A blood test that detects 70 types of cancer at a very early stage is now available in Bulgaria. The innovative method will be applied at “Hill Clinic”, which is a partner of the blood biopsy developer Datar Cancer Genetics.
Hill Clinic CEO Prof. Dr. Rumen Benchev explained that these 70 types of cancer that can be detected with a single blood draw represent 81% of all cancers. Among them are prostate cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, endometrial cancer. Dr. Stefan SchusterPhD in Medicinal Chemistry and Managing Director of Datar Cancer Genetics for Europe specified that the test does not detect oncohematological diseases.
Blood samples will be taken at the Hill Clinic and sent to Germany, and the results are usually ready in between 8 and 12 working days. The cost of the Trucheck test is 1200 euros or BGN 2,400 and is not covered by the health fund.
“Until now, specific tumor markers have been studied for certain types of cancer for certain organs. Here we are talking about detecting 70 types of cancer with just one blood draw, which makes this methodology unique”said Prof. Benchev.
He explained that the new methodology uses non-invasive blood tests to diagnose cancer such as detects tumor cells circulating in the blood. These cells are found only in patients with malignant tumors. The test is with 99% specificity, which means it will prove the presence of cancer in 99% of cancer patients. It has an accuracy of 93.1% when determining the organ from which the tumor originated.
The data is proven in clinical trials, a for a year and a half there is also data from real practiceDr. Schuster explained. “Depending on the type of cancer, we can detect in the first stage between 75% and 92%. For example, 75% of endometrial cancer and over 90% of breast cancer in the first stage”caza Dr. Shuster.
Doctors are unanimous that the new method it does not replace the traditional tissue biopsy, but complements it. After the detection of oncological diseases with the new tests, the patient will be referred for additional tests for diagnosis and appointment of therapy. The advantages of the new tests are that they are sparing and detect the disease at an early stagewhich allows it to be treated more successfully and to preserve the functions of the affected organs, Prof. Benchev explained.
Patients have access to all three types of tests:
Trucheck™ is screening for over 70 types of cancer with a simple blood sample. Only 20ml of venous blood is needed. It can replace all the usual screening methods – mammography, colonoscopy, computed tomography of the lung, etc. Suitable for a wide range of people with family burden, asymptomatic. The test is suitable for any person who wants to find out if an oncological process is developing asymptomatically in his body, but especially if there is a family burden and history in the family (cancer relatives), and he is also over 50 years old or from a high-risk group: a long-term smoker, a systematic drinker of alcohol or exposed to the sun.
Trublood is a reliable substitute for traditional tissue biopsy when such cannot be done or gives a false negative result. It is suitable for people with symptoms or a tumor marker that is rising – eg. a lump in the breast that should be defined as cancer or a fibroid or a PSA tumor marker above normal.
Еxacta – the most comprehensive examination of detected malignancies, this test provides invaluable guidance on the best personalized cancer therapy. Thanks to it, heavy chemotherapies are avoided, which would not give results, and it is a corrective to an already prescribed therapy. Applying Exacta results dramatically increases therapy effectiveness and survival.
Specialists commented that referrals for this type of testing are made by the doctor, not at the discretion of the patient.
Screening with the new methods recommended for patients between 40 and 70 years who fall into any of the already described risk groups.
The new tests are already applied in 50 countries, among them USA, Canada, 17 countries in Europe, Australia, India etc.
Dr. Fernando Sanchoa leading urologist and operations team leader at the Hill Clinic, demonstrated the benefit of the blood test for cancer with his brother’s personal story: “He came to me with a complaint of elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA). We found nothing on the MRI, we ran tests and told him to wait another 6 months to check the PSA level again. After 6 month came back, we did another test. The PSA was slightly elevated again, we did the MRI again and again it was negative. We had done other additional tests that also showed a very low risk. Then I said to him: Let’s do this blood test, with the hope that it would be negative. But it turned out to be positive. Now my brother has been operated on, he has no problems with potency or incontinence, so I can say that from personal, closest experience I believe in the potential of these tests.”.
