What blood work shows cancer
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Blood Work Indicators for Cancer Detection
Full Blood Count (FBC) and Cancer Detection
The Full Blood Count (FBC) test, which includes 20 components, has been extensively studied for its potential in detecting colorectal cancer. 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 colorectal cancer diagnosis. These components can serve as risk factors and aid in early referral for further diagnostic procedures.
Multicancer Blood Tests and PET-CT Imaging
Recent studies have explored the feasibility of using multicancer blood tests combined with positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging. These tests detect DNA mutations and protein biomarkers of cancer, allowing for the early detection of various cancer types. In a study involving 10,000 women, the blood test detected 26 cancers, with PET-CT imaging confirming and localizing the disease, leading to surgical removal in some cases . This approach demonstrates the potential for integrating blood tests into routine clinical care for early cancer detection.
CancerSEEK: A Multi-Analyte Blood Test
The CancerSEEK test, which assesses circulating protein biomarkers and tumor-specific mutations in DNA, has shown promise in detecting eight common cancer types. In a study of 1,000 cancer patients and 850 healthy controls, CancerSEEK detected cancer with sensitivities ranging from 69% to 98% and a specificity of 99%. This test highlights the potential for early detection and localization of cancer, which is crucial for effective treatment.
Blood Markers for Colorectal Cancer
Various blood markers have been investigated for their ability to detect colorectal cancer. Studies have identified promising markers such as NEAT_v2 non-coding RNA, SDC2 methylated DNA, and SEPT9 methylated DNA, with sensitivities ranging from 70% to 98% and specificities from 84% to 98.7% . Additionally, the anti-p53 antibody has shown consistent results in pre-diagnostic settings, making it a potential candidate for colorectal cancer screening.
Circulating Tumor Cells and DNA
Advancements in technology have enabled the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from blood samples. These noninvasive methods provide real-time monitoring of cancer and insights into tumor evolution, invasion, and metastasis. The ability to detect and analyze CTCs and ctDNA is poised to revolutionize cancer diagnostics and treatment monitoring.
Autoantibodies Against Tumor-Associated Antigens
Cancer patients often produce autoantibodies against tumor-associated antigens, which can serve as biomarkers for early cancer detection. Studies have shown that while individual autoantibody markers generally have low sensitivity, combinations of multiple markers can improve diagnostic performance. This approach holds promise for noninvasive cancer screening.
Conclusion
Blood work plays a crucial role in the early detection of cancer. Full Blood Count components, multicancer blood tests, and specific biomarkers such as CancerSEEK, circulating tumor cells, and autoantibodies offer promising avenues for early diagnosis. These methods, combined with advanced imaging techniques like PET-CT, can significantly enhance cancer detection and improve patient outcomes. Further research and validation in larger, diverse populations are essential to refine these diagnostic tools and integrate them into routine clinical practice.
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