Blood-based cancer screening can lead to significant savings.
A significant advancement is expected in the diagnosis, treatment, and screening of cancer through the reliable detection of tumor markers in the blood. Research is ongoing, and scientists are working on new blood tests that would allow for the early detection of the disease while it is still treatable. The goal is to improve patients’ survival chances through early diagnosis, as the early detection of tumors is crucial for successful treatments.
Tumors often only become detectable when they have reached a significant size and begin to press on surrounding tissues and organs. At this point, they may cause pain or functional disturbances, leading to delays in diagnosis. Cancer cells undergo genetic changes even in the early stages, complicating the selection of appropriate therapy. Therefore, early detection is vital not only at the onset of the disease but also in cases of recurrence.
Identifying tumors is particularly challenging because, in many cases, the first signs of the disease do not manifest. Scientists are now focusing on how to identify these hidden tumors and how to obtain samples from the blood from which the tumor’s genetic characteristics can be read.
Tumor Markers and Their Role
Tumor markers are substances produced in relation to cancerous diseases, which arise from either tumor cells or as a result of the body’s response. These substances provide important information about the state of the tumor and can help determine the appropriate direction for treatment.
Early detection of tumors is crucial for increasing the effectiveness of anti-cancer treatments. Tumors often do not cause immediate symptoms, so diagnosis can be delayed. The first signs of cancer cell appearance often only become apparent during other medical examinations when the tumor has already reached a significant size. At this point, cancer cells may already display numerous genetic changes, making therapy selection more difficult.
To ensure the early detection of cancerous diseases, it is essential for the scientific community to continuously seek methods for the rapid and reliable detection of tumor markers in the blood. This approach could significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancerous diseases.
Circulating Tumor DNA: New Possibilities
Researchers are increasingly recognizing that a significant portion of information related to tumors comes in the form of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) found in the blood. Tumor cells not only multiply rapidly but also undergo increased cell death, causing DNA from the decaying tumor cells to enter the bloodstream. This small amount of DNA not only indicates the existence of a tumor but also reveals its genetic characteristics.
In recent research, British scientists have developed a new blood test that allows for the diagnosis of colorectal, breast, lung, stomach, and endometrial cancers without invasive biopsies. This blood test could save billions of lives worldwide, as the blood sample is easily and painlessly accessible and can serve as a liquid biopsy instead of traditional tissue samples. The tumor leaves traces in the blood even before it appears, allowing for early diagnosis.
By analyzing ctDNA, not only can the presence of a tumor be detected, but its genetic mutations can also be identified. This can help predict how the tumor will respond to various medications, thereby supporting personalized treatment options.
The Future of Blood Tests and the Revolution in Cancer Treatment
The use of circulating tumor DNA could revolutionize cancer diagnostics and treatment. Scientists are continuously working to develop blood tests that enable the monitoring of tumors and the early detection of signs of drug resistance. Changes in the genetic characteristics of the tumor during treatment can be monitored, allowing for timely modifications of therapeutic approaches.
Diagnosis through blood tests is promising not only for patients already receiving treatment but also for screening clinically asymptomatic populations. Cancer diseases are often diagnosed in late stages, so the introduction of a reliable and early screening test could significantly impact survival rates. Future research aims to save millions of people from the dangers posed by cancer through the broader application of blood tests, thereby improving quality of life and survival chances.
