A study, led by the UK Early Cancer Detection Consortium, reports that more than 800 markers in the blood of cancer patients that could help lead to a single blood test for early detection of many types of cancer in future.

This is the first time that cancer-specific blood markers have been comprehensively reviewed and identified for further clinical development. To find these markers, researchers analyzed 19,000 scientific papers and found the most promising molecular candidates.

The aim of this research is to develop a screening test from a single blood sample for multiple cancer types. Considering that all cancers produce markers in the blood, scientists believe it could be feasible to develop a general screening test for many different forms of the disease. After decades of study, they make it.

The innovative and promising approach, although in its early stages, can spot cancers earlier, offering options for curative treatment. Diagnosing cancer at an early stage generally means more effective treatment and that translates into better survival. The goal over the next 20 years is that three in four cancer patients will survive at least ten years after their diagnosis.

A researcher, engaged in this Study, said: “This is a new approach to early detection and the first time such a systematic review has been done. A single blood-based screening test would be a game changer for early detection of cancer which could help make it a curable disease for many more patients. We believe that we’ve identified all the relevant biomarkers; the next step is working out which ones work the best for spotting cancers.”

In the UK, cancer is most often detected after patients present symptoms to their doctor, with a small proportion being detected through any of the three national screening programmes for breast, bowel, and cervical cancer. This study could open the way for less invasive, new screening tests that could detect more cancers, possibly including some rare types, at an early stage when they are more likely to be treatable.

Reference:

A novel approach toward development of a rapid blood test for breast cancer. Clin Breast Cancer. 2003 Aug;4(3):203-9.

Screening for colorectal cancer using the faecal occult blood test, Hemoccult. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jan 24;(1):CD001216.