New Blood Test Can Find One of the Deadliest Cancers Returning—Before Scans
Summary
Researchers at NYU Langone Health reported that a blood test tracking tumor DNA detected signs of lung cancer recurrence before standard scans in some patients. In a retrospective study of 42 patients, the test had 75 percent sensitivity and 83 percent specificity; researchers said larger prospective studies are needed before it guides routine care.Key Facts
- The study examined recurrence after surgery, not screening people who had never been diagnosed with lung cancer.
- Researchers used blood samples to track circulating tumor DNA, genetic material released by cancer cells.
- Among patients whose blood test turned positive before recurrence was detected, the median lead time was 16.7 months.
- The study focused on patients with stage IA lung adenocarcinoma.
- The test's sensitivity was 75 percent, meaning it detected 75 percent of observed recurrences in the study.
- The test's specificity was 83 percent, meaning it correctly identified 83 percent of patients without the measured recurrence.
- The researchers described the study as retrospective and said larger studies with regular blood-draw schedules are needed before the test can guide routine clinical decisions.
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