Step Towards Blood Test For Many Cancer Types
SCIENTISTS have identified more than 800 markers in the blood of cancer patients thatcould help lead toa single blood test for early detection of many types of cancer in future,according to research presented at the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) CancerConference in Liverpool today (Sunday).
This is the first time that cancer-specific blood markers have been comprehensivelyreviewed and identified for further clinical development. This study, by the UK Early CancerDetection Consortium*, funded by Cancer Research UK, has analysed 19,000 scientificpapers and found more than 800 biomarkers.
Theaim of this research is to develop a screening test from a single blood sample formultiple cancer types. All cancers produce markers in the blood, so it could be feasible todevelop a general screening test for many different forms of the disease.
Inthe UK, survival rates for cancer are lower than in some other western countries, part ofwhich may be related to late diagnosis. But developing more ways to spot cancers earlier,including research into new screening technologies such as this, could helpgive moreoptions for curative treatment, and save more lives in the future.
In the UK, cancer is most often detected after patients present symptoms to their doctor, witha small proportion being detected through any of the three national screening programmesfor breast, bowel, and cervical cancer. This study could open the way for less invasive, newscreening tests that could detect more cancers, possibly including some rare types, at anearly stage when they are more likely to be treatable.
Cancer Research UK is committed to early diagnosis of cancer, importantly reducing latediagnosis and improving patients’ chances of surviving long term.
Study author Professor Ian Cree, a Cancer Research UK funded scientist at the University ofWarwick and University Hospital in Coventry, said: “This is a new approach to earlydetection and the first time such a systematic review has been done. A single blood-basedscreening test would be a game changer for early detection of cancer which could help makeit a curable disease for many more patients. We believe that we’ve identified all the relevantbiomarkers; the next step is working out which ones work the best for spotting cancers.”
The identified biomarkers will be reviewed and categorised before they aredeveloped furtherin clinical laboratory studies.
Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s director of early diagnosis, said: “This is an innovativeand promising new approach. And although in its early stages, it shows how our increasedunderstanding of cancers’‘markers’ and new technologies are combining to offer newopportunities to detect cancer sooner. Diagnosing cancer at an early stage generally meansmore effective treatment and that translates into better survival. Our goal over the next 20years is that three in four cancer patients will survive at least ten years after their diagnosis.”
Hey, check out all the engineering jobs. Post your resume today!
