Groundbreaking Blood Test for Cancer
A groundbreaking blood test has been found to correctly identify cancer in almost two-thirds of cases, and could lead to an earlier diagnosis. The test, which searches for more than 50 types of cancer, looks for the “fingerprint” of dozens of deadly cancers and can even detect signs before symptoms appear.
How the Test Works
The test identifies DNA released into the bloodstream by cancer cells, providing the first signs that a patient may have the disease. This innovative approach has shown promising results in detecting cancer at an early stage, when it is more treatable.
Study Results
More than 23,000 people without symptoms from the United States and Canada were analyzed and assessed for at least one year as part of the study. The results showed that 61.6% of people found to have a “cancer signal” in their blood were diagnosed with the disease. The test also detects very accurately when the disease is not present, and correctly excludes it in almost all cases (99.6%).
Accuracy and Potential
Cancer patients had a 92% success rate in identifying which organ or tissue was affected, meaning time and money could be saved on further scans and other tests. The study examined how the test could be used in a real-world setting alongside regular screening programs for various cancers.
Expert Opinions
The study results have been hailed as “impressive” by some experts, who believe that the test could help “transform cancer outcomes”. However, others have reacted more cautiously, calling for further research into whether such tests reduce cancer death rates. Some have also expressed concerns about the test’s accuracy, noting that it “makes an error in reporting a positive result almost half the time”.
Future Prospects
Modeling suggests that the test could be effective as an annual blood test in people aged 50 and over, when cancer cases begin to rise rapidly. A study published earlier this year found that an annual blood test for cancer could lead to 49% fewer late diagnoses and 21% fewer deaths within five years. Further research is expected to be published next year, which will provide more insight into the test’s effectiveness.
