Early Cancer Detection. Reliable Results.
At Nardella Clinic, we are proud to now offer EPISEEK™, a state-of-the-art liquid biopsy test developed by Precision Epigenomics. With just a simple blood draw, this test can help detect signs of cancer earlier and more easily than traditional tissue biopsies.
Early Detection Matters
Most cancers are not found until later stages, when treatment is harder, and survival rates are much lower. In fact, more than 60% of cancers are detected late, and only 15% are caught by routine screening. Lung cancer survival drops from 61% when caught early to 7% when found late. Pancreatic cancer survival: 44% early vs 3% late. Detecting cancer earlier could mean more effective treatments, longer survival, and better outcomes.
What is EPISEEK™?
EPISEEK™ is a blood-based multi-cancer detection test that analyzes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)—tiny fragments of DNA shed by tumors. By looking at epigenomic changes (DNA methylation patterns) unique to cancer cells, the test can detect whether a cancer signal is present.
Which cancers can it detect?
EPISEEK™ is designed to screen for more than 60 types of cancer, including:
- Lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers
- Pancreatic, liver, and stomach cancers
- Bladder, kidney, and esophageal cancers
- Ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers
- Brain tumors, thyroid cancer, lymphomas, and melanoma
Important: While powerful, EPISEEK™ is not a replacement for standard screenings (like colonoscopies, mammograms, or Pap smears). Sensitivity is lower for early-stage cancers, so routine cancer screenings remain essential.
How Accurate is EPISEEK™?
Validation studies included 281 cancer patient samples and 201 control samples (age >40, no cancer history). Results showed:
- Overall sensitivity: 54% (incidence-adjusted at 99.5% specificity)
- Early-stage (I–II) sensitivity: 45%
- Stage III sensitivity: 60%
- Stage IV sensitivity: 74%
- Positive Predictive Value (PPV): 65%
- Negative Predictive Value (NPV): 99.5%
Who is it for?
EPISEEK™ may be appropriate for:
- Adults 45 years and older
- People with elevated cancer risk due to family history or lifestyle factors
What EPISEEK™ Does Not Do
- It does not predict hereditary cancer risk (unlike genetic testing).
- It may produce false positives or false negatives, like any test.
- It is best used alongside—not instead of—routine medical care.
How often should it be done?
Annual health exams may be an appropriate time to consider EPISEEK™, but patients should discuss timing and frequency with Dr. Haggarty.
