BLOOD-BASED CANCER TEST : SCIENCE
& TECHNOLOGY
NEWS : How blood-based tests
for cancer screening could save lives
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS ?
A multi-cancer early detection test detects cancer signals such as
circulating tumour DNA or circulating tumour cells — released by cancerous
cells into the blood — at early stages, when treatment is most effective. But
these tests are not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Blood-Based Cancer Tests
- Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED):
These tests can detect multiple cancer types from a single blood sample,
offering a non-invasive method for early cancer detection.
Circulating
Tumor DNA: Analyzes circulating tumor DNA or cells in the blood to identify
early-stage cancers.
Key Features
- Cancer Detection:
Capable of identifying signals from up to 50 cancer types, including those
without reliable early-screening methods.
- Non-Invasive
and Cost-Effective: Provides a less invasive alternative to
traditional screening, potentially encouraging higher participation in
screening programs.
Importance and Benefits
- Early Detection:
Early identification of cancers can improve survival rates and reduce
treatment costs.
- Reduced
Burden: Facilitates timely treatment, reducing the
psychological and financial burden of late-stage cancer diagnoses.
Challenges
- False Positives and Overdiagnosis:
Risk of false positives and overdiagnosis necessitates comprehensive
patient support and accurate follow-up.
- Patient
Guidance: Robust post-test support and thorough patient
guidance are essential to maximize the benefits of these tests.
Source
:
https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/96069/OPS/G2UD7L6KF.1+GACD7N9L6.1.html