The ECLS trial, conducted in Scotland, is believed to be the largest randomised controlled trial using blood biomarkers for the detection of lung cancer ever undertaken.
Through TV and radio appeals, through outreach at football matches, shopping centres and pubs; heavy smokers and ex smokers were asked to take part. 78,000 letters went from GPs to patients. Tens of thousands of phone calls were made and 12,208 volunteers were recruited, over half of them from the most deprived population.
After six years of work, the ECLS trial showed a 36% reduction in late stage presentation after two years and a reduced mortality rate. Many individuals had their lung cancer diagnosed early enough for successful treatment and some of their stories are told in this exhibition. The trial was open to adults aged 50-75 considered to be at high risk of lung cancer because of smoking and family history, and healthy enough to undergo potentially curative therapy.
Oncimmune is now working hard communicating to clinicians, politicians, policy makers and the NHS to get support for a national screening programme for lung cancer using this simple, effective and affordable blood test.