Early cancer detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prognosis, prompting scientists to identify ways to catch the deadly culprit early.
Fortunately, a new blood test seems to be a great candidate for this job, according to researchers.
The blood test, known as the Galleri test, could help detect more than 50 types of cancer.
Offered to patients who presented to their GP with potential cancer symptoms, the test managed to correctly identify two out of every three cancers among 5,000 people in England or Wales.
Dr Amir Khan has highlighted the importance of scientific advancements in cancer research, stating that “early diagnosis is key”.
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Speaking on ITV’s show Lorraine, the TV doctor said: “This is some good news.
“It also managed to pinpoint 85 percent of the cancers to where the cancer originated.”
The new blood test works by looking for distinct changes in bits of genetic code that leak from different cancers.
Dr Amir continued: “What we know is that our cells release DNA into our blood all the time – healthy cells do it, cancerous cells do it.
“And this blood test picked up the DNA of the cancerous blood cells and told us where that originated from.”
Patients often struggle with symptoms, such as weight loss, which could have a range of possible causes.
This is where the new test could step in and help rule out the possibility of cancer.
However, the test currently remains very much a “work in progress”, according to the researchers.
Dr Amir added: “It’s a while off being offered in terms of the wider use of it, but it’s hope for the future.”
The NHS has also been using this new test to see if it could pick up hidden cancers in thousands of people without symptoms.
Initial results are expected to be released this year. If it proves successful, NHS England plans to extend the rollout to a further one million people in 2024 and 2025.
The study findings will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference, in Chicago, and published in The Lancet Oncology journal.
Source: | This article first appeared on Express.co.uk
