In a significant step towards advancing early cancer detection in India, Strand Life Sciences, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, has been granted an Indian patent for an integrated platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis to detect cancer from a simple blood sample.
The patented technology combines high-quality genome sequencing, stringent quality control, methylation and fragmentomic analysis, and machine learning algorithms to identify early cancer-related changes in DNA circulating in the bloodstream. It can also predict the tissue of origin of the cancer, enabling doctors to investigate the affected organ at an earlier stage.
A Blood Test That Could Change Cancer Screening
One of the key innovations covered by the patent is its ability to detect widespread DNA methylation changes—a recognised hallmark of cancer—using genome sequencing with minimal loss of critical biological information. According to the company, this improves the sensitivity of detecting cancer in its early stages, when treatment is often more effective.
Unlike conventional screening methods that are limited to a handful of cancers and require specialised infrastructure, the platform has the potential to enable large-scale screening as genome sequencing becomes more affordable.
Addressing a Growing Health Burden
India records an estimated 1.5 million new cancer cases every year, with many patients diagnosed only after the disease has reached an advanced stage, limiting treatment options and reducing survival rates.
The company believes that AI-enabled liquid biopsy technologies could help shift cancer diagnosis to much earlier stages, improving patient outcomes while making screening more accessible.
“Early detection is becoming increasingly important as cancer emerges as one of India’s biggest public health challenges,” said Ramesh Hariharan, Chief Executive Officer, Strand Life Sciences.
Hariharan continued, “This patent reflects our commitment to developing scientifically rigorous, AI-enabled liquid biopsy technologies that can help detect cancer earlier from a simple blood sample. We believe this innovation is an important step towards making precision cancer screening more accurate, scalable and accessible.”
Strengthening precision oncology
The newly granted patent expands Strand Life Sciences’ intellectual property portfolio in liquid biopsy and supports its broader strategy of developing AI-driven molecular diagnostics for early cancer detection and precision oncology.
Founded as a spin-off from the Indian Institute of Science and now a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, Strand Life Sciences specialises in genomics-based research, molecular diagnostics and bioinformatics, working with hospitals and global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to advance precision medicine.