Oncology in the blood
Screening programs for certain malignant diseases are offered to healthy people to detect cancer at early stages and save lives. Until recently, despite scientific progress, only five cancer types could be detected through this approach. Most cancers remain unscreened because each one is relatively rare in the general population, and mass preventive exams do not always make sense.
Grail has developed a blood test that can detect more than 50 cancers early, with 45 not yet included in existing screening programs. The principle is straightforward: all cells in the body shed DNA fragments into the blood, including cancer cells. These fragments carry valuable information about cellular activity and can distinguish between healthy and malignant cells. From a simple blood sample, this technology can identify and analyze tiny DNA pieces to determine whether cancer cells are present in the body.
The study was led by Professor Mark Middleton, head of the oncology department at Oxford University. He stated that these tests should alter the cancer management protocol for five years, increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival for patients.
Analysis for cancer recurrence
The greatest fear for cancer survivors is relapse after completing treatment. It is not only a psychological concern; knowing early whether cancer is likely to recur or progress is essential to saving a life. This information helps clinicians choose the most effective treatment plan quickly.
The term MRD refers to minimal or molecular residual disease, indicating the presence of residual cancer elements. A positive MRD test suggests a relapse. Cancers vary from patient to patient even when located in the same area, each with unique features called genetic signatures or traces.
The Signatera test is designed for each patient to recognize the specific genetic signature of their cancer. It begins with a laboratory analysis of a tumor tissue biopsy to identify those exact genetic characteristics. In other words, it determines the genetic signature of the particular cancer in that patient. The manufacturer then develops a personalized test capable of detecting this cancer type in a blood sample at any time. Laboratories often store cancer tissue samples for years after diagnosis, allowing years later testing if needed. The test can be performed before and after surgery and chemotherapy, enabling diagnosis, evaluation of treatment response, and monitoring for recurrence. To date, the test has been used for solid malignancies. Yale Cancer Center cancer genetics researchers note that detecting recurrence before symptoms appear requires very high sensitivity, enabling confident identification of molecular relapse at a stage where imaging may not yet reveal the disease.
New chemical weapon against cancer
Antibody-drug conjugates ADCs offer a targeted approach that delivers chemotherapy directly to cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The therapy relies on antibodies binding to specific cancer cell antigens, acting like a key fitting a lock to deliver the drug precisely where it is needed. Similar drugs already treat blood, breast, and brain cancers, and more than 60 companies worldwide are developing new ADC therapies with many advancing through clinical trials. Researchers from a leading Israeli health company emphasize that ADC therapy holds promise for killing cancer cells with fewer side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy.
The field has attracted international researchers who reiterate the potential of ADC to provide focused treatment with reduced collateral damage to healthy tissues.
CAR-T therapy for lymphoma and leukemia
T cells normally recognize and destroy foreign invaders and cancerous cells, but some cancers can hide from the immune system. CAR-T therapy reprograms a patient’s own T cells to gain enhanced ability to target and kill cancer cells, making them more aggressive against malignant cells. The process starts with a blood sample, followed by a separation of T cells, an extended reprogramming period, and finally the return of the trained T cells to the bloodstream to attack the cancer. CAR-T therapy is now approved as a second-line option for lymphomas and leukemias and is available in a limited number of countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel. Experts emphasize that this development spans the journey from laboratory research to clinical use and continues to expand patient access, including pediatric care in some settings. The work of leading cancer researchers highlights the ongoing progress in immune-based cancer treatments.
Theranostics is a smart bomb in the fight against cancer
The term Theranostics combines therapy and diagnosis and represents a shift in radiation therapy strategy. Traditional chemotherapy can affect healthy tissues, but Theranostics aims to target radiation to cancer cells while conserving normal tissues. The approach uses drugs that bind to specific tumor targets, guided by imaging first. A low-dose radioactive compound helps locate tumors via PET scans, after which a therapeutic dose delivers radiation directly to cancer cells. This method has received approvals for thyroid, prostate, and neuroendocrine cancers, with ongoing research into broader applications. Canadian radiology specialists describe Theranostics as highly sensitive and almost free of side effects, underscoring its potential for personalized care. Clinicians note that all these advances have passed clinical trial phases and should be viewed as evidence that cancer is not an automatic death sentence. At present, these techniques are in use across the United Kingdom, Germany, Israel, and the United States, with growing accessibility in other regions. While regional access can vary, nations outside these areas are also pursuing similar capabilities and expanding patient options in cancer treatment. Publication and discussion about these developments come from a broad network of researchers and clinicians who continue to advocate for patient-centered care across diverse healthcare systems.
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