Nisha Pandey

One Blood Test For Multiple Cancers? New Study Shows Promise In Early Detection

What if one blood sample could detect symptoms of multiple cancers at once, while also disclosing which organ may be affected? A new study from UCLA has brought that possibility a step closer to reality.

Researchers have at UCLA have developed a blood test called MethylScan that can detect molecular signals linked to multiple cancers and other diseases by analysing DNA fragments circulating in the bloodstream.

The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest the test could offer a simpler and potentially cheaper way to screen for serious diseases like <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a> before their symptoms appear.

<h2>How Can One Blood Test Detect Different Cancers?</h2>

A blood test may be able to detect multiple cancers at once due to cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Every day, billions of cells die and release tiny fragments of DNA into the bloodstream. These fragments carry information about where they came from and what is happening in that tissue.

Instead of primarily searching for cancer-causing mutations, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/decoding-the-fertility-markers-article-155385864" data-type="tilCustomLink">MethylScan</a> looks at DNA methylation, a type of chemical tags that regulate how genes behave.

Different organs have distinct methylation patterns, and those patterns can change when cells become cancerous or diseased.

“DNA methylation reflects the health status of a tissue. It’s a very informative signal,” said Dr Wenyuan Li, professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at UCLA.

The researchers also developed a method to filter out the DNA released by normal blood cells, reducing the "background noise” that can make early cancer signals difficult to detect.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/studying-live-cancer-cells-could-transform-drug-discovery-researchers-turn-cell-biology-into-live-cinema-article-155393788" data-type="tilCustomLink">Studying Live Cancer Cells Could Transform Drug Discovery; Researchers Turn Cell Biology Into ‘Live Cinema’</a>

The researchers tested MethylScan using blood samples from 1,061 people, including patients with liver, lung, ovarian and <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ai-powered-blood-test-detects-liver-cancer-across-diverse-populations-shows-promise-in-earlier-diagnosis-article-155301676" data-type="tilCustomLink">stomach cancers</a>, people with liver diseases and healthy participants.

At 98% specificity, the test detected about 63% of cancers across all stages. For early-stage cancers, its sensitivity was around 55%.

The test also showed promise in identifying where an abnormal signal originated. This could help as a positive blood test would still need to be followed by imaging or other diagnostic tests.

“Being able to trace signals back to their source is important because a positive blood test needs to be followed by imaging or other diagnostic procedures directed at the right organ,” Li said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/tudriqev-us-fda-approves-replimunes-skin-cancer-drug-after-rejecting-it-twice-article-155368594" data-type="tilCustomLink">Tudriqev: US FDA Approves Replimune's Skin Cancer Drug After Rejecting It Twice</a>

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/who-cancer-agency-flags-3-common-medicines-as-carcinogenic-what-it-means-for-millions-of-patients-article-155300738" data-type="tilCustomLink">Cancer</a> often becomes harder to treat after it has spread. Finding a tumour while it is still small and localised can help one avail more treatment options and improve outcomes.

“Early detection is crucial,” said Dr Jasmine Zhou, the study’s senior author. “Survival rates are far higher when cancers are caught before they spread.”

The findings are promising, but larger trials will be needed to establish whether such tests can reliably detect cancers in people who have no symptoms.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/gut-bacteria-may-explain-why-western-diets-raise-colon-cancer-risk-study-finds-article-155322854" data-type="tilCustomLink">Following A Western Diet? Changes In Your Gut Bacteria Could Increase Colon Cancer Risk</a>

Can Eating Too Much Protein Raise Blood Sugar? New Study Reveals the Truth

The findings come as another <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/i-wish-every-patient-knew-this-before-their-lung-cancer-diagnosis-lessons-from-an-oncologist-article-155225206" data-type="tilCustomLink">multi-cancer test</a>, Galleri, is designed to detect signals from more than 50 cancers from a single blood sample.

Reuters reported this month that the US FDA plans to convene an advisory panel in September to review its application for approval.

But experts continue to stress that these tests are not replacements for established screening, such as mammograms or colonoscopies.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

one-blood-test-for-multiple-cancers-new-study-shows-promise-in-early-detection

Cancer

DNA methylation

jasmine zhou

dr wenyuan li

MethylScan

UCLA

Galleri

US FDA

tudriqev

ebola-death-toll-tops-2000-in-drc-new-study-reveals-likely-source-of-bundibugyo-virus-outbreak

Ebola Death Toll Tops 2,000 In DRC: New Study Reveals Likely Source Of Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak

long-covid-patients-have-18-fewer-dopamine-nerve-endings

Long COVID Patients May Face Brain Fog & Fatigue Due To Reduction In Dopamine? New Study Explains

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

What if one blood sample could detect symptoms of multiple cancers at once, while also disclosing which organ may be affected? A new study from UCLA has brought that possibility a step closer to reality.Researchers have at UCLA have developed a blood test called MethylScan that can detect molecular signals linked to multiple cancers and other diseases by analysing DNA fragments circulating in the bloodstream.The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest the test could offer a simpler and potentially cheaper way to screen for serious diseases like cancer before their symptoms appear.How Can One Blood Test Detect Different Cancers?A blood test may be able to detect multiple cancers at once due to cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Every day, billions of cells die and release tiny fragments of DNA into the bloodstream. These fragments carry information about where they came from and what is happening in that tissue.Instead of primarily searching for cancer-causing mutations, MethylScan looks at DNA methylation, a type of chemical tags that regulate how genes behave. Different organs have distinct methylation patterns, and those patterns can change when cells become cancerous or diseased.“DNA methylation reflects the health status of a tissue. It’s a very informative signal,” said Dr Wenyuan Li, professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at UCLA.The researchers also developed a method to filter out the DNA released by normal blood cells, reducing the "background noise” that can make early cancer signals difficult to detect.Also read: Studying Live Cancer Cells Could Transform Drug Discovery; Researchers Turn Cell Biology Into ‘Live Cinema’What Are The Study's Findings? The researchers tested MethylScan using blood samples from 1,061 people, including patients with liver, lung, ovarian and stomach cancers, people with liver diseases and healthy participants.At 98% specificity, the test detected about 63% of cancers across all stages. For early-stage cancers, its sensitivity was around 55%.The test also showed promise in identifying where an abnormal signal originated. This could help as a positive blood test would still need to be followed by imaging or other diagnostic tests.“Being able to trace signals back to their source is important because a positive blood test needs to be followed by imaging or other diagnostic procedures directed at the right organ,” Li said.Also read: Tudriqev: US FDA Approves Replimune's Skin Cancer Drug After Rejecting It TwiceEarly Cancer Detection Is Key Cancer often becomes harder to treat after it has spread. Finding a tumour while it is still small and localised can help one avail more treatment options and improve outcomes.“Early detection is crucial,” said Dr Jasmine Zhou, the study’s senior author. “Survival rates are far higher when cancers are caught before they spread.”The findings are promising, but larger trials will be needed to establish whether such tests can reliably detect cancers in people who have no symptoms.Also read: Following A Western Diet? Changes In Your Gut Bacteria Could Increase Colon Cancer RiskMore Developments In The Field      The findings come as another multi-cancer test, Galleri, is designed to detect signals from more than 50 cancers from a single blood sample. Reuters reported this month that the US FDA plans to convene an advisory panel in September to review its application for approval.But experts continue to stress that these tests are not replacements for established screening, such as mammograms or colonoscopies.

one blood test for multiple cancers? new study shows promise in early detection

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

One Blood Test For Multiple Cancers? New Study Shows Promise In Early Detection

Ebola Death Toll Tops 2,000 In DRC: New Study Reveals Likely Source Of Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak

Long COVID Patients May Face Brain Fog & Fatigue Due To Reduction In Dopamine? New Study Explains

Donald Trump Signs Order To Split MMR Vaccine: Is It Safe For Children?

Health Conditions A-Z

Ebola Death Toll Tops 2,000 In DRC: New Study Reveals Likely Source Of Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak

One Blood Test For Multiple Cancers? New Study Shows Promise In Early Detection

Long COVID Patients May Face Brain Fog & Fatigue Due To Reduction In Dopamine? New Study Explains