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An innovative blood test has been developed that could forecast the recurrence of breast cancer well before the actual relapse occurs, as published in a recent study.
The test, notably sensitive, searches for traces of cancerous cells that may linger post-treatment. Even minuscule quantities of cells, which might escape detection by routine imaging follow-ups, can be identified through this test.
Prompt identification allows patients to commence treatment “without waiting for incurable, advanced disease to develop and show up on a scan,” say the authors from London’s Institute of Cancer Research (ICR).
“Detecting traces of the recurrence of disease at the earliest possible stage is crucial to increase the survival prospects, as breast cancer is far more manageable before it metastasizes,” asserted Professor Kristian Helin, the ICR’s chief executive.
While other blood tests for cancer currently exist, this new test is touted for its ability to spot a broader array of cancerous cells at an earlier stage.
The test achieves this by scanning the entire cancer genome, as opposed to concentrating solely on the segments of cancer cells specifically associated with the disease.
Dr Isaac Garcia-Murillas. Pic: ICR
Dr Isaac Garcia-Murillas from the IRC, one of the study’s researchers, highlighted that “a more sensitive test is especially critical for this cohort of early stage breast cancer patients who generally present with an extremely low volume of cancer DNA in their bloodstream.”
In the study, 78 women suffering from diverse breast cancer types were tracked, out of which 11 experienced a relapse subsequent to their primary treatment. The pioneering blood test successfully signaled the resurgence of cancer cells in all 11 cases ahead of their clinical relapse, averaging a lead time of around three months.
For one individual, the test identified cancer cells a remarkable 41 months prior to her clinical relapse.
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The participants’ blood samples were collected periodically: at diagnosis, after the second chemotherapy session, post-surgery, every three months during the first year of follow-up, and thereafter every six months for up to five years.
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As per Cancer Research UK data, an estimated 56,000 individuals are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. This study “forms the foundation for enhanced post-treatment monitoring and potentially proactive life-prolonging treatments in patients,” as per Dr Garcia-Murillas.
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FAQs about the new Breast Cancer Blood Test
- What is the purpose of the new breast cancer blood test?
- The new blood test is designed to detect the recurrence of breast cancer much earlier than current methods, potentially before relapse symptoms and clinical diagnosis.
- How far in advance can the new blood test detect cancerous cells?
- On average, the new blood test detected the reappearance of cancerous cells about three months earlier than existing tests. In one case, it predicted relapse 41 months in advance.
- What makes this blood test different from existing cancer blood tests?
- Unlike previous tests that focused on specific parts of cancer cells related to diseases, this new test scans the whole cancer genome, which allows for the detection of a wider array of cancerous cells and at an earlier stage.
- Who conducted the study for the new breast cancer blood test?
- The study was carried out by the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London.
- Is the blood test currently available for breast cancer patients?
- The research is at the study phase, and information about its availability for clinical use has not been specified. The test’s performance in the study sets a positive outlook for future implementation in post-treatment monitoring.
with the potential relapses being spotted around three months earlier than current tests on averageIn how much advance can the new blood test detect cancerous cells?
