Breakthrough Blood Test Expands Access and Reduces Costs for Lung Cancer Screening

Strategic Insights -

A new study abstract co-authored by healthcare economist Jennifer Hinkel, M.Sc., projects that Cizzle Bio's proprietary CIZ1B biomarker blood test for early-stage lung cancer could save the U.S. Medicare program up to $518 million annually. The study models how integrating CIZ1B into lung cancer screening for high-risk Medicare populations could lower healthcare costs, reduce unnecessary procedures, and increase early-stage lung cancer detection. The CIZ1B test was developed from 30 years of research into the CIZ1 gene at the University of York and has shown 95% sensitivity for Stage I detection and a Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 96%. Cizzle Bio is preparing for the commercial launch of CIZ1B in U.S. clinical environments in the coming months.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CIZ1B biomarker blood test for early-stage lung cancer has the potential to save the U.S. Medicare program up to $518 million annually.
  • The study models show that integrating CIZ1B into lung cancer screening for high-risk Medicare populations could reduce healthcare costs, unnecessary procedures, and increase early-stage lung cancer detection.
  • The CIZ1B test was developed from 30 years of research into the CIZ1 gene at the University of York and has shown 95% sensitivity for Stage I detection and a Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 96%.
  • The test can detect lung cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.
  • The study projects that introducing a blood-based biomarker test like CIZ1B could enable a 15% increase in lung cancer screening participation among Medicare-eligible high-risk individuals.
  • The test can reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies by improving screening specificity, or reducing false positives.
  • LDCT often detects nodules that are visually suspicious, requiring a follow-up biopsy procedure, even though 96% of these procedures are on nodules that are found to be non-cancerous.

Statistics:

  • Up to $518 million annually in cost savings for the U.S. Medicare program.
  • 15% increase in lung cancer screening participation among Medicare-eligible high-risk individuals.
  • 95% sensitivity for Stage I detection of the CIZ1B test.
  • 96% Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of the CIZ1B test.
  • 96% of LDCT biopsy procedures are on nodules that are found to be non-cancerous.

Sources:

  • Cizzle Bio, Inc. press release, May 22, 2025.
  • Study abstract co-authored by Jennifer Hinkel, M.Sc. (available online in conjunction with the ASCO 2025 Annual Meeting).
  • Cizzle Bio, Inc. website.
  • Cizzle Bio, Inc. social media.