Worrying symptoms like abnormal bleeding are sending thousands of postmenopausal women to their GPs every year, sparking a series of investigations that can be distressing for many. According to the NHS, approximately 90,000 women in England undergo this process annually, and while most do not have cancer, around 10,000 are diagnosed with womb or uterine/endometrial cancer each year – sadly resulting in about 2,700 deaths.
Under current guidelines, all women referred for suspected womb cancer face a pelvic examination, including an often uncomfortable transvaginal ultrasound scan. Furthermore, they may be required to undergo additional invasive procedures like biopsies or hysteroscopies if the cancer is still suspected after the initial tests. However, research suggests that around 18,000 of these women could be spared these initial exams each year, thanks to a new AI-powered blood test known as PinPoint.
Developed by Leeds-based firm PinPoint Data Science, this innovative test uses machine learning to analyse 30 different blood markers and determine a patient's risk of cancer. The analysis categorises patients into low, elevated or high-risk categories, allowing doctors to confidently rule out or identify gynaecological cancers with a remarkable 99% accuracy rate.
A trial involving 16,481 patients from 170 GP practices in Yorkshire has demonstrated the PinPoint test's efficacy. This included 3,313 women investigated for suspected womb cancer, and the results showed that the test accurately identified both gynaecological cancers and safely ruled out their presence – surpassing conventional testing methods.
As a result of these positive findings, two NHS trusts in Yorkshire plan to integrate the PinPoint test into their diagnostic pathways. The Mid Yorkshire NHS Teaching Trust aims to use it for six types of gynaecological or upper gastrointestinal cancers, while Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust will employ it specifically for gynaecological cancers. Experts have praised the test's accuracy and ability to confidently identify low-risk women, reducing unnecessary procedures and freeing up GP capacity.
Consultant gynaecologist Tracy Jackson highlights the practical benefits of this intelligent triage system, stating that most women referred do not have cancer, making these investigations uncomfortable for them. By using PinPoint, doctors can streamline the diagnostic process, offer earlier peace of mind to patients, and reduce waiting lists.
Professor Sean Duffy, Chief Medical Officer at PinPoint Data Science and former NHS England National Clinical Director for Cancer, praises the test's accuracy in identifying very low-risk women, thus sparing them unnecessary procedures. Dr Jacinta Walsh, a GP in Normanton, adds that the test could be a game-changer in primary care, offering earlier peace of mind to patients while freeing up GP capacity.