Painless cancer detection could become routine thanks to 'liquid biopsies'

[Northerner]

Researchers are developing tests that could make cancer detection so painless that it becomes part of routine check-ups, experts said, as new developments in such “liquid biopsy” technology were presented at the world’s largest cancer conference in Chicago this weekend.
Collecting tumor tissue through biopsies is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and treating cancer. However, necessary surgery is often invasive and sometimes unsuccessful.

That has fueled interest in technology that uses blood samples to examine bits of DNA shed into the bloodstream by tumors. The hope, researchers say, is to save patients the pain of surgery, monitor tumor growth to tailor treatment, and ultimately to save lives.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jun/04/cancer-detection-liquid-biopsies

 

[Bill Stewardson]

Fingers crossed that this breakthrough is as good as it seems.

 

[mikeyB]

Looking at their rate of positive detection, it's a long way off being diagnostic just yet for identifying cancer. Keep up the good work is all I can say, but it certainly shows promise.