New Blood Test Shows Promise in Early Detection of Over 50 Cancers
WASHINGTON – A groundbreaking new blood test is demonstrating the potential to detect more than 50 types of cancer in their early stages, even before symptoms appear, according to research published in Nature and ongoing studies. While not yet widely available or fully approved, the multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test represents a significant leap forward in cancer screening and could dramatically improve survival rates.
Currently, many cancers are diagnosed at later stages, when treatment options are more limited and outcomes are less favorable. This new test analyzes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) – fragments of genetic material shed by cancer cells into the bloodstream – offering a less invasive choice to customary screening methods like colonoscopies or mammograms. The technology aims to identify cancer signals across a broad range of tumor types,potentially catching the disease when it’s most treatable.
The test works by analyzing a blood sample for molecular patterns indicative of cancer.Labs utilize advanced techniques to examine the DNA, and any anomalies detected are further investigated. This molecular data can then inform doctors about potential targeted treatments, which may prove more effective than standard approaches. Two infographics detail the process: /PNR8mVmW0RyUDBw8DVUO”>https://infogram.com//PNR8mVmW0RyUDBw8DVUO.
A large-scale study of the Galleri test, conducted by GRAIL, involved over 5,000 participants and showed the ability to predict which individuals would be diagnosed with cancer within a year. While the test isn’t designed to replace existing cancer screenings, researchers envision it as an additional layer of protection, notably for cancers lacking routine screening protocols.
However,the MCED testing landscape is still evolving. Currently,no MCED tests have received full approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),though several have been granted “Breakthrough Device Designation” to expedite their development and review. This designation accelerates the process toward potential FDA clearance, but does not guarantee it, according to the National Institutes of Health.
The research draws on data from GRAIL, Nature, the American Cancer Society, PLOS, The university of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and USA TODAY research.