We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Saliva-Based Cancer Detection Technology Eliminates Need for Complex Sample Preparation

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 23 Jul 2025

Early detection of cancer and other serious diseases is crucial for effective treatment and improved outcomes, yet current diagnostic methods often involve invasive procedures and complex sample preparation. More...

These barriers limit accessibility and delay diagnosis, particularly in low-resource settings. For example, detecting tumor-specific mutations typically requires blood samples or tissue biopsies, which are time-consuming and costly. A newly developed saliva-based platform offers a promising alternative by allowing non-invasive detection of disease biomarkers with high accuracy. In earlier studies, the technology demonstrated strong sensitivity and specificity in identifying tumor mutations, particularly for non-small cell lung cancer, directly from saliva.

Researchers at the UCLA School of Dentistry (Los Angeles, CA, USA) developed a diagnostic platform known as EFIRM (Electric Field-Induced Release and Measurement), a liquid biopsy technology designed to isolate and analyze biomarker signals from biofluids such as saliva. The platform, which builds on more than two decades of research, eliminates the need for complex preparation and uses proprietary electric field-induced techniques to detect disease-related genetic material. The development of EFIRM has led to clinical advances in the detection of salivary biomarkers and has positioned the technology as a potential game changer in early, non-invasive diagnostics. The UCLA School of Dentistry has now entered a three-year sponsored research agreement with Dongwoon Anatech (Seoul, South Korea) to further optimize and clinically validate EFIRM for broader medical applications.

The collaboration will begin by refining protocols for D-SaLife, Dongwoon’s saliva-based glucose monitoring system, in diabetic and non-diabetic patients using samples from hospitals in the U.S. and South Korea. Later phases will focus on developing EFIRM I, a fully automated diagnostic device for cancers such as lung, gastric, and oral cancer, and co-developing EFIRM II, a next-generation, semiconductor-based platform with compact diagnostic cartridges for scalable, point-of-care use. While earlier studies confirmed the system’s clinical accuracy, the current research partnership will allow for expanded testing and device development aimed at real-world deployment. Researchers plan to evaluate performance across different populations, integrate semiconductor technologies for enhanced sensitivity, and eventually bring the system to clinical practice at scale.

"This collaboration reflects our shared vision to make early disease detection faster, simpler, and more accessible around the world," said Dr. David T.W. Wong, professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry. “Dongwoon Anatech’s support brings us closer to realizing EFIRM’s potential in clinical settings.”

Related Links:
UCLA School of Dentistry
Dongwoon Anatech


Gold Member
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
Portable Electronic Pipette
Mini 96
Human Estradiol Assay
Human Estradiol CLIA Kit
Sample Transportation System
Tempus1800 Necto
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: New evidence shows viscoelastic testing can improve assessment of blood clotting during postpartum hemorrhage (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Viscoelastic Testing Could Improve Treatment of Maternal Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage, severe bleeding after childbirth, remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, yet many of these deaths are preventable. Standard care can be hindered by delays... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The SWITCH hybrid pipette is designed to simplify and accelerate pipetting tasks (Photo courtesy of INTEGRA)

Hybrid Pipette Combines Manual Control with Fast Electronic Aliquoting

Manual pipettes offer the control needed for delicate tasks such as mixing or supernatant removal, but typically fall short in repetitive workflows like aliquoting. Electronic pipettes solve this problem... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.