Dennis Lo bets on blood to bare all, with tests that saved 10 million mums from the needle

A Blood Test revolution: Dennis LoS Groundbreaking Revelation

Ten years ago, Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming made a scientific breakthrough that forever changed the landscape of prenatal diagnosis. His discovery of fetal DNA in maternal plasma earned him the inaugural Future Science Prize in Life Sciences in 2016. This ground-breaking finding paved the way for a non-invasive blood test, eliminating the need for customary, riskier procedures like amniocentesis.

From Instant Noodles to Medical Marvel

Lo’s inspiration struck in an unexpected way. While reminiscing about a bowl of instant noodles, he realized the idea of small DNA fragments circulating in a liquid medium was analogous to how the noodles separated in the broth. This seemingly simple observation sparked a revolution in prenatal diagnostics.

Transforming Prenatal Care

Before Lo’s discovery, pregnant women seeking information about their fetus’s genetic health relied on invasive procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, both carrying a small risk of miscarriage. Lo’s research led to the development of the T21 test, a non-invasive blood test that analyzes fetal DNA present in maternal plasma to screen for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities.

“In neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, I [can] use circular nucleic acids to diagnose those conditions,” Lo explained. “Ageing changes the formatting of DNA, so [one] can use epigenetics as a clock of the DNA.”

A World Impact

The T21 test has since become a widely used diagnostic tool,available in over 90 countries and transforming prenatal care. The cost of the test in Hong Kong ranges from HK$4,500 (US$578) to HK$8,000, making it more accessible to a broader patient population.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Diagnostics

Lo’s work has opened up new avenues for research and development in the field of non-invasive diagnostics. The concept of analyzing circulating biomarkers in blood holds immense potential for early detection and personalized treatment of various diseases, not just those affecting pregnancy.

his groundbreaking discovery has had an immeasurable impact on the lives of expectant parents worldwide, offering them peace of mind and empowering them to make informed decisions about their pregnancies. As Lo takes on his new role as president of CUHK, it promises to be an exciting time for medical research and innovation in Hong Kong and beyond.

What inspired you to pursue research on fetal DNA in maternal plasma?

Revolutionizing Prenatal care: An Interview with Professor Dennis Lo

Archyde is thrilled to have the possibility to speak with Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, the renowned virologist who revolutionized prenatal diagnosis with his groundbreaking finding of fetal DNA in maternal plasma. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Professor Lo’s inspiring journey, the impact of his work, and his visions for the future of diagnostics.

From Instant Noodles to Medical Marvel

It’s quite an amusing story, actually. I was having a bowl of instant noodles and observed how the noodles separate in the broth. That simple observation sparked the idea of small DNA fragments circulating in a liquid medium, leading me to hypothesize about the presence of fetal DNA in maternal plasma.Transforming Prenatal Care

Your discovery led to the development of the T21 test, a non-invasive blood test for Down syndrome screening. How did you feel when you first saw the potential of your research in transforming prenatal care?

Professor Dennis lo: I was thrilled and humbled, to be honest. To think that something I first visualized while eating instant noodles could have such a profound impact on the lives of expectant parents worldwide was truly astonishing.

Can you tell our readers about the advancements derived from your initial discovery? How are they applied beyond prenatal diagnostics?

Professor Dennis Lo: My research has opened up new avenues for using cell-free nucleic acids, both DNA and RNA, for various diagnostic purposes. Currently, we’re exploring their use in early detection and monitoring of conditions like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as for studying epigenetic aging.

A world Impact

The T21 test is now available in over 90 countries, making it more accessible to a broader patient population.Can you share any inspiring stories or testimonials you’ve received from parents who have benefited from your work?

Professor Dennis Lo: I’ve heard heartwarming stories of parents who were able to make informed decisions about their pregnancies due to the peace of mind the T21 test provided. The knowledge that one’s research has made a tangible difference in the lives of so many people is truly gratifying.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Diagnostics

With your new role as president of CUHK, what are some of your plans to drive medical research and innovation in Hong kong and beyond?

Professor Dennis Lo: I’m eager to foster a collaborative and innovative research habitat at CUHK, where scholars from diverse fields can work together to tackle global health challenges. I believe that interdisciplinary exchange is crucial for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in medicine and diagnostics.

What do you think is the next big milestone in non-invasive diagnostics, and how can we, as a society, support its realization?

professor dennis Lo: I believe the future of non-invasive diagnostics lies in liquid biopsy applications – analyzing circulating biomarkers in blood for early cancer detection and monitoring, and also for personalized treatment. To support this, we need to invest in basic research, promote interdisciplinary collaborations, and encourage a regulatory environment that fosters innovation.

Professor Lo, your work has undeniably transformed prenatal care and opened new avenues in diagnostics. What keeps you motivated to continue pushing the boundaries of medical science?

Professor Dennis Lo: I’m driven by the knowledge that my work has the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives. There’s always more to discover, more to understand, and more to improve. It’s this infinite pursuit of knowledge and the chance to help others that keeps me going.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Dennis Lo for taking the time to share his insights with Archyde.His groundbreaking discovery has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of prenatal care, and we’re eager to witness the future advancements his work will continue to inspire.