First Comprehensive Cancer Blood Test Within Reach

A research review of thousands of studies has allowed researchers to identify 788 biomarkers in blood that could be used to develop an early stage cancer screening test. The scientists hope that once clinical studies are completed, they will have a suite of about 50 biomarkers that can go into a clinical trial. Lead researcher, Dr. Lesley Uttley comments, “Our vision is that the screen will pick up even the small amounts of these biomarkers that might be in the blood at an early stage of the cancer, without necessarily identifying which cancer they relate to. Patients would then be referred for more specific tests that could narrow down the tumor type.” The researchers add that validation and trials will take six to eight years, but tests could be ready within three years for use in high risk groups. EBioMedicine, July 2016