MCM proteins found to have potential as the basis of simple non-invasive tests for a range of cancers, including cervical, bladder, colorectal, lung, and cancer of the oesophagus
Nicholas Coleman, of the Hutchison/MRC research centre in Cambridge, was awarded the overall Cancer Innovation Award by Medical Futures for his work on cancer biomarkers.
The award recognises the potential significance of Coleman's research into minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins, which are now in clinical trials to test how well they can be used to detect cervical cancer.
His innovation could help to revolutionise cancer screening by providing an accurate way of detecting a range of cancers early.
Coleman said: "The earlier a cancer is diagnosed the greater the chance of a cure for the patient.
"These proteins are excellent markers of cancerous and precancerous cells.
"They allow us to detect abnormalities in cervical smears very accurately and can also improve the early diagnosis of other common cancers, for example those of the large bowel and lung".
The original research was funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and Cancer Research UK.
Cancer Research Technology , the specialist cancer development and commercialisation company owned by Cancer Research UK, out-licensed the cervical screening technology to TriPath Imaging in 2005.
Kate Law, director of clinical trials at Cancer Research UK, said: "Early diagnosis is the single most important factor for improving survival prospects for many types of cancer.
"High levels of MCM proteins reflect a faulty process in cells that begins long before the tumour reaches an easily detectable size.
"Such tests could enable cost-effective cervical and oral cancer screening in the developing world."
