Scientists have developed Australia's first artificial intelligence (AI)-powered lipid-based blood test , enabling earlier and less invasive detection of breast cancer.
The test has been in clinical use at a number of specialist clinics in Sydney and Melbourne since its transition from the research phase in March 2025, according to a statement from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) published by Medianet.
Unlike conventional biopsies and imaging, which can miss tumors and carry risks, this new AI-powered blood test detects subtle molecular signals in the blood, enabling cancer diagnosis months or even years before symptoms appear, said Fatemeh Vafaee, associate professor at UNSW.
AI is driving this breakthrough by analyzing millions of molecular markers to detect early signs of cancer, according to Vafaee and the Biomedical AI Laboratory (Vafaee Lab) at UNSW.
"By integrating explainable AI techniques, we ensure that the model not only delivers accurate results but also clinically interpretable insights, which are crucial for building trust and supporting decision-making in real-world healthcare settings," Vafaee said.
The lab is contributing to global efforts to make AI-based blood tests part of standard breast cancer screening, offering a valuable new option, particularly for women with dense breast tissue where conventional imaging is less effective, added the UNSW team, which is working with Australian biotechnology company BCAL Diagnostics.
The team is currently developing a multianalyte test that combines multiple biomarkers for more accurate cancer detection across a range of cancers, including lung, liver, and brain tumors, exploring tests using other bodily fluids such as urine and saliva, while also working to integrate diverse data to gain a more comprehensive picture of a patient's health, Vafaee explained.
