The Bone Cancer Research Trust and Sarcoma UK are joining forces to launch two groundbreaking research projects which could support the early diagnosis of primary bone cancer.
Through the power of collaboration, the charities will fund two independent yet complementary studies aimed at diagnosing bone cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages -
- DIAGNOSED: Data-driven Integrated Approach to Generate Novel Opportunities for Sarcoma Early Diagnosis
- SPEED: osteoSARCOMA Pathology Evaluation for Early Diagnosis
DIAGNOSED, led by Professor Lyratzopoulos and Dr Rafiq at University College London (UCL), will analyse nationwide GP data to investigate why sarcoma patients often visit their doctor multiple times before being referred to specialists. This includes analysis of presenting symptoms and referral patterns, alongside the investigation of routine blood tests as possible early indicators of bone cancer.
"We're not saying that doctors are intentionally missing things or not acting in the correct way, the issue is the huge evidence gap and there are lots of unknowns with sarcoma," explained Dr Rafiq. "We want to identify and present the possible early indicators of sarcoma to help GPs and healthcare professionals identify these patients sooner."
SPEED, led by Dr Snelling at the University of Oxford, aims to develop a blood test that could identify markers of osteosarcoma. Firstly, the group will investigate whether cancer-related markers can be detected from blood and tissue patient samples. Then, they will use artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure the dataset is fit for use. Ultimately, the team hope to develop a reliable and affordable test that could diagnose osteosarcoma earlier.
"It is really hard to diagnose bone sarcomas early because people often present with bone or joint pain, which isn't necessarily the first indication of disease," explained lead researcher, Dr Snelling. "If you diagnose patients earlier, you're able to start treatment earlier, which can increase the options available."
Will Burchell, CEO at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, said:
Collaborating with Sarcoma UK to fund two early diagnosis projects is a huge step forwards in our collective mission to improve outcomes for bone cancer patients. Early diagnosis can change lives, and by joining forces, we're giving patients and their families the hope of a better future. This collaboration is about standing side-by-side, driven by compassion and a commitment to making change happen faster. We are incredibly proud to be taking this important work forward with our colleagues at Sarcoma UK.
Richard Davidson, Chief Executive of Sarcoma UK, added:
This groundbreaking collaboration with the Bone Cancer Research Trust represents a unified approach in our work to address bone cancer. By combining our expertise on the DIAGNOSED and SPEED projects, we're not just funding research — we're offering hope to families who have faced the heartbreak of delayed diagnosis. Early detection is absolutely critical in sarcoma care, and these innovative projects could fundamentally transform patient outcomes.