s First-in-human Clinical Trial using CRISPR technology for lung cancer Confirmed gene-edited T-Cell Therapy is Safe and Feasible in Treatment of Advanced NSCLC

Research
Two CUHK Scholars Named World’s “Top 20 Translational Researchers” Professor Dennis Lo Receiving the Honour for the Third Consecutive Year

Two CUHK Scholars Named World’s “Top 20 Translational Researchers” Professor Dennis Lo Receiving the Honour for the Third Consecutive Year

Awards and honors
CUHK to Commence the Next-Generation Clinical Trials of CAR-T Cell Therapy for Haematological Malignancy

CUHK to Commence the Next-Generation Clinical Trials of CAR-T Cell Therapy for Haematological Malignancy

Research
CUHK Successfully Conducts Asia-Pacific’s First Hybrid Operating Room Non-invasive Bronchoscopic Microwave Ablation to Treat Lung Cancer

CUHK Successfully Conducts Asia-Pacific’s First Hybrid Operating Room Non-invasive Bronchoscopic Microwave Ablation to Treat Lung Cancer

Surgical advancement
李嘉誠基金會啟動《愛能助》兒童癌症項目 資助兒童罕見癌症 (Chinese version only)

李嘉誠基金會啟動《愛能助》兒童癌症項目 資助兒童罕見癌症 (Chinese version only)

Donation
Professor Tony MOK Honoured with the ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award Recognising His Global Leadership in Defining Lung Cancer Treatment Standard

Professor Tony MOK Honoured with the ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award Recognising His Global Leadership in Defining Lung Cancer Treatment Standard

Awards and honors
CUHK Receives an International Cancer Care Team Award Nominated by Patients

CUHK Receives an International Cancer Care Team Award Nominated by Patients

Awards and honors
Professor Dennis LO Being Named as World’s “Top Translational Researchers” for Two Consecutive Years

Professor Dennis LO Being Named as World’s “Top Translational Researchers” for Two Consecutive Years

Awards and honors
CUHK Launches Multi-Cancer Prevention Programme Providing Free Screening to 10,000 HK Residents to Study Links with Obesity

CUHK Launches Multi-Cancer Prevention Programme Providing Free Screening to 10,000 HK Residents to Study Links with Obesity

Health Campaign
CUHK-led Global Study Sees Improvement in Overall Survival in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer

CUHK-led Global Study Sees Improvement in Overall Survival in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer

Research
CUHK Study Sees Increasing Global Incidence of Colorectal Cancer Among Younger People

CUHK Study Sees Increasing Global Incidence of Colorectal Cancer Among Younger People

Research
CUHK Pioneers Early Lung Cancer Treatment with Hybrid Operating Room Image Guided Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy

CUHK Pioneers Early Lung Cancer Treatment with Hybrid Operating Room Image Guided Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy

Surgical advancement
CUHK Study Proves Ablative Chemoembolization Doubles the Progression-Free Survival for Liver Cancer Patients

CUHK Study Proves Ablative Chemoembolization Doubles the Progression-Free Survival for Liver Cancer Patients

Research
Two CUHK Medical Professors Winning WuXi PharmaTech Life Science and Chemistry Awards

Two CUHK Medical Professors Winning WuXi PharmaTech Life Science and Chemistry Awards

Awards and honors
CUHK-HKU Study on Multi-gene Mutation-Drug Matching for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Patients Providing Free Pharmacogenomic Analysis for 100 Patients in Hong Kong

CUHK-HKU Study on Multi-gene Mutation-Drug Matching for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Patients Providing Free Pharmacogenomic Analysis for 100 Patients in Hong Kong

Research
CUHK-led Research Confirms Novel Targeted Therapy Doubles the Effectiveness of Current Standard Treatment for ALK-Positive Lung Cancer

CUHK-led Research Confirms Novel Targeted Therapy Doubles the Effectiveness of Current Standard Treatment for ALK-Positive Lung Cancer

Research
CUHK Uncovers Novel Immune Escape Mechanism of Cancer Opening Up New Direction for Cancer Immunotherapy

CUHK Uncovers Novel Immune Escape Mechanism of Cancer Opening Up New Direction for Cancer Immunotherapy

Research
‘Science is an Integral Part of My Life’ CUHK’s Prof. Dennis Lo Reaps Inaugural Future Science Prize

‘Science is an Integral Part of My Life’ CUHK’s Prof. Dennis Lo Reaps Inaugural Future Science Prize

Awards and honors
CUHK Professor Dennis Lo Named ‘Thomson Reuters Citation Laureate’, an Honour Considered as an Index to Predict Nobel Prize Winners

CUHK Professor Dennis Lo Named ‘Thomson Reuters Citation Laureate’, an Honour Considered as an Index to Predict Nobel Prize Winners

Awards and honors
CUHK Professor Dennis Lo Receives Future Science Prize – Life Science Prize, the China's Nobel Prize

CUHK Professor Dennis Lo Receives Future Science Prize – Life Science Prize, the China's Nobel Prize

Awards and honors
CUHK Launches Newborn Add-on Test for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Supported by Joshua Hellmann Foundation for Orphan Disease

CUHK Launches Newborn Add-on Test for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Supported by Joshua Hellmann Foundation for Orphan Disease

Donation
CUHK Professor Dennis Lo as the First Chinese Honoured with AACC Wallace H. Coulter Lectureship Award

CUHK Professor Dennis Lo as the First Chinese Honoured with AACC Wallace H. Coulter Lectureship Award

Awards and honors
CUHK Professor Dennis Lo Received International Honour for Pioneering Research in Personalized Medicine

CUHK Professor Dennis Lo Received International Honour for Pioneering Research in Personalized Medicine

Awards and honors
CUHK Succeeded in Animal Study and Clinical Case of Percutaneous Nanoknife New Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment

CUHK Succeeded in Animal Study and Clinical Case of Percutaneous Nanoknife New Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment

Research
CUHK Research Pioneer in Non-invasive Prenatal Diagnosis Elected to US National Academy of Sciences

CUHK Research Pioneer in Non-invasive Prenatal Diagnosis Elected to US National Academy of Sciences

Awards and honors
CUHK Discovers Innovative ‘Flow Diverters’ (Pipeline) as Effective Treatment for Cerebral Aneurysms in Asia’s First Clinical Study in Collaboration with Seven Medical Centres

CUHK Discovers Innovative ‘Flow Diverters’ (Pipeline) as Effective Treatment for Cerebral Aneurysms in Asia’s First Clinical Study in Collaboration with Seven Medical Centres

Research

Our Expert List

Many experts under the Faculty of Medicine are available for media interview.
Please click here for the expert list or contact us.