Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming is a molecular biologist known as the “father of non-invasive prenatal testing.” Since 2025, he has served as the 9th Vice-Chancellor and President of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Professor Lo is a globally recognized scientist in the detection of cell-free fetal DNA in blood plasma and one of the key pioneers of this field. He is a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a Fellow of the Royal Society, and a foreign member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. APA presents an exclusive interview with Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming:
Pregnancy and cancer may seem like distant fields, but in fact, they share common scientific foundations
– Professor Lo, your work on non-invasive prenatal testing has brought major changes to healthcare, and this approach is now also used in the early detection of cancer. What has been the key lesson in turning fundamental science into real medical care?
– One of the most important lessons is that there can be hidden connections between fields that appear very different at first glance. For example, pregnancy and cancer may seem like distant areas, but in fact, they share common scientific foundations. When you recognize this connection, significant breakthroughs become possible.
Another key issue is this: for any technology to be applied on a global scale, it must be both reliable and affordable.
These technologies can be accessible for Azerbaijan
– Azerbaijan is modernizing its healthcare system, particularly in oncology, but budget resources are limited. How can middle-income countries realistically implement these technologies?
– Technology usually becomes more affordable over time. For example, when non-invasive prenatal testing entered the market in 2011, it cost around $3,000. Today, in some regions of China, the same test costs about $70.
This shows that with the right approach and proper workforce training, these technologies can also become accessible for Azerbaijan. Over time, prices regulate themselves.
Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in medical analysis
– In Azerbaijan, the National Oncology Center is already conducting nationwide screenings and has established molecular diagnostic capabilities. What areas should such institutions focus on in the coming years?
– The main issue here is being prepared for the rapid pace of technological change. The methods used in diagnostics are becoming more precise and more comprehensive. At the same time, artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly significant role in medical analysis.
In this regard, institutions should develop both their technical capacity and the training of doctors and specialists in parallel.
These tests do not mean 100 percent accuracy
– Explaining the results of genetic tests to patients can sometimes be difficult. What should healthcare institutions pay attention to in this process?
– The most important issue is transparency. The patient must clearly understand what the test provides and what it does not.
These tests do not mean 100 percent accuracy — there is a possibility of false positive or false negative results. Therefore, doctors should explain in advance how the results will be interpreted and what the next steps will be.
Azerbaijan can be a partner not only in implementing these technologies, but also in participating in international research
– Looking to the future, which developments excite you the most, and what role could Azerbaijan play in this process?
– Today, cancer accounts for approximately 35 percent of deaths worldwide. If we can reduce this figure through early detection, it would be a major achievement.
I think Azerbaijan can be a partner not only in applying these technologies, but also in participating in international research. However, the key condition for this is that the technology must be accessible and economically justified.
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