Earlier detection is key to reducing cancer deaths. Scientists are reporting progress on a blood test to detect many types of cancer at an early stage, including some of the most deadly ones that lack screening tools now. Johns Hopkins University is conducting the research.

Johns Hopkins University Research

The blood tests called CancerSEEK conducted on 1,005 patients. It detects mutations in 16 genes tied to cancer and measures eight proteins that often are elevated when cancer is present. It covers breast, colon and lung and five kinds that don’t have screening tests for people at average risk: ovarian, liver, stomach, pancreatic and esophageal.

One of the study co-author Nickolas Papadopoulos express his excitment – ‘We’re very, very excited and see this as a first step’.

CellMax Life Research

Also this week, Taiwan-based CellMax Life gave results on its liquid biopsy test, which looks for whole tumour cells shed into blood. The company said its test had an overall accuracy of 84 to 88 per cent for detecting cancer or precancerous growths and a false alarm rate around 3 per cent. The test is sold now in Taiwan for $500, but should cost around $150 in the U.S.

Great Start

Chief medical officer of the oncology society Dr. Richard Schilsky said results are encouraging, but the test needs more study, especially to see if it gives too many false alarms. It’s a start and we still have a long way to go – but it is a great start.

Writer – Rubayat M.