Researchers have identified specific molecules in the bloodstream that can signal the presence of lung cancer without needing a surgical biopsy. This finding was reported by MedicalXpress and reflects a growing interest in noninvasive cancer diagnostics.
Traditionally, diagnosing lung cancer relies on a biopsy, which removes a small piece of tissue for analysis. This confirms cancer, helps determine the tumor type, and guides treatment decisions. Yet the procedure is performed under anesthesia and carries inherent risks. Some patients hesitate to undergo biopsy due to these potential dangers.
In a large study involving more than a thousand participants, including individuals with and without lung cancer, researchers identified two blood-based biomarkers associated with the disease and developed a noninvasive testing approach to measure these markers at very low levels. The validation results showed that the test could identify lung cancer in roughly two-thirds of patients, with a high level of confidence corresponding to about 95 percent.
The study also revealed that in about 13 percent of participants, biopsy results did not definitively establish whether cancer was present. For these patients, blood tests that detect tumor-related biomarkers may offer a valuable supplementary tool to improve diagnostic clarity and reduce uncertainty.
Additionally, medical commentary has noted risks linked with certain medications in specific contexts. For example, there are well-documented considerations regarding aspirin use and bleeding risk, which clinicians weigh when evaluating overall treatment plans.