CancerSEEK: A single blood test that can detect 8 common cancer

Image Source : Pixabay.com
The latest breakthrough in Science especially in cancer detection and therapy is the new multianalyte blood test that can screen for eight common forms of cancer and help to identify the tumor location. According to the report from a research team by scientists at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, CancerSEEK can identify eight circulating protein biomarkers and a panel of mutations in 16 cancer genes.

In my own opinion, this is an awesome development because we all know early detection of cancer increases the chances for successful treatment. The two most important thing about cancer is Education which promotes early detection in most people and Screening
Once there is a possibility of early detection by recognizing the early signs prompt actions can be taken which will lead to early diagnosis.

SPECIFICITY AND AFFORDABILITY
Two important thing of note in CancerSEEK is the accuracy and affordability. According to the recent report is the specificity of the test. When tested on blood samples from more than 1000 cancer patients, the test result specificity was 99% and a sensitivity of 69% to 98% for the five types of cancer of which there is no current screening test and it could cost less than $500 which is ridiculously cheaper in comparison to the other screening tests such as colonoscopy (for colon cancer).
According to Professor Nickolas Papadopoulos, Ph.D. a specialist in oncology and pathology, who is also a senior author in the team’s paper, entitled Detection and Localization of Surgically Resectable Cancer with a Multi-Analyte Blood Test

The use of a combination of selected biomarkers for early detection has the potential to change the way we screen for cancer, and it is based on the same rationale for using combinations of drugs to treat cancers

The specificity of this test will further eradicate unnecessary follow-upon patients due to false positive reports and it’s ability to identify the underlying tissue of origin. Science is striving to make life better by innovative cutting-edge research all over the world.

CancerSEEK Spectrum

There are so many types of cancer known and the list gets populated continuously as new cases are being reported, however, the test is currently able to detect eight types of cancers of which are also very relevant for the public. The test covers the following: ovarian, liver, stomach, pancreas, esophagus, colorectal, lung, and breast cancers all of which has accounted for an estimated 360,000 (60%) of cancer deaths in the United State in 2017 alone.

Source:Pixabay.com

Other existing forms of approved cancer detection test includes colonoscopy, mammography, and cervical cytology and they are not blood-based tests except prostate-specific antigen (PSA) which appears to be the only widely used blood test for early cancer detection.
I believe these scientist has responded efficiently to the call by the World Health Organization. The organization has previously called for more

studies that evaluate low-cost alternative methods to mammography screening, such as clinical breast examination, are needed

Conclusively, It is my hope that this test would be soon be approved by relevant health authorities so that more people can benefit.

Thank you all for reading

image Source: shutterstock.com

Sources
World Health Organization
Science Magazine
Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News
www.cancer.gov