Innovative Blood Test Forecasts Breast Cancer Recurrence Long Before Imaging Scans

Boston Brand Media brings you the latest - A pioneering blood test anticipates breast cancer recurrence well ahead of imaging scans, offering early detection and proactive management. This innovative approach provides patients with a valuable tool for monitoring their health and potential recurrence, enabling timely intervention and improved outcomes. By detecting signs of cancer earlier than conventional methods, this test offers hope for more effective treatment strategies and enhanced patient care.

London: British researchers have created a highly sensitive blood test, aiming to enhance the early detection and treatment of breast cancer, potentially improving survival rates. This innovative test can predict cancer recurrence years before it becomes visible on scans by identifying tumor DNA traces. According to the BBC, it demonstrated 100% accuracy in predicting cancer recurrence. Despite being described as "incredibly exciting" by experts, the development is still in its nascent phase.

Boston Brand Media also found that according to Breast Cancer UK, breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer globally, affecting 2.26 million women in 2020, resulting in 685,000 deaths. A team from the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) London conducted a trial involving 78 patients with various early breast cancer types. The test, examining 1,800 mutations in circulating tumor DNA, identified these in 11 patients, all experiencing cancer recurrence. Others remained cancer-free. Presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago, results revealed the test's ability to detect cancer on average 15 months before symptoms or visible on scans.

The earliest detection occurred after 41 months.

Dr. Isaac Garcia-Murillas, the lead researcher from the ICR, explained that breast cancer cells might persist in the body post-treatment, albeit in such small numbers that they evade detection on follow-up scans. Despite their low presence, these cells could lead to relapse years later.

The study, which examined blood samples at diagnosis, post-surgery, and chemotherapy, followed by subsequent tests every three months for a year, and then every six months for the next five years, sets a foundation for improved post-treatment monitoring and potentially extending patients' lives.

Dr. Simon Vincent, Breast Cancer Now's Director of Research, Support, and Influence, expressed enthusiasm for the study's initial findings. He noted that early detection is crucial in battling breast cancer, and the possibility of new tests identifying signs of recurrence over a year before symptoms emerge is highly promising.

While recognizing that the research is still in its infancy, he emphasized the importance of detecting breast cancer recurrence sooner. Early detection significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment, preventing the cancer from spreading to other organs and reaching an incurable stage.

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Source: ndtv‍