Cancer tests save lives! How new biomarkers from Jena are finding their way into global use.

What exactly is epigenetics, and why can it be used in cancer diagnostics?

New biomarkers derived from epigenetics are a promising tool for detecting cancer – or even the future development of cancer – at an early stage.
The Jena-based company Epitype is working in this field, with a focus on cervical cancer.

Epigenetic tests enable reliable cancer diagnoses

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) can cause cervical cancer or head and neck tumours. However, to determine whether people infected with HPV actually develop cancer, precise diagnosis is required. Epitype GmbH, an InfectoGnostics Campus partner, has developed a molecular test for this purpose that enables the reliable early detection of cervical cancer.

During the Long Night of Science, visitors will learn in a talk how Epitype GmbH can detect epigenetic changes that occur specifically in cancer.