Researchers develop new method for early cancer detection
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have unveiled a groundbreaking blood test that detects cancer earlier than existing methods. The technique analyzes circulating tumor DNA with high accuracy. This innovation could revolutionize screening and treatment worldwide.
In a study published on September 28, 2025, researchers from the University of Cambridge announced a novel blood-based diagnostic tool for early cancer detection. The method, detailed in the journal Nature Medicine, uses advanced machine learning algorithms to identify patterns in cell-free DNA fragments shed by tumors.
The research team, led by Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald, tested the approach on over 1,000 patients with various cancers, including breast, lung, and colorectal types. 'This test achieves a sensitivity of 92% for stage I cancers, compared to 70% for traditional biopsies,' Fitzgerald stated in the press release. The study spanned two years, beginning in 2023, with initial trials at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.
Background context reveals that early detection remains a major challenge in oncology, where late-stage diagnoses often limit treatment success. Current methods like mammograms or colonoscopies are invasive or less precise for multiple cancer types. This new test, dubbed 'LiquidScan,' requires only a simple blood draw and can screen for over 50 cancer types simultaneously.
The implications are significant: experts predict it could reduce mortality rates by 20-30% if widely adopted. However, the study notes limitations, including a 5% false positive rate in healthy individuals. Further validation trials are planned for 2026 across Europe and the US.
No contradictions were found in the source, which emphasizes the test's potential while calling for larger-scale studies. The development was funded by Cancer Research UK and the Wellcome Trust, highlighting collaborative efforts in medical innovation.