What blood test detects cancer
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Blood Tests for Cancer Detection: An Overview
Multi-Analyte Blood Tests for Cancer Detection
CancerSEEK: A Comprehensive Multi-Cancer Detection Test
CancerSEEK is a noninvasive blood test designed to detect eight common types of cancer by analyzing circulating protein biomarkers and tumor-specific mutations in cell-free DNA (cfDNA). In a study involving 1005 patients with nonmetastatic cancers and 850 healthy controls, CancerSEEK demonstrated a sensitivity range of 69% to 98% and a specificity of over 99%. This test is particularly effective for cancers such as ovarian, liver, stomach, pancreatic, and esophageal, for which no standard screening tests exist.
PanSeer: Early Detection Through DNA Methylation
PanSeer is another promising blood test that detects cancer by analyzing DNA methylation patterns in cfDNA. In a longitudinal study, PanSeer identified five common cancer types up to four years before conventional diagnosis with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 96%. This test shows potential for significantly reducing cancer mortality by enabling earlier intervention.
Full Blood Count (FBC) and Colorectal Cancer Detection
FBC Components as Predictive Markers
The Full Blood Count (FBC) test, which includes 20 components, has been systematically reviewed for its association with colorectal cancer (CRC). Key components such as red blood cells, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, red blood cell distribution width, white blood cell count, and platelets have shown significant associations with CRC diagnosis. However, existing FBC-based prediction models require further validation to ensure their reliability and effectiveness.
Combining Blood Tests with Imaging Techniques
Blood Tests and PET-CT for Enhanced Detection
A study explored the feasibility of combining a multicancer blood test with positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging. This approach detected 26 cancers in a cohort of 10,006 women, with a specificity of 98.9% for the blood test alone, which increased to 99.6% when combined with PET-CT. This combination not only improved detection rates but also localized the cancer, guiding effective surgical interventions.
Accuracy of Tumor Origin Detection
Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Tests
MCED tests, which utilize cfDNA-based assays, have shown an accuracy of 79% in predicting the tissue of origin for various cancers. Colorectal cancers had the highest accuracy, while liver and bile duct cancers had the lowest . These tests use methylation patterns, fragmentation profiles, and protein markers to determine the tumor's origin, aiding in appropriate treatment planning .
Conclusion
Blood tests for cancer detection, such as CancerSEEK and PanSeer, offer promising avenues for early diagnosis and intervention. Combining these tests with imaging techniques like PET-CT can enhance detection accuracy and guide effective treatments. While FBC components and MCED tests show potential, further validation and research are necessary to optimize their clinical application. Early detection through these innovative blood tests could significantly reduce cancer mortality and improve patient outcomes.
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