Oxford Cancer Analytics

Oxford Cancer Analytics envisions a future where cancer can be detected early, with precision and accessibility, transforming patient outcomes at a global scale. Our mission is to redefine cancer diagnostics through pioneering technology that transcends conventional methods, enabling life-saving interventions before disease advances.

We harness the power of proteomics combined with explainable AI to develop affordable, minimally invasive blood tests that detect and localize cancer with unprecedented accuracy. By unlocking novel biomarkers in the bloodstream, we aim to shift cancer care towards proactive management, empowering clinicians and patients alike with actionable insights.

Rooted in Oxford’s multidisciplinary expertise, our approach bridges cutting-edge scientific research with scalable technology solutions. Oxford Cancer Analytics is committed to building a future where early detection becomes standard practice worldwide, fundamentally changing the trajectory of cancer survival and patient care.

We've been tracking Oxford Cancer Analytics since they emerged from the dreaming spires of Oxford in 2020, and honestly? They're tackling one of medicine's biggest challenges with an approach that's both clever and practical. Their mission to revolutionize early cancer detection through blood tests isn't exactly new territory, but their execution has caught our attention.

What Makes Them Different

The real story here isn't just another liquid biopsy company—it's how OXcan combines proteomics with explainable AI. While most competitors focus solely on genetic markers, these folks are diving deep into proteins, which can reveal cancer's presence earlier than traditional methods. We love that they're not just building a black box algorithm; their "explainable" machine learning approach means doctors can actually understand why the test flagged a patient.

Starting with lung cancer makes perfect sense too. It's the world's deadliest cancer, often caught too late, so the impact potential is massive.

The Team That's Got Our Attention

Peter Liu leading the charge is impressive—a physician-scientist with Forbes 30 under 30 credentials and WHO experience doesn't hurt when you're trying to change global healthcare. The multidisciplinary approach, blending cancer research with machine learning expertise, feels like the right recipe for this kind of moonshot.

Their partnership with Oxford University Hospitals and the Oxford Radcliffe Biobank shows they're serious about clinical validation, not just promising flashy tech demos.

Following the Money Trail

That recent $11 million Series A in January 2025 tells us investors are buying into the vision. The fact that Dr. Heinrich Roder, a lung cancer proteomics expert, joined as Senior VP of R&D alongside the funding round? That's the kind of strategic hire that signals they're moving from research to real-world application.

With $16.45 million total raised and ISO 13485 certification already in hand, they're checking the right boxes for a medtech company aiming for clinical deployment.

Our Take on the Reality Check

Here's what we find compelling: OXcan isn't promising to detect every cancer under the sun. They're laser-focused on lung cancer first, with plans to expand methodically. That's refreshingly realistic in a field where companies often overpromise.

The emphasis on affordability and routine deployment could be game-changing if they deliver. Most liquid biopsies are expensive and limited to specialized centers. If OXcan can make this accessible to primary care, that's when you see real population-level impact.