Leuven researchers develop blood test to detect cancers
Researchers at the Centre for Human Genetics (CME) at UZ Leuven and KU Leuven have developed a blood test that allows early detection of cancers. The test detects both genetic mutations and specific features of the DNA cancer fragments, which significantly improves its accuracy.
Today, tissues from cancers are mostly examined by biopsy: a doctor removes a piece of the cancerous tissue or cells from the patient’s body, after which its genetic composition is analysed.
“Because that technique is invasive for some tumours, blood tests that can detect cancers have long been researched,” says Professor Joris Vermeesch, geneticist at CME. “We have now succeeded for the first time in detecting two cases with one blood test.”
The test developed by CME works on both genetic and epigenetic changes in cancer cells. It detects both mutations that can cause cancer and changes in the way DNA is picked up in the cell.
"We have now succeeded for the first time in detecting two cases with one blood test"
“Those DNA fragments form a kind of fingerprint of the tumour,” Vermeesch says. “Combining classical mutation screening with DNA fragment analysis seems to make the test much more sensitive.”
The test can thus detect various cancers more accurately and likely at an earlier stage than is the case today, though further clinical studies are still needed. It also opens up perspectives to better tailor treatment, measure its effect and detect relapses earlier. The test can easily be performed repeatedly on the same patient.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO UZ LEUVEN
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