Israel tests blood test for lung cancer detection with 93.1% sensitivity
In Israel, a clinical study of a new blood test for detecting lung cancer showed 93.1% sensitivity and 90.3% specificity among patients with stage II–IV cancer. The average cost of such a test could be about $60, The Jerusalem Post reports.
How the test works
The study involved 103 people. The work was led by Dr. Abd Agbaria, head of the oncology department at Bnei Zion Medical Center, in cooperation with researchers from Tel Aviv University. The results were published in the journal npj Precision Oncology.
The method involves the use of a special chip and fluorescent analysis. Researchers analyze fragments of cell-free DNA in the blood and look for characteristic methylation patterns. The article notes that methylation can suppress gene expression, including genes that are important for preventing tumor development.
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Results and further trials
During the study, the test was also able to distinguish adenocarcinoma from squamous cell carcinoma. According to Agbaria, the time it takes to establish a diagnosis in lung cancer is highly significant: the earlier the disease is detected, the more opportunities there are for treatment and recovery.
The team's goal is to create a simple, affordable and readily available tool that will help detect the disease at a stage when effective intervention is still possible. At the same time, Agbaria stressed that larger-scale studies are needed before the test is introduced into routine practice. A larger clinical trial is already underway at several medical centers in Israel and Europe.
JaxBio Technologies, Bnei Zion and Sheba medical centers, and Tel Aviv University also took part in the work.
