Developing Blood Test Can Detect 8 Forms of Cancer

January 23, 2018
Developing Blood Test Can Detect 8 Forms of Cancer - Soma Technology, Inc.

Blood Test Detecting Cancer

Developing Blood Test Can Detect 8 Forms of Cancer

What is Cancer?

Cancer is when a gene mutates and causes quick replication. We have millions of cells in our body working like internal computers. They are hard programmed to have a function for whatever organ system they are a part of. These cancer cells kill surrounding cells and steal their nutrients. These groups of cells are collectively known as a tumor. Tumors use angiogenesis – a network of blood vessels from the tumor to other parts of the body to carry nutrients to the cancer cells.

Metastasis

Metastasis occurs when cancer cells have entered the lymphatic system and migrated to other parts of the body. The entire cancer process starts again with rapid replication of cancer cells and angiogenesis. When this happens, more than one organ system will start to fail.

Blood Test Use

Unfortunately, most of the time, symptoms of cancer tend to go recognized when it has spread to a later stage. There is a need for cancer to be detected at earlier stages. Early detection leads to larger and longer survival rates. Joe Dziemianowicz a writer for the NY Daily News, wrote an article, “New Blood Test Detects 8 Kinds of Cancer”. This blood test looks for 16 genes and 10 proteins linked to cancer, to be found in the blood of someone who has the disease. This test is Called CancerSEEK; and can detect breast, colon, lung, ovarian, stomach, liver and esophageal cancers. Dziemianowicz wrote that the test was able to detect cancer in blood “33% to 98% of the time.”

While this test is a step in the right direction, more studies need to be done. Generally, a test needs to be done over years, and then get approval from the FDA to be used in a medical setting.

Treatment

Treatment for different cancer will vary depending on the type. Sometimes, cancer can be cut out through surgery. Other times chemotherapy is a choice, where medication kills the cancer cells. Oftentimes, physicians will recommend surgery with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is also proven to kill cancer, but sometimes also kills healthy cells. In some situations, the radiation may actually give a person another form of cancer. Breast and prostate cancers can have their growth slowed by the use of hormone therapy. Immunotherapy is used to help your immune system fight off cancer.

Final Thoughts

Have you or someone you know been affected by cancer? Did they do any of the above treatments? Would a blood test have been beneficial to use? Do you think this blood test should be standard procedure in the future?

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