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Landmark Blood-Based AI Lung Cancer Screening Test Study Results Published in Cancer Discovery

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2 years ago

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The transformative approach to genomic sequencing yields the first validated high-sensitivity lung cancer screening test that could close gaps in screening.

BALTIMORE and PALO ALTO, Calif., June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — DELFI Diagnostics, Inc., a developer of accessible blood-based AI tests that deliver a new way to enhance cancer detection, today announces the publication of groundbreaking data in the prestigious journal Cancer Discovery from the company’s L101 study, “Clinical validation of a cell-free DNA fragmentome assay for augmentation of lung cancer early detection”. The report details the performance and potential of DELFI’s FirstLook Lung test. This milestone study, led by top researchers in the field, marks a significant advancement in aiding blood-based cancer detection.

FirstLook Lung is the first validated high-sensitivity test designed to close the persistent gap and shortfall observed in lung cancer screening. Lung cancer claims more lives of both men and women than any other cancer. Yet despite strong evidence from randomized trials that lung cancer screening is highly effective at reducing the burden and harms of this disease, only 5% of those eligible are screened each year according to the American Lung Association. Introducing a high-sensitivity blood-based lung cancer screening test with the validated performance of FirstLook Lung, the study authors project that even modest utilization could translate to thousands of prevented deaths from lung cancer.

Key Findings and Implications
The study, titled “Clinical validation of a cell-free DNA fragmentome assay for augmentation of lung cancer early detection” involved 958 participants, divided into a group for test training, and a separate independent group for test validation. The authors detail the genomic elements derived through low-cost whole genome sequencing and show in the independent validation group that both sensitivity and specificity are remarkably consistent across patient subgroups that differ in demographics, comorbidities, and smoking history. They then present the potential population health impact of the test if used to augment lung cancer screening in the United States, showing that even modest utilization would translate into meaningful shifts toward early-stage diagnosis and downstream reductions in lung cancer deaths.

Key findings include:

Sensitivity: 80% in a screening population across stages of diseaseNegative Predictive Value (NPV): 99.8%, meaning a test result of “not elevated” equates to a 2 in 1,000 chance someone has lung cancerRelative Risk: The likelihood of lung cancer found by low dose computed tomography scan is 5.5 times higher for individuals with a FirstLook Lung “elevated” versus “not elevated” result.

L101 principal investigator, Peter J. Mazzone, M.D. noted that “To improve lung cancer screening outcomes at scale, a low-cost test with high sensitivity and high NPV is essential. The results of the validation show that DELFI’s test meets these criteria, and our models show the potential population health benefits achievable through even modest adoption. We are long overdue in our need to close lung cancer screening’s gaps.”

DELFI Chief Medical Officer, Peter B. Bach, M.D., commented: “This publication in Cancer Discovery is just our first step toward improving screening rates with a widely accessible test now available as a laboratory-developed test (LDT). We are making the test available to partners and customers who share our vision and are committed to improving screening rates across populations in need. We remain committed to additional prospective assessment of the test and platform under our breakthrough device designation with the FDA and in our international collaborations.”

DELFI Founder Victor Velculescu, M.D. PhD, commented: “Five years ago, we published a seminal study showing the insights available in the cancer fragmentome for noninvasive cancer detection. Seeing this translated into a high-performing test for early detection of lung cancer that can be accessible to all is what scientists dream about.”

About FirstLook Lung
FirstLook Lung evaluates patterns of DNA fragments in the blood that reveal the presence of lung cancer. In an independent validation, FirstLook Lung was shown to have 80% sensitivity in a screening population, including detection of the earliest stages of the disease. The test also demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.8 percent for determining if lung cancer would be discovered on a screening Chest CT. Early detection is key to improving patient outcomes.

About Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death globally and in the United States where it accounts for 25 percent of all cancer deaths – just as many deaths as the other four cancers for which screening is recommended combined (colon, prostate, breast, and cervical cancer). Screening rates for those other cancers are in the 60 to 70 percent range, but lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scans is received by only approximately six percent of screen-eligible adults in the U.S. annually. This means that 14.1 million Americans who should be getting screened every year for lung cancer are not doing so. According to the 2021 USPSTF lung cancer screening guidelines, individuals eligible for screening include those 50 to 80 years of age, and who currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years and have a 20-pack year or more smoking history. Detecting cancer early can improve outcomes. The low rate of lung screening is an important reason why the disease’s five-year survival rate in the U.S. is only 23 percent.

About DELFI Diagnostics
DELFI Diagnostics is developing next-generation, blood-based tests that are accurate, accessible, and deliver a new way to help detect cancer. DELFI tests are built to solve the highest-burden population health issues, including in historically underserved demographics, and have the potential to save lives on a global scale. FirstLook Lung, for individuals eligible for lung cancer screening, is our first laboratory-developed screening test and requires a simple blood draw that can be incorporated with routine blood work. The test is based on fragmentomics, the discovery that cancer cells are more chaotic than normal cells and, when they die, leave behind tell-tale patterns and characteristics of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments in the blood. The DELFI platform applies advanced machine-learning technology to whole-genome sequencing data to assess individuals’ cfDNA fragments against populations with and without cancer. FirstLook Lung uses these millions of data points to reliably identify individuals who may have cancer detected through low-dose CT, including early-stage disease, with a negative predictive value of 99.8 percent. This test has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. To learn more about the FirstLook Lung test, visit www.delfidiagnostics.com or www.firstlooktest.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/landmark-blood-based-ai-lung-cancer-screening-test-study-results-published-in-cancer-discovery-302162028.html

SOURCE DELFI Diagnostics

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Taiwan’s Smart Tolling Technology Goes Global as Thailand Launches AI-Powered M81 Motorway System

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April 22, 2026

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TAIPEI, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sightings of electronic toll collection (ETC) gantries resembling those used on Taiwan’s freeways have recently drawn attention on social media along the Bangkok–Kanchanaburi highway. Far Eastern Electronic Toll Collection Co., Ltd. (FETC) confirmed that the system is part of Thailand’s newly launched M-Flow multi-lane free-flow tolling system on the Intercity Motorway No. 81 Bang Yai – Kanchanaburi Route (M81).

Developed in collaboration with FETC International (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (FETCi Thailand) and the BGSR81 Co., Ltd, the system has officially entered operation, marking a significant milestone in Thailand’s transition toward smart, digitally enabled highway infrastructure.

The launch also strengthens connectivity between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi, effectively creating a “one-day travel corridor” and supporting regional tourism and economic activity.

AI-Driven Tolling Cuts Travel Time to 48 Minutes

According to Kenny Chen, Managing Director of FETCi Thailand, the M81 project demonstrates the flexibility and scalability of Taiwan’s ETC technology in complex international environments.

FETCi Thailand led the design, installation, and implementation of the tolling system and its Traffic Operations Center (TOC). The platform integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enable data-driven traffic management and operational decision-making. It is also designed for future expansion, including applications such as weigh-in-motion enforcement.

Thailand’s diverse vehicle types and more complex license plate formats presented technical challenges. These were addressed through advanced AI-powered automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), ensuring high accuracy in vehicle identification. Combined with multiple digital payment options, the system allows vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping.

Since its launch, travel time between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi has been reduced from nearly two hours to approximately 48 minutes. Weekend traffic volumes have reached around 55,000 vehicles per day, improving both tourism access and logistics efficiency in western Thailand.

M9 Experience Highlights Strong Economic and Environmental Benefits

FETC has also supported Thailand’s Department of Highways (DOH) since 2022 in deploying and operating the M-Flow system on the M9 motorway, including gantry design and operational consulting.

According to DOH data, the system has increased traffic throughput fivefold and saves motorists an estimated 3.33 million hours annually. It has achieved a benefit-cost ratio of 6.94, meaning each dollar invested generates nearly seven dollars in overall societal value.

In environmental terms, the system reduces fuel consumption by approximately 13.91 million liters per year and cuts carbon emissions by more than 36,000 metric tons, contributing to more sustainable transportation.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/taiwans-smart-tolling-technology-goes-global-as-thailand-launches-ai-powered-m81-motorway-system-302748486.html

SOURCE FETC International

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Critical Link Launches World’s First AI-Driven SOM Recommendation Engine, Powered by Rapidflare

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April 22, 2026

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Critical Link and Rapidflare have jointly launched the world’s first AI-driven System on Module Recommendation Engine. Engineers can now describe their requirements in plain language and receive accurate, tailored SOM recommendations in seconds. Together, the two companies are redefining how electronics teams discover and select embedded solutions.

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Critical Link LLC, a leader in system-on-module solutions, has introduced the world’s first AI-driven System on Module Recommendation Engine, powered by Rapidflare’s Rapid Product Selection Agent. The new engine advances Critical Link’s mission to help customers bring embedded products to market faster and more cost-effectively.

Together, Rapidflare and Critical Link are combining their strengths to make the journey from concept to product faster, smarter, and more closely aligned with customer needs. – Amber Thousand, Sr. Director of Marketing, Critical Link

In the electronics industry, selecting the right product often requires manually comparing hundreds of pages of datasheets or relying on rigid parametric search tools. Critical Link’s SOM Recommendation Engine is set to change that. With Rapidflare’s conversational AI agent, customers can describe their requirements in natural language and receive tailored recommendations in a fraction of the time.

“For years customers have asked for a better way to find the right SOM for their application. Launching this AI-driven engine with Rapidflare’s technology is a game changer,” said Amber Thousand, Sr. Director of Marketing at Critical Link. “Their accuracy, domain expertise, and speed of integration made them the clear choice to support our mission.”

Unlike generic AI agents, Rapidflare’s technology is purpose-built for complex product selection workflows. It combines knowledge graph-based reasoning, domain-specific intelligence, and industry guardrails to deliver recommendations that are both fast and reliable for electronics teams.

“The best partnerships happen when your mission aligns with your partner’s mission,” said Navanee Sundaramoorthy, CEO and Founder at Rapidflare. “We’re proud to partner with Critical Link to help make SOM product selection more seamless, intuitive, and efficient for their team and customers.”

Beyond accelerating product selection, the AI engine gives engineers a new way to engage with Critical Link. “We’ve always offered thorough documentation and product support to customers via our website, our engineering wiki, and personal contact. Adding the SOM Recommendation Engine creates a more efficient path for self-discovery, which we see as a growing trend,” said Thousand. “Together, Rapidflare and Critical Link are combining their strengths to make the journey from concept to product faster, smarter, and more closely aligned with customer needs.”

To explore Critical Link’s SOM Recommendation Engine, visit https://www.criticallink.com/som-recommendation-ai-agent/.

To learn more about Rapidflare and its AI-powered product selection solutions, visit Rapidflare’s website: https://www.rapidflare.ai/

About Rapidflare

Rapidflare builds AI-powered domain specific agents for electronics, semiconductors, and other technically complex industries. Its product intelligence powered AI platform gives teams natural-language access to product and engineering knowledge, making it easier to find accurate answers, support customers, and move faster across critical workflows. Rapidflare multiplies the impact of GTM teams by making critical technical knowledge instantly accessible, helping sales, solutions engineering, product marketing, support, and customer success teams move faster and operate with confidence. For more information, visit rapidflare.ai

About Critical Link

Critical Link designs and manufactures CPU-based, FPGA-based, and DSP-based system-on-modules (SOMs) for industrial electronic applications. Its production-ready embedded solutions help customers bring products to market faster and at lower cost by reducing development complexity, risk, and time spent building core processing subsystems from scratch. With a focus on product quality, long-term availability, lifecycle support, and close customer engagement, Critical Link serves OEMs across a wide range of industrial and technically demanding applications. For more information, visit the website: criticallink.com

Media Contact

Balpreet, Rapidflare, 1 2068614231, balpreet@rapidflare.ai, rapidflare.ai

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/critical-link-launches-worlds-first-ai-driven-som-recommendation-engine-powered-by-rapidflare-302749279.html

SOURCE Rapidflare

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COMAU SHOWCASES AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA’S COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INDUSTRY AT GIICOMVEC 2026

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April 22, 2026

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SHANGHAI, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Comau participated in the Indonesia International Commercial Vehicle Expo (GIICOMVEC 2026), held in Jakarta, where it engaged with local OEMs and supply chain partners on manufacturing upgrades and the application of automation technologies. During the event, Comau presented its capabilities in body-in-white automation, flexible production systems for multi-model manufacturing, and digital manufacturing solutions, drawing on its experience in managing complex automotive production environments.

Through its participation at GIICOMVEC 2026, Comau further expanded its engagement with the Southeast Asian market. Leveraging its global project experience and strong presence in China, Comau supports complex, high-volume automotive production for both domestic and international OEMs, and combines this experience with local insights to address evolving regional manufacturing requirements.

GIICOMVEC 2026 featured 14 leading commercial vehicle brands from multiple regions, showcasing developments in light commercial vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, buses, and specialty vehicles. As demand continues to grow and industrial modernization accelerates, Indonesia is becoming an increasingly important production base and end market for commercial vehicles in Southeast Asia. At the same time, the expanding presence of Chinese automakers is contributing to a more competitive landscape and a shifting supplier ecosystem.

In this context, manufacturers are managing broader product portfolios and short production cycles. As a result, greater emphasis is being placed on automation solutions that enable efficient multi-model production, improve consistency in body-in-white manufacturing, and support the adoption of digital production management systems.

At the policy level, initiatives such as Making Indonesia 4.0 and the national push toward vehicle electrification are reinforcing the transition toward efficient and sustainable manufacturing. Comau’s proven track record in e-Mobility and battery assembly solutions further aligns with these developments, creating new opportunities to add value across the entire commercial vehicle value chain in Southeast Asia.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/comau-showcases-automation-solutions-for-southeast-asias-commercial-vehicle-industry-at-giicomvec-2026-302748494.html

SOURCE Comau

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