Blood test shows promising results in detecting cancer early, study says
Blood test shows promising results in detecting cancer early, study says
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A new blood test to detect cancer at an early stage has shown promising results, according to a study, as scientists aim to make the process as common as cholesterol or blood sugar testing. Researchers from Oxford University say the test, known as TriOx, accurately identified the disease, including in its earliest stages when it is hardest to detect, across six types of cancer: bowel, oesophageal, pancreatic, renal, ovarian and breast.
The test – a so-called liquid biopsy – analyses DNA in the blood to detect subtle signs of cancer and could offer a fast and less invasive alternative to existing diagnostic tests. Professor Anna Schuh, professor of molecular diagnostics at the University of Oxford and lead researcher on the study, said: “Our new test brings together the best of cutting-edge science and machine learning.
“It allows us to look at the whole cancer genome, improving reliability. A simple blood draw could eventually be all that’s needed to screen for multiple cancers, giving patients and doctors a faster, more convenient tool to stay ahead of the disease.
“While this test is still early in development, with further work we believe it has the potential to improve survival rates for millions worldwide, by enabling implementation of routine blood tests to catch cancer earlier, when it’s easier to treat.”.
The test had a 94.9% sensitivity rate, correctly identifying 56 out of 59 cancer samples, the study said. It was also able to distinguish those without cancer and it accurately identified eight of out of nine non-cancer samples, leading to a 88.8% specificity rate.
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