Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed an experimental blood test that can detect tumor-derived mutations in the bloodstream up to three years before a cancer diagnosis. This breakthrough could revolutionize early cancer detection and improve survival rates by enabling earlier treatment. The study, published in the journal Cancer Discovery, was partly funded by the National Institutes of Health and analyzed samples from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which originally focused on cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Scientists analyzed blood samples from 52 participants, with 26 diagnosed with cancer and 26 without a diagnosis. Of these, eight participants tested positive on a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) lab test and were diagnosed with cancer within four months of blood collection. For six of these eight individuals, researchers were able to test additional samples collected between 3.1 to 3.5 years before their diagnosis. In four of these samples, researchers identified tumor-derived mutations, offering critical insights into the early stages of cancer development.
Lead study author Dr. Yuxuan Wang, an assistant professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating that detecting cancer three years in advance provides valuable time for intervention. Dr. Wang noted that tumors detected at such an early stage are likely to be less advanced, making them more treatable. Senior study author Dr. Bert Vogelstein, Clayton Professor of Oncology and co-director of the Ludwig Center at Johns Hopkins, highlighted the potential of MCED tests in detecting cancers at an early stage and setting the benchmark for their success.
The ability to detect cancer years before a clinical diagnosis could lead to more favorable patient outcomes, as noted by senior author Dr. Nickolas Papadopoulos, professor of oncology and Ludwig Center investigator. However, the researchers also stressed the importance of determining appropriate clinical follow-up after a positive test for such cancers. The study underscores the transformative potential of early detection in cancer management, offering hope for improved survival rates and more effective treatments for patients.