New tests revolutionize the diagnosis of cancer diseases. Genetic mutations can be detected 3 years before the emergence of cancer symptoms.
Small fragments of genetic material released by tumors can be found in the bloodstream Up to three years before a person is diagnosed with cancer.
Thus concluded a new study published in May in Cancer Discovery. The main author, Yuxuan Wang, tells that he was surprised by the effectiveness of the new tests. “Three years earlier gives you time to intervene. Tumors are likely to be much less advanced and are more likely to be curable. ”
The researchers used highly accurate and sensitive sequence techniques To analyze blood samples of 26 participants in the APIC study to whom cancer was diagnosed within six months after sample collection, and 26 participants similar to those who were not diagnosed cancer.
At the time of blood sample collection, eight of these 52 participants obtained positive results in a multiple cancer detection laboratory test.
In six of these eight individuals, it was possible to evaluate additional blood samples collected 3.1-3.5 years before diagnosis And in four cases, the mutation Tumor derivatives could also be identified in previously collected samples.
“This study shows the promise of MCED tests in the detection of very early cancers and establishes reference sensitivities necessary for your success ”, states Bert Vogelstein, MD, Clayton Professor of Oncology, co-director of the Ludwig Center at Johns Hopkins University and senior author of the study.
“Cancer detection years before your clinical diagnosis can help you get a more favorable result,” adds Nickolas Papareopoulos, Ph.D., an oncology teacher, Ludwig Center researcher and study author. “Of course we have to determine the right clinical follow -up after a positive test for these cancers.”
