New ‘running commentary’ blood test 'future of cancer treatment’

A newly developed “running commentary” blood test that continually tracks cancer progress could help patients get the best treatment, researchers have said. The test filters out tumour DNA that can then be analysed for genetic changes. Carried out at regular intervals, it allows doctors to keep pace with a cancer as it mutates and becomes resistant to different therapies. Targeted treatments can also be matched to the specific genetic defects identified.

We need to do more research, but this approach could have a huge impact on how we make treatment decisions, also potentially making diagnosis and treatment quicker, cheaper and less invasive.

Professor Johann de Bono, from the Institute of Cancer Research in London

Study leader Professor Johann de Bono, from the Institute of Cancer Research in London, said: “Tumours and the gene faults that drive them are unique and constantly evolving. It’s crucial that we understand these changes so doctors can choose the best treatments for each patient." The study, published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research, involved looking at almost 160 blood samples from 39 cancer patients with different types of late-stage disease. Dr Kat Arney, science information manager at Cancer Research UK, which funded the work, said: "Blood tests like these are the future of cancer treatment and this study proves that they can work in practice - helping us to diagnose, analyse and monitor tumours more easily.”

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