Researchers Develop Cancer Blood Test from DNA on Tumors Print

The Wall Street Journal (2/19, Winslow) reports that, according to findings in the journal Science Translational Medicine, researchers used the DNA of tumors to design a blood test that may help tailor cancer treatment based on whether patients are disease free or require more aggressive care. They used DNA from patients with breast or colon cancer to detect alterations in large segments of the genome of cancer cells.

Bloomberg News (2/19, Gibson) reports, "In each of the tumor samples, the researchers found at least four confirmed regions where there was incorrect ordering or orientation of DNA sequences." They used "these gene sequences to create biomarkers...to see whether the patients' blood, tested after treatment, contained any traces of DNA from the tumor."
The UK's Independent (2/19, Connor) reports, "The researchers were able to show how levels of the cancer-linked DNA in the blood fell after the initial surgery to remove the tumour, and subsequent bouts of radiation treatments, chemotherapy, and secondary surgery."
"The breakthrough in 'genetic fingerprint' technique means doctors can monitor exactly how a tumor is reacting to chemotherapy drugs or radiation, and then adjust the dose...to suit the patient," the UK's Daily Mail (2/19, Derbyshire) reports.
The UK's Press Association (2/19) reports that the tests "may be available to patients within five years," but "cost is the main obstacle." Still, "researchers are hopeful that advances in technology will drive the price down to such a level that" the technique "will eventually be more cost effective than X-ray scans."
HealthDay (2/18, Gardner), WebMD (2/18, DeNoon), Reuters (2/19, Steenhuysen), AFP (2/19, Zeitvogel), the UK's Guardian (2/18, Sample), and BBC News (2/19) also covered the story.