A blood test for more than fifty forms of cancer appears to be quite successful. It would mean a breakthrough in the detection of the disease.
The results of the British NHS study were published at the world’s largest cancer conference in Chicago, USA. The so-called Galleri test can detect the smallest particles of tumor DNA in the blood. He can even predict where the tumor is. This way a diagnosis can be made much faster and treatment started earlier.
Experts are impressed by the study, but say more research is needed before the blood test can actually be used in healthcare.
Faster diagnosis
The research led by the University of Oxford shared more than 5,400 people from England and Wales who had been referred to hospital by their GP because they might have cancer. The blood test correctly detected two-thirds of cancer cases. In 85 percent of patients, the test was also able to reveal where the cancer had started. The test was more accurate in older patients and more advanced cases.
According to Oxford professor Mark Middleton, the test “could help people who have been to their GP but are now not directly referred for cancer screening”. The test can also speed up the diagnosis and shorten the waiting time, the professor thinks.
Towards new time
Oncology professor Lawrence Young of the University of Warwick is also enthusiastic. “This is an important study that shows that we are moving towards a time where blood tests, and other tests, can really impact early diagnosis and significantly improve clinical outcome.”
The NHS is also using the Galleri test on thousands of asymptomatic people to see if it can also detect hidden cancer. The results are expected later this year. If they are positive, the test must be used in approximately 1 million people.