New Blood Test Shows Promise for Early Cancer Detection
SYDNEY, March 25 (Xinhua) — Australian researchers have developed a blood test that may aid in the early detection of various cancers by identifying specific protein signatures in extracellular vesicles (EVs) – tiny particles released by cells into the bloodstream.
The study, a collaborative effort involving scientists from the University of Queensland and the University of Melbourne, focused on analyzing EVs. These modest, bubble-like particles transport proteins and other molecules between cells University of Queensland.
Identifying Cancer-Linked Proteins
Researchers compared the protein composition of EVs originating from healthy cells and cancer cells. They identified a distinct pattern of four proteins consistently associated with the presence of cancer. This discovery enabled them to develop a test capable of detecting these same four proteins in cancer samples.
High Accuracy in Differentiating Cancer Samples
The test’s performance was evaluated using samples from patients with nine different cancer types, as well as healthy individuals. The results, published in Cell Reports Medicine, demonstrated the test’s ability to accurately distinguish between healthy and cancerous samples.
Potential for Lung Cancer Screening
Further evaluation involved 68 blood samples from patients suspected of having lung cancer. The test successfully differentiated between benign lung changes and early-stage lung cancer, suggesting its potential application in population-wide screening programs.
About the Universities Involved
The University of Queensland, located in Brisbane, is a public research university and a founding member of edX, the Group of Eight, and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. It consistently ranks among the world’s top 50 universities UQ.
The University of Melbourne is ranked #1 in Australia and around Top 35 globally Reddit.
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