Cancer remains a critical public health challenge in Hungary, with the country ranking among the top three in the European Union for cancer-related mortality.

Statistics indicate that Hungary has 318 cancer deaths per 100,000 population, significantly higher than the EU average of 245, marking a difference that exceeds 30%.

Contributing factors include unhealthy lifestyles, stress, deficiencies in the healthcare system, and low participation in screening programs.

With life expectancy on the rise, the incidence of cancer diagnoses is also expected to increase, particularly as the elderly population is more susceptible to various cancers.

The advancement of cancer diagnostics is considered pivotal, as identifying more cases at early stages can significantly improve survival rates.

According to Előd Orbán, CEO of Enterprise Group Technologies, the goal is for cancer to become a manageable condition, similar to hypertension or other chronic diseases.

The journey towards revolutionary oncology diagnostics began in 2017, driven by the necessity to address one of the world's leading causes of death.

However, the roots of this venture trace back fifteen years to the establishment of the Enterprise Group, which emerged from the acquisition of a Siemens subsidiary in Hungary.

The company evolved from a telecommunications entity into a technology software leader over the years, now encompassing IT infrastructure, integrated corporate communications solutions, digital product design and manufacturing support, energy, IoT, and health software development.

Enterprise Group Technologies plays a critical role in the operation of Hungary’s emergency medical services and manages critical infrastructures for entities such as the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, the MVM Group, MAVIR, the Hungarian Defence Forces, and various public and private healthcare institutions.

Its health technology arm, European Life Technologies (ELT), has emerged as an essential player in the field of cancer diagnostics.

ELT specializes in liquid biopsy, a method that analyzes genetic material released by cancerous cells into the bloodstream or other bodily fluids.

For breast cancer patients, this technique detects anomalies 6-9 months earlier compared to traditional imaging methods like ultrasound, mammography, CT, or MRI.

Liquid biopsy offers a non-invasive approach, reducing complications associated with surgical sample collection while allowing real-time monitoring of disease progression, enabling timely adjustments to treatment.

Liquid biopsy uses advanced laboratory technologies to identify DNA and other molecules shed by tumors into the circulation.

Groundbreaking work by leading researchers, including Dennis Lo, who received the Lasker-DeBakey Award for his contributions to the detection of circulating DNA, has informed practices within ELT.

Since 2015, Hungarian researchers have actively engaged in projects focused on early cancer detection and monitoring treatment responses.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) in the United States already endorses liquid biopsy for multiple tumor types.

Importantly, ELT stresses that all testing must be initiated through the patient’s oncologist to maintain clinical integrity and scientific reliability.

Currently, ELT is advancing its testing capabilities, having rolled out a breast cancer monitoring test and planning future applications for prostate cancer.

The company employs nearly 30 scientists, IT specialists, and physicians at its facility in Szeged, focusing on three main research areas: early cancer detection, minimal residual disease identification, and treatment response monitoring.

Its AI-supported molecular genetic analysis systems aim to enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic recommendations.

Market viability hinges on achieving a sufficient testing volume to make services financially accessible.

ELT's current applications are primarily available in private healthcare facilities across Hungary.

However, efforts are underway to integrate liquid biopsy diagnostics into publicly funded healthcare.

Orbán suggests that increasing governmental openness, recognizing the potential of personalized therapies, could facilitate the inclusion of liquid biopsy in the National Health Insurance Fund's benefits.

Globally, the oncology diagnostics market exceeds $100 billion, with the liquid biopsy segment projected to grow from $10-12 billion now to an estimated $35 billion by 2033. Orbán asserts that their competitive position ranks within the top five worldwide, backed by a robust molecular genetic and bioinformatics framework.

The company recently established a partnership with Indonesia to diagnose 500,000 new cancer patients annually.

Orbán characterized Hungary's stringent regulations as beneficial, as they enhance credibility in international markets, contrasting the more lenient regulations seen in regions like China.

While there are obstacles regarding financial backing and public funding classifications for liquid biopsy in Hungary, efforts are in place to increase investor interest and maintain the company's national ownership.

Planned public offerings are anticipated around 2030, though decisions regarding the location for stock market listing have yet to be finalized.

Focus remains on harnessing opportunities within the biotech sphere, particularly as advancements in quantum computing may further elevate the field in the coming years.

Technological innovations in AI-based voice analysis, blood-based cognitive diagnostics, and evolving gene diagnostic methods are expected to reshape healthcare delivery.

Future developments in these areas may lead to more personalized, rapid, and less invasive healthcare solutions, contributing to better patient outcomes.