In this episode From the Vault, Surfers Roger Green and Louise Campbell are joined by Professor Ian Rowe to discuss the implications of the FDA approval of the ELF test.
Most important Story of Summer: Ian Rowe says “FDA ELF Approval”
For Ian, the ELF approval was the most important story of summer 2021. The test promises a brighter future for non-invasive tests and, eventually, decreased reliance on biopsy. Ian points out that transitioning from the ordinal results that biopsy generates (fibrosis score level) provide limited, unrealistic guidance in determining the probability of a downstream negative event (transplant, cancer, death). He contrasts this to continuous test results, including blood-based and device-driven tests, which provide clearer guidance about downstream risks. Louise Campbell adds her own reflections about the importance of inexpensive, blood-based tests to address the emerging NASH pandemic in poorer Third World Countries.
This conversation comes from Season 2, Episode 47. The discussion serves as an example of how people can view the value of a technological or analytical advance from vastly different perspectives. It also illustrates how the robust range of issues provides energy and new inquiries as fields progress. All of which contribute to the exciting prospect of heading into another year characterized by increasing innovation. Stay tuned and surf on.
