Johns Hopkins study detects cancer in blood 3 years before diagnosis
Johns Hopkins University researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of cancer detection. Their study, published in Cancer Discovery and funded by the National Institutes of Health, reveals that genetic material shed by tumors can be detected in the bloodstream up to three years before a cancer diagnosis.
The study analyzed plasma samples from participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which aimed to assess risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Blood samples from 26 participants who were later diagnosed with cancer and 26 who were not diagnosed with cancer were examined. Eight of these participants tested positively on a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) lab test and were diagnosed with cancer within four months of the blood collection.
MCED tests are experimental screenings that look for signs of multiple types of cancer simultaneously, such as abnormal DNA, RNA, or proteins from cancerous cells. In follow-up samples collected 3.1 to 3.5 years before diagnosis, researchers identified tumor-derived mutations in four samples.
Lead study author Dr. Yuxuan Wang, assistant professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins, expressed surprise at the findings, noting that detecting cancer three years earlier allows for timely intervention when tumors are less advanced and more likely to be curable. Dr. Bert Vogelstein, co-director of the Ludwig Center at Johns Hopkins, emphasized the potential of MCED tests in detecting cancers early and setting benchmarks for their success.
Early detection of cancer could significantly impact patient outcomes, providing a window for effective management. Senior author Dr. Nickolas Papadopoulos highlighted the need for appropriate clinical follow-up after a positive test for cancer.
This groundbreaking research underscores the importance of early cancer detection and the potential for improved outcomes. The study’s findings have significant implications for the future of cancer screening and treatment. For more health news and updates, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
