The simple blood test that could detect 10 cancers in earliest stages
Unique blood test could catch cancer early
- A new clinical trial, Enlighten, is assessing a blood test designed to detect 10 different types of cancer in their very early stages.
- Developed by Proteotype Diagnostics and led by the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, the test identifies specific proteins in the blood that indicate the immune system's response to initial cancer signs.
- Unlike other tests focusing on abnormal DNA, Enlighten targets protein levels, which experts believe are more effective for detecting cancer at its earliest stages.
- The Modernised trial aims to recruit 1,000 patients across various solid tumour types, with 450 already participating, and is running at multiple hospital sites in the UK.
- Researchers emphasise that early cancer detection, facilitated by such tests, is crucial for improving treatment options and increasing successful outcomes for patients.