Allina Health Cancer Institute is collaborating with St. Paul-based Astrin Biosciences for a first-of-its-kind clinical trial using artificial intelligence (AI) and a simple blood draw to revolutionize how cancer is diagnosed and treated. Researchers are currently recruiting 50 breast cancer patients for the first phase of the trial. Patients wishing to join the clinical trial can call 612-863-8716 or send a message through this 

“Participating in this study helps cancer patients of the future across the globe,” said Badrinath Konety, MD, president, Allina Health Cancer Institute and chief medical officer, Astrin Biosciences. “This could lead to earlier diagnosis and better understanding of the specific characteristics of the cancer cells, which means more precise treatment.”

 scientists use blood collected from a simple blood draw and run it through a machine. Using AI technology, they are able to create a 3D holographic image of the cells, identify the cancer cells and separate them from the healthy ones. The isolated cancer cells are characterized to better understand their nature and to guide treatment.

“We know cancer cells spread before they can ever be detected through tools such as mammograms. These cells are on the move throughout the body, but they carry the signature of the original tumor. Our technology helps us to identify those early signs,” said Jayant Parthasarathy, PhD, founder and CEO, Astrin Biosciences.

Isolating the cancer cells allows researchers to study them and understand how they survive, thrive and spread. If the cancer cells are dormant, they can work to determine how to keep them that way, so they don’t trigger another round of cancer decades later.

“As a cancer survivor, this research and what it could become is incredible,” said Sarah Pederson, clinical research director, Allina Health Cancer Institute. Like Pederson, many of the people working on this trial have been personally impacted by cancer in some way including the family of the CEO of Astrin Biosciences.­­ Phase one of the trial began in October 2023 and will consist solely of breast cancer patients who have not started neoadjuvant treatment yet. The second phase is expected to begin in 2024 and will include other types of cancer patients, including lung, brain, kidney and prostate.

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Allina Health Cancer Institute is collaborating with St. Paul-based Astrin Biosciences for a first-of-its-kind clinical trial using artificial intelligence and a simple blood draw to revolutionize how cancer is diagnosed and treated.

Allina Health Cancer Institute Begins First-of-its-Kind Clinical Trial to Revolutionize Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis

MINNEAPOLIS (August 12, 2022) — Allina Health Cancer Institute is excited to offer its second annual Oncology Symposium on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. The symposium brings together clinicians devoted to solving the disease of cancer and the many challenges associated with it.

This year’s conference will highlight timely topics such as Population Health, health disparities, survivorship, clinical research and cancer treatment innovations.

“At Allina Health, we believe in Whole Person Care, and we recognize that cancer care starts with prevention and continues through survivorship,” said Michael Koroscik, vice president, Allina Health Cancer Institute. “So many people find themselves unexpectedly impacted by cancer and as we identify future best practices, we need to consider cost, ease of care management and the best treatments specific to each patient."

Badrinath Konety, MD, president, Allina Health Cancer Institute will moderate and present at the 2022 symposium.

“In order to best serve current and future patients, as well as our communities overall, we must tackle the challenge of unsustainable spending and an increasingly complex oncology patient population,” said Dr. Konety. “I look forward to the presentations which will highlight new and emerging approaches on how our system and experts around the country are approaching these challenges and addressing disparities in cancer care.” 

The symposium will include content for primary and specialty care providers, nurses and other health care providers to challenge how they think about the future of cancer care delivery. Participants will walk away with practical solutions and key clinical strategies as well as awareness of available clinical trials and resources to share with colleagues.

The Allina Health Cancer Institute 2022 Oncology Symposium will be held at the Allina Health Commons with a virtual option available. Full details including the agenda and continuing education information can be found at 

 is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A not-for-profit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 

, specialty care centers and specialty medical services that provide 

Allina Health Cancer Institute is excited to offer its second annual Oncology Symposium on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. The symposium brings together clinicians devoted to solving the disease of cancer and the many challenges associated with it. 

Allina Health

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Allina Health Cancer Institute Begins First-of-its-Kind Clinical Trial to Revolutionize Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis

Allina Health Cancer Institute 2022 Symposium reimagines cancer care