health
A new method advances toward cancer detection with a blood test
A new blood test developed by UCLA scientists brings the possibility of early and accessible cancer detection closer, by studying circulating DNA in the body.
TL;DR
- A new blood test called MethylScan, developed by UCLA scientists, aims for early and comprehensive disease detection.
- MethylScan analyzes cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments in the blood, focusing on DNA methylation patterns.
- This method significantly reduces background 'noise' from normal cells, lowering costs and improving detection sensitivity.
- Tests on 1,061 individuals demonstrated high accuracy in detecting multiple cancer types and liver conditions.
- The test can identify the tissue of origin for detected signals, acting as a 'health radar' for various organs.
- The potential cost of the test is estimated at around $20, making it highly accessible.