Do blood tests detect cancer
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Can Blood Tests Detect Cancer?
Introduction to Blood Tests for Cancer Detection
Blood tests have emerged as a promising tool for the early detection of cancer. These tests can identify molecular markers associated with cancer, offering a non-invasive method to detect the disease at an early stage, which is crucial for effective treatment and improved survival rates.
Multi-Analyte Blood Tests: CancerSEEK
One of the notable advancements in this field is the development of multi-analyte blood tests like CancerSEEK. This test detects eight common types of cancer by analyzing circulating protein biomarkers and tumor-specific mutations in cell-free DNA (cfDNA). In a study involving 1,000 cancer patients and 850 healthy controls, CancerSEEK demonstrated a sensitivity range of 69% to 98% and a specificity of 99%. This high specificity means that the test has a low rate of false positives, making it a reliable tool for early cancer detection.
Combining Blood Tests with Imaging: PET-CT
Another approach combines blood tests with imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). In a study of 10,006 women with no prior history of cancer, a multicancer blood test detected 26 cancers, and PET-CT imaging confirmed and localized these cancers. This combination not only improved the detection rates but also minimized unnecessary follow-up procedures, with only 0.22% of participants undergoing futile invasive diagnostics due to false positives.
Full Blood Count (FBC) and Colorectal Cancer
The Full Blood Count (FBC) test, which includes 20 components, has also been studied for its potential in detecting colorectal cancer. Components such as red blood cells, hemoglobin, and white blood cell count have shown associations with colorectal cancer diagnosis. However, existing FBC-based prediction models require further validation to ensure their reliability and effectiveness.
PanSeer: Early Detection Before Symptoms
The PanSeer test, which analyzes circulating tumor DNA methylation, has shown the ability to detect cancer up to four years before conventional diagnosis. In a study involving 605 asymptomatic individuals, PanSeer detected five common types of cancer with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 96%. This early detection capability could significantly reduce cancer mortality by identifying the disease before symptoms appear.
Accuracy of Tumor Origin Detection
Determining the location of tumors is crucial for guiding treatment. Blood-based multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests have shown an accuracy of 79% in predicting the tissue of origin (TOO) for various cancer types. However, the accuracy varies across different cancers, with colorectal cancers having the highest accuracy and liver & bile duct cancers the lowest .
NHS-Galleri Trial: Large-Scale Screening
The NHS-Galleri trial is a large-scale study involving over 140,000 participants to assess the effectiveness of a blood test in reducing late-stage cancer incidence. This trial aims to determine whether the test can be integrated into routine clinical care and improve early cancer detection rates.
Conclusion
Blood tests have shown significant potential in detecting various types of cancer early, often before symptoms appear. Tests like CancerSEEK and PanSeer, along with the combination of blood tests and imaging techniques, offer promising avenues for early cancer detection. However, further research and large-scale trials are necessary to validate these methods and integrate them into routine clinical practice effectively.
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