Revolutionizing Cervical Cancer Detection with CC Diagnostics
Cervical cancer is a significant health concern worldwide, and early detection is critical to improving outcomes. We had the opportunity to sit down with Nutte van Belzen, MD, the visionary behind CC Diagnostics, to discuss his company’s groundbreaking approach to cervical cancer diagnostics and the journey that led to its inception.
The Origin Story: From Med School to Innovation
Nutte van Belzen’s journey began in his final year of medical school, where he encountered groundbreaking research from the Medical University of Groningen. The research concerned a new diagnostic technology with the potential to detect cervical cancer earlier and more accurately. Motivated by a personal connection to the disease, Nutte turned this research into action, acquiring funding and founding CC Diagnostics.
Since then, CC Diagnostics has developed a test that significantly improves cervical cancer detection rates — from 76% to an impressive 97%. The test not only increases accuracy but also reduces the number of unnecessary follow-ups, saving lives while cutting healthcare costs.
A Game-Changing Approach to Cervical Cancer Screening
Current cervical cancer screening methods primarily focus on detecting HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infections, which are linked to cervical cancer. Many women test positive for HPV, leading to invasive gynaecological examinations. HPV-positive samples are currently examined via a cytology triage test. However, this triage approach has its limitations. Firstly, 24% (or more) of the cancer cases are missed due to reliance on outdated microscopic techniques. Secondly, the cytology test relies on cervical scrapings, which limit participation to screening initiatives. Thirdly with the current triage technique, labs won’t be able to handle the vast amount of samples if all eligible women worldwide would participate with screening.
CC Diagnostics offers a qPCR-based test that detects cancer-signs in the DNA, independently of HPV status. The test boasts a 97% cancer detection rate and can be performed using a self-collected sample. For women the test reduces the need for extra visits to the general practitioner or gynaecologist, making the process simpler and less invasive for women. The test is poised to impact countries worldwide where cervical cancer screening is available.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
The landscape for medical devices has become more stringent since the introduction of new IVDR regulations in May 2022. This posed challenges in terms of time, resources, and funding for CC Diagnostics. However, by investing in regulatory know-how, sound financial management, and assembling a team of top-tier professionals, the company has managed to overcome these hurdles and stay on track.
Celebrating Milestones: CC Diagnostics' Biggest Achievements
Since its founding, CC Diagnostics has accomplished several major milestones:
- Securing seed funding to kickstart their journey and build their team
- Analytical validation of the diagnostic product
- Completion of their first clinical trial
- Successful stability study to ensure test reliability
- Implementation of a QMS (Quality Management System) system per ISO13485
- Winning competitions and grants that have helped push the company forward
Industry Trends and the Future of Cervical Cancer Screening
The current approach to cervical cancer screening is becoming unsustainable, with painful sampling methods, over-treatment and many missed cancer cases. The result? Skyrocketing healthcare costs and only 15% of the eligible women for screening participate in cervical cancer screening.
CC Diagnostics’ test offers a solution. By reducing overdiagnosis and improving early cancer detection, it can save healthcare costs, which can then be redirected toward expanding screening efforts. Additionally, since the test can be used with self-collected samples, it opens the door for more women to participate in screening programs, particularly those who have been hesitant due to the invasive nature of current methods. The ultimate goal is to reduce — and one day eradicate — cervical cancer globally.
In conversation with Nutte van Belzen, Founder of CC Diagnostics
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Nutte’s advice for those looking to enter the diagnostics market is simple yet profound:
- Surround yourself with the right partners —those who genuinely contribute to your mission.
- Never take anything for granted and be prepared for a long road.
- In diagnostics, you need a combination of stamina, creativity, and an unwavering attention to detail.
The Role of Tech4Eva
As Nutte explains, programs like Tech4Eva have been invaluable to CC Diagnostics:
“Sound boarding with peers and sharing experiences from industry leaders across various backgrounds—marketing, sales, investment, and M&A — forces you to critically assess your organization. This helps you grow and improve in meaningful ways.”
More info: https://cc-diagnostics.com/