Blood work for cancer
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Blood Work for Cancer: Insights from Recent Research
Early Cancer Detection with Blood Tests and PET-CT Imaging
Multicancer Blood Tests
Recent studies have shown promising results in using blood tests to detect multiple types of cancer at an early stage. A large feasibility study involving 10,006 women without a prior history of cancer demonstrated that a multicancer blood test could detect 26 cancers of various types. When combined with positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging, the test not only confirmed the presence of cancer but also localized it, leading to surgical removal in 60% of cases with positive results. This approach minimized unnecessary follow-up procedures, indicating its potential for safe integration into routine clinical care.
CancerSEEK Blood Test
Another significant advancement is the CancerSEEK blood test, which detects eight common cancer types by assessing circulating protein biomarkers and tumor-specific DNA mutations. In a study of 1,000 cancer patients and 850 healthy controls, CancerSEEK showed a sensitivity range of 69% to 98% and a specificity of 99%. This high accuracy underscores the potential of blood tests in early cancer detection, particularly for cancers without existing screening methods.
Blood Markers for Specific Cancers
Colorectal Cancer
Full blood count (FBC) tests have been systematically reviewed for their association with colorectal cancer. Components such as red blood cells, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and white blood cell count were found to be significant indicators. Thirteen FBC-based prediction models showed varying degrees of effectiveness, with c-statistics ranging from 0.72 to 0.91. Additionally, specific blood markers like methylated SEPT9 DNA have shown promise, although their clinical applicability remains challenging due to variability in sensitivity and specificity.
Lung Cancer
Blood transfusions in lung cancer patients have been linked to poorer survival outcomes. A meta-analysis of 24 cohort studies involving 13,036 patients found that blood transfusions were associated with decreased overall survival and disease-free survival. This suggests that while transfusions are often necessary, they may have adverse effects on patient prognosis.
Blood Transfusions and Cancer Surgery
Impact on Recurrence and Survival
Blood transfusions during cancer surgery, particularly for colorectal cancer, have been associated with shorter recurrence-free and overall survival. Studies indicate that transfusion-related immune modulation may suppress anti-tumor immune surveillance, potentially promoting cancer recurrence . This highlights the need for careful consideration of transfusion practices in cancer surgery to mitigate potential negative impacts on patient outcomes.
Advanced Cancer and Anemia
In patients with advanced cancer, anemia is common, and blood transfusions are frequently used to manage this condition. However, the benefits of transfusions in this context are unclear. A systematic review found that while some patients experienced temporary relief from symptoms like fatigue and breathlessness, a significant proportion died within two weeks of transfusion, indicating potential harms.
Conclusion
Blood tests for cancer detection, such as multicancer blood tests and CancerSEEK, show great promise in identifying cancers early and improving treatment outcomes. However, the use of blood transfusions in cancer patients, particularly during surgery, requires careful consideration due to potential adverse effects on survival and recurrence. Further research is needed to refine these diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to maximize their benefits and minimize risks.
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