Follow-up survey conducted Among HIGH-RISK N-NOSE Patients

2023.12.18

HIROTSU Bio Science Inc. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative; Takaaki Hirotsu (Hereinafter referred to as “HIROTSU”), has conducted a follow-up survey targeted at individuals who were notified of their test results between January and August 2023 using “N-NOSE” and were determined to be at high risk. We are now publishing the first results report of this survey.

Our company conducted this survey to further facilitate understanding of “N-NOSE” and to ensure that everyone can use it with peace of mind. The survey targeted individuals who used “N-NOSE” between January and August 2023, were notified of their results, and received a high-risk determination. We surveyed 228 individuals who, after receiving their “N-NOSE” results, visited a hospital for further testing, asking whether cancer was actually found. The survey was conducted with the consent of the participants.

Survey Report:
・Out of 228 respondents who went to a hospital for testing following a high-risk determination by “N-NOSE”, 47 were diagnosed with cancer.
・Over 65% of those diagnosed with cancer were discovered at stage 0 or 1.
・About 50% of those diagnosed with cancer were found to have abnormalities through endoscopy or MRI.

In this survey, out of 228 individuals who received a high-risk determination from “N-NOSE” and went to a hospital for cancer testing, 47 (20.6%) were actually found to have cancer. While this survey is not a clinical study and thus the results are not intended to explain the accuracy of “N-NOSE”, the positive hit rate of general cancer screenings (the probability of finding cancer after being referred for a detailed examination) is reported to be about 1~5%^*1 for comparison. Additionally, as mentioned in the testimonials, it was found that the high-risk determination from “N-NOSE”, even without any symptoms, led to behavioral changes that resulted in early cancer detection upon receiving further examination at a hospital. Furthermore, it was discovered that most of the cancers were identified by tests such as endoscopy and MRI, which are generally regarded as capable of early detection, indicated by findings.

*1 Calculated based on “Cancer Registration & Statistics” from the National Cancer Center Cancer Information Service (detection and positive hit rate).

For more detailed survey results, please refer to the “Survey Summary” below. Our company will continue to strive to provide information so that everyone can use our services with confidence.

Survey target:
・Those who used N-NOSE and were notified of their test results between January and August 2023 and were judged to be at high risk.

Number of respondents:
228 items

Investigation method:
Internet survey, telephone survey, interviews

Survey items:
1.Cancer locations diagnosed
2.Cancer stage at diagnosis
3.Tests taken after taking the N-NOSE test (multiple answers allowed) 4.Test type responsible for successful cancer diagnosis
5.Testimonials from users

■Survey results
1. Cancer locations diagnosed

Following a high-risk determination from N-NOSE, the most common site diagnosed with cancer after hospital testing was the colon.

2.Cancer stage at diagnosis

More than 65% of the individuals who received a confirmed diagnosis of cancer after undergoing testing in a hospital following a high-risk determination from N-NOSE were found to be at stage 0 or 1.

When focusing on the five major cancers, approximately 70% were discovered at stage 0 or 1. Compared to the proportions of each stage at the time of confirmed cancer diagnosis for the five major cancers reported by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare*2, it was found that individuals with a high-risk determination from N-NOSE had a higher percentage of early detection, especially at stage 0.

*2 厚生労働省健康局がん・疾病対策課「全国がん登録 罹患数・率 報告2019」

Next, when focusing on colon cancer, which had the highest number of reports, the results showed a higher number of detections at stage 0 or 1, especially at stage 0, compared to the report from the Cancer and Disease Control Division of the Health Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

3.Tests taken after taking the N-NOSE test (multiple answers allowed)

Regarding the tests that users underwent at hospitals after receiving a high-risk determination from N-NOSE, there was a high occurrence of MRI, endoscopy, and CT scans.

4.Test type responsible for successful cancer diagnosis

It was found that nearly 50% of individuals were determined to have findings through endoscopy or MRI after undergoing the N-NOSE examination. Endoscopy, which is said to enable early detection, had the highest frequency among these tests.