Single blood test may detect many cancer types in future

A new study has identified more than 800 markers in the blood of cancer patients that could help lead to a single blood test for early detection of many types of cancer in future.

The study conducted at National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference in Liverpool showed that is the first time that cancer-specific blood markers have been comprehensively reviewed and identified for further clinical development.

Study author Professor Ian Cree, a Cancer Research UK funded scientist at the University of Warwick and University Hospital in Coventry, said that this was a new approach to early detection and the first time such a systematic review had been done and a single blood-based screening test would be a game changer for early detection of cancer which could help make it a curable disease for many more patients.

Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK's director of early diagnosis, said that this was an innovative and promising new approach and although in its early stages, it showed how their increased understanding of cancers' 'markers' and new technologies were combining to offer new opportunities to detect cancer sooner.