We are pleased to announce the publication of an original article in the international journal, Journal of Clinical and Translational Research, on April 30, 2025, demonstrating the efficacy of N-NOSE for the detection of cervical intraepithelial dysplasia, a precancerous lesion of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer continues to be a serious global health issue, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths in 2022 (94% of them occurring in low- and middle-income countries). Most cases are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to precancerous changes in the cervix and, eventually, cancer. Early detection is critical to improving survival rates, but current screening methods often face challenges such as limited access, low patient compliance, and the need for invasive procedures. In response to these barriers, researchers have explored the use of N-NOSE, a novel, non-invasive screening test, as a promising tool for detecting early-stage cervical cancer.
In this study, approved by the Ethics Committee of the National Hospital Organization, urine samples were collected prospectively from 74 patients with histopathologically confirmed invasive cervical cancer and 245 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) between May 2017 and March 2021. N-NOSE achieved a sensitivity of 71.6% (53/74) for invasive cervical cancer and 73.5% (180/245) for CIN overall. Remarkably, all nine patients with advanced dysplasia exhibited positive N-NOSE results (100% sensitivity), underlining the N-NOSE’s potential to identify pre-cancerous lesions before progression to invasive disease. These findings suggest that N-NOSE could revolutionize cervical cancer prevention by enabling timely intervention at the earliest stages of carcinogenesis.
Since its launch in January 2020, over 800,000 N-NOSE nematode cancer tests have been performed. The test’s underlying cancer odor detection method has been successfully replicated by leading research institutions in the U.S. and Italy, and a Slovakian research institute recently published supporting results in a peer-reviewed journal. By expanding access to this innovative screening method, we hope to raise awareness about cancer and help build a society where early detection is the norm.
[Title of paper]
Non-invasive early detection of cervical carcinogenesis through the olfactory response of Caenorhabditis elegans
[Author(s)]
Hideyuki Hatakeyama, Aya Hasan Alshammari, Masayo Morishita, Umbhorn Ungkulpasvich, Junichi Yamaguchi, Takaaki Hirotsu, and Eric di Luccio*.
[Journal]
Journal of Clinical and Translational Research
About “N-NOSE®”
A primary cancer screening test that leverages the highly accurate ability of the nematode C. elegans to detect cancer-specific odors in urine. N-NOSE is simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive. By simply submitting a urine sample, individuals can receive a whole-body assessment of early-stage cancer risk. Official Website: https://lp.n-nose.com/
About “N-NOSE plus”
The next-generation “Cancer-specific Test” using genetically engineered C. elegans that react specifically to the odors of particular cancer types. Currently available for pancreatic and liver cancer screening. Official Website: https://lp.n-nose.com/plus/
About “N-NOSE animal”
Pet cancer tests for dogs (“N-NOSE doggy”) and cats (“N-NOSE kitty”), leveraging the same urine-based nematode olfactory detection. Launched in 2023 to provide accessible cancer screening for companion animals. Official Website: https://lp.n-nose.com/animal/
About HIROTSU BIO SCIENCE
Founded in August 2016, Hirotsu Bio Science Inc. develops, commercializes, and markets innovative cancer screening technologies based on the olfactory responses of C. elegans. Since the commercialization of N-NOSE in January 2020, over 700,000 individuals in Japan have undergone testing. Our mission is to protect health by enabling the earliest possible cancer detection.
Company Name: HIROTSU BIO SCIENCE INC.
Headquarters: 22F New Otani Garden Court, 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Takaaki Hirotsu, CEO
Main Service: Research, development, and marketing of cabcer screenings using nematodes and nematode olfactory sensors.
Official Website: https://hbio.jp/en/
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