A LOW-cost brain cancer blood test could help to save lives within just three years, Scots scientists say.
The diagnostic test, which aims to detect cases at an early stage, could soon be available in hospitals, according to the Glasgow team behind it.
ClinSpec Diagnostics, a spin-out company based at Strathclyde University, said the work is at an advanced stage and clinical studies are under way.
Currently almost 40% of patients make more than five GP visits before being diagnosed with brain cancer, which most often shows initial effects through a headache.
More than 60% only receive confirmation of the condition in an emergency and brain tumours result in a 20-year reduction in life expectancy – more than any other form of tumour.
Backed by more than £1.6 million in development funding, the test aims to indicate the type and severity of a person’s tumour, allowing doctors to prioritise and fast-track the most appropriate
and effective treatments. Further blood tests are also being developed by the company for other diseases, such as pancreatic and prostate cancer.
Researcher Matthew Baker said: “It’s exciting to be able to move the science from the laboratory to the clinic and I look forward to releasing the test for patients.
“Today marks an important milestone for Clinspec Diagnostics and the health services it will support – and ultimately the patients and families that will benefit from the test.”
The information was released as new figures revealed 16,400 females and 15,900 males were diagnosed with cancer in 2017.
The 32,200 total marks a rise of around 3300 over the last decade.
Gordon Matheson, Cancer Research UK’s public affairs manager in Scotland, said: “Growing numbers of people in Scotland are being told they have cancer. But thanks to research, more than ever will now survive.
“While there are many reasons why we’re seeing more people develop cancer, including an ageing population, there’s much that people can do to stack the odds in their favour. Smoking remains the number one preventable cause of cancer, followed by carrying too much weight, which is linked to 13 types of the disease.”
Meanwhile, a new study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Glasgow found a diet rich in phenolic acids from coffee, vegetables and whole grains may protect against breast cancer in post-menopausal women.
The study was led by a team from the University of Navarra and the University of Jaen in Spain.
Susannah Brown of the World Cancer Research Fund, said: “This is an interesting study that further confirms the importance of consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables for cancer prevention.”
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