Scientists believe blood test could signal cancer return before symptoms appear
Researchers at NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the way skin cancer is detected and treated. A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology journal has revealed that blood tests may be able to predict the return of melanoma, a particularly aggressive form of skin cancer.
Melanoma is known to be more dangerous than other types of skin cancer because it has a higher likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body if not caught and treated early. This new research focused on analyzing the levels of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood of cancer patients. The study found that approximately 80% of stage 3 melanoma patients who had detectable levels of ctDNA before starting treatment went on to experience a recurrence of the cancer later on.
Stage 3 melanoma occurs when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, making it more difficult to monitor for cancer activity using traditional methods like X-rays and CT scans. The ability to detect cancer recurrence early through ctDNA analysis could potentially save lives, as melanoma becomes significantly harder to treat once it has spread.
Lead author of the study, Mahrukh Syeda, emphasized the importance of circulating tumor DNA tests in identifying which melanoma patients are most likely to respond well to therapy. The study analyzed data from nearly 600 participants and found that assessing ctDNA levels was as effective, if not better, at predicting recurrence compared to other tests that examine the tumor itself.
Senior author and dermatologist, David Polsky, highlighted the significance of ctDNA tests in providing a direct measure of the disease itself, which can help oncologists determine if melanoma has returned. While the study showed promising results, there were cases where cancer still recurred despite negative ctDNA tests before treatment, prompting researchers to work on improving the sensitivity of the tests in future studies.
Dr. Joshua Strauss, an attending hematologist and medical oncologist, commended the research for its potential to enhance prognostic and predictive capabilities in managing melanoma. He noted that persistent circulating tumor DNA after surgery indicates a high risk for early recurrence, underscoring the need for continued advancements in this technology.
The findings from this study represent a significant step forward in the fight against melanoma and could pave the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies. By leveraging the power of blood tests to predict cancer recurrence, researchers are bringing us closer to a future where skin cancer can be detected and treated with greater precision and efficacy.
