Early Detection for Lung Cancer with Susan Tousi, DELFI Diagnostics

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Lung cancer is the most deadly of all the cancers worldwide. Very few of those who should be— are getting screened. There is enormous medical need here, and early cancer detection through advanced liquid biopsy could be a tremendous part of the answer.

Today, as part of our series on the future of genetic testing, we welcome Susan Tousi, CEO of Delfi Diagnostics, a company pioneering next-generation liquid biopsy technology for early cancer detection. Tousi came to the post a year ago formerly serving as Illumina’s Chief Commercial Officer. Delfi has made significant strides in developing affordable, high-sensitivity blood-based tests focusing on lung cancer.

Tousi discusses the company’s groundbreaking approach, which leverages whole-genome sequencing and machine learning to detect cancer at its earliest stages.

"We believe that for early detection to make a difference and make cancer less deadly, you have to be catching it at stage one or stage two," she emphasizes.

By using a low-pass sequencing method, Delfi is able to keep costs low while maximizing sensitivity, making widespread screening more accessible. The conversation highlights the dire need for better lung cancer screening methods, given that fewer than 6% of eligible individuals undergo annual screening with low-dose CT scans.

"Lung cancer alone takes more lives annually than colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer combined," Tousi notes.

Delfi aims to change this with its simple blood test, already in commercial use and being adopted by major healthcare systems such as OSF HealthCare and Allegheny Health Network.

Beyond lung cancer, Tousi also shares insights into Delfi’s broader vision, including its work on liver and ovarian cancer detection, as well as its potential in tumor monitoring.

"Every day that goes by without better screening means lives lost that we could have saved,” she states.