The initiative targets hard-to-diagnose abdominal conditions, including liver, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers, by analyzing blood samples for specific proteins or DNA fragments. Researchers designed the trial to provide general practitioners with clearer guidance on identifying which individuals with non-specific symptoms require urgent secondary testing. While a positive result does not guarantee cancer and a negative test is not an absolute all-clear, health officials view this method as a vital step forward. Notably, the project follows a separate NHS evaluation of the Galleri multi-cancer test, which failed to meet its primary objective of reducing late-stage diagnoses.
Key points
Multi-cancer blood tests work by identifying specific DNA fragments or proteins that can…: Multi-cancer blood tests work by identifying specific DNA fragments or proteins that can help indicate a tumor's physical location.
Trial results will determine whether these diagnostic tools are sufficiently accurate for…: Trial results will determine whether these diagnostic tools are sufficiently accurate for broader, permanent integration across the NHS.
The new study launches after another NHS multi-cancer trial, Galleri, failed to achieve i…: The new study launches after another NHS multi-cancer trial, Galleri, failed to achieve its primary target of lowering late-stage cancer rates.
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New blood tests designed to check for multiple cancers in one go will be offered to NHS patients in some 200 GP surgeries in England as part of a trial.
The aim is to detect hard-to-diagnose abdominal cancers, including liver, ovarian and pancreatic cancer, much sooner. These cancers are often found only after they have spread.
The tests look for proteins or fragments of DNA in the blood that may signal cancer. Results could help doctors decide which patients with vague symptoms need further investigations.
More than 20,000 patients aged 45 and over with symptoms such as pain or persistent bloating will be eligible to take part.
Hard-to-detect cancers
The government-funded trial, led by the University of Birmingham, will assess whether the tests are accurate enough for wider NHS use.
The idea of a blood test that can identify multiple cancers is not new.
A separate NHS trial of a test called Galleri recently failed to meet its main goal of reducing diagnoses of late-stage cancers, although researchers are still assessing its potential benefits.
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