Breakthrough Blood Test Can Detect Stomach Cancer with Almost 90% Accuracy
A groundbreaking blood test that can detect stomach cancer with nearly 90% accuracy has been developed by Chinese scientists. This innovative technology could revolutionize the early detection of gastric cancer, which is the world’s fifth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths globally.
The test, which uses artificial intelligence (AI), achieved a remarkable accuracy rate of almost 90% in identifying gastric cancer in a recent study published in the prestigious international academic journal Cancer Science. This non-invasive and pain-free screening method is a significant advancement in the field of cancer diagnosis.
Current methods for diagnosing gastric cancer, such as endoscopies and serum markers, can be uncomfortable for patients and have limited effectiveness. The new blood test, however, offers a simple and highly accurate alternative that does not require invasive procedures or imaging.
Researchers used AI algorithms in combination with a technique called cfMeDIP (cell-free methylated DNA immunoprecipitation) to develop a detection model that identifies 21 methylation biomarkers unique to gastric cancer. This approach allows for the early detection of the disease by analyzing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) circulating in the blood.
In a study involving 150 gastric cancer patients and 100 healthy controls, the blood test showed sensitivities of 88.38% and specificities of 94.23%. The test was also validated using public data sets, demonstrating its effectiveness in distinguishing between tumour and normal samples based on gene expression and methylation patterns.
The researchers hope that this new blood test will lead to improved diagnostic and prognostic tools for gastric cancer. While further research is needed to validate the findings and expand the sample size, the potential impact of this technology on early cancer detection is promising.
Overall, this breakthrough in cancer diagnostics has the potential to enhance our understanding of tumour biology and improve outcomes for patients with gastric cancer. By leveraging the power of AI and innovative testing techniques, researchers are paving the way for a new era in cancer detection and treatment.
