Do blood tests show cancer
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Summary
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that blood tests can detect various types of cancer with varying degrees of sensitivity and specificity, potentially improving early detection and outcomes.
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10 papers analyzed
Yes - 80%
Possibly - 20%
No - 0%
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Can Blood Tests Show Cancer?
Introduction to Cancer Detection via Blood Tests
Early detection of cancer significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Blood tests that identify molecular markers of cancer have shown promise in detecting the disease at an early stage. This article explores the feasibility, accuracy, and potential of various blood tests in identifying different types of cancer.
Multicancer Blood Tests and PET-CT Imaging
Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of combining multicancer blood tests with positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging to detect cancer early. In a large-scale study involving 10,006 women with no prior history of cancer, a multicancer blood test detected 26 cancers of various types. The combination of the blood test and PET-CT imaging led to the surgical removal of nine cancers, indicating that this approach can safely and effectively detect and localize several types of cancers .
CancerSEEK: A Multi-Analyte Blood Test
The CancerSEEK test, which assesses circulating protein biomarkers and tumor-specific mutations in DNA, has shown high sensitivity and specificity in detecting eight common cancer types. In a study involving 1,000 cancer patients and 850 healthy controls, CancerSEEK detected cancer with a sensitivity ranging from 69% to 98% and a specificity of 99%. This test not only detects cancer but also localizes it to a small number of anatomical sites in most cases.
Full Blood Count (FBC) and Colorectal Cancer
The Full Blood Count (FBC) test, which includes 20 components, has been systematically reviewed for its association with colorectal cancer. Components such as red blood cells, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and white blood cell count have shown significant associations with colorectal cancer. However, existing FBC-based prediction models require further validation to ensure their effectiveness in early detection.
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) and Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
For colorectal cancer screening, the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) have been widely studied. FOBTs have been associated with a 15% to 33% reduction in colorectal cancer mortality, although their sensitivity varies. FITs, which are more sensitive and easier to use, have shown higher participation rates and better performance characteristics, making them a preferred choice for colorectal cancer screening .
Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) and Early Detection
The PanSeer test, which detects cancer based on circulating tumor DNA methylation, has shown the ability to identify cancer up to four years before conventional diagnosis. In a study involving 605 asymptomatic individuals, PanSeer detected cancer in 95% of those who were later diagnosed, demonstrating its potential for early, non-invasive cancer detection.
Conclusion
Blood tests have shown significant promise in detecting various types of cancer at an early stage. Multicancer blood tests combined with imaging techniques, multi-analyte tests like CancerSEEK, and tests based on circulating tumor DNA methylation are leading the way in early cancer detection. While some tests, such as the FBC and FIT, are already in use for specific cancers like colorectal cancer, others are still undergoing validation and refinement. Continued research and development in this field hold the potential to revolutionize cancer screening and improve patient outcomes.
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