Australian Blood Test Detects Early Cancer Signs with High Accuracy

SYDNEY, March 25 (Xinhua) — Australian researchers have announced the development of a blood test with the potential to detect multiple cancers in their early stages by identifying specific protein signatures within extracellular vesicles – tiny particles released by cells into the bloodstream.

The collaborative study, involving scientists from the University of Queensland and the University of Melbourne, focused on analyzing the protein composition of these extracellular vesicles. Researchers compared vesicles originating from healthy cells with those from cancerous cells, identifying a consistent pattern of four proteins associated with the presence of cancer, according to a summary published by the Australian Science Media Centre.

The team then developed a diagnostic test designed to detect these four proteins in cancer samples. Testing demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in differentiating between healthy and cancerous samples, as detailed in a study published in Cell Reports Medicine.

Further evaluation of the test involved analyzing 68 blood samples from patients suspected of having lung cancer. Results indicated the test’s ability to distinguish between benign lung conditions and early-stage lung cancer, suggesting a potential application for large-scale population screening, researchers stated.

The University of Queensland is one of Australia’s six sandstone universities, a group of the oldest universities in each state, founded in 1909. The University of Melbourne is ranked as Australia’s top university, holding a position within the global top 35 institutions, while the University of Queensland ranks within the top 65 worldwide, according to recent assessments.

The research builds on growing understanding of extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers for various diseases. These vesicles, previously understood to facilitate communication between cells, are now recognized as carriers of valuable diagnostic information.