World Campus April 2026 Session: advancing early cancer detection with a single blood test
Presentation by Mao Mao

In April, our World Campus welcomed Professor Mao Mao for an update on one of the most promising developments in cancer diagnostics: multi-cancer early detection through a single blood test.

Professor Mao shared the progress made with OncoSeek 2.0, the next generation of his blood-based cancer screening technology. His work combines cancer-related DNA signals, protein biomarkers, and artificial intelligence to identify cancer risk and help determine where a cancer may originate in the body.

The goal is ambitious but clear: instead of screening cancers one by one, develop one test capable of detecting many cancer types at an early stage.

Drawing on decades of clinical and research experience, inspired by his own father’s cancer diagnosis, Professor Mao emphasized why early detection matters so deeply. Nearly 20 million new cancer cases are diagnosed globally each year, with around half resulting in death. The burden is rising especially fast in developing countries.

The session explored how combining multiple biological signals can improve detection accuracy, particularly for aggressive cancers such as pancreatic and lung cancer. Importantly, early data suggests OncoSeek may perform especially well in detecting stage I cancers, where treatment outcomes can improve dramatically.

Professor Mao also highlighted a major challenge in the field: proving that early detection tests truly shift diagnosis toward earlier stages and ultimately improve survival. While large international trials continue, his team’s results show encouraging progress toward more effective and accessible cancer screening.

The message was clear: better early detection could transform cancer care – making treatment more effective, less invasive, and more affordable worldwide.

Watch the full session here: