Researchers at the University of Texas AD Anderson Cancer Center have developed a new blood based test when combined with personalized risk model will help in predicting an individual’s risk of dying from lung cancer. The data has been published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. It dictates that the blood-based four-protein panel when combined with lung cancer risk model can better identify those who are at high risk of dying from lung cancer as compared to the current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force criteria.
In this study, the researchers have analyzed pre-diagnostic blood samples from prostate, lung, colorectal and ovarian cancer screening trial. These included 552 individuals who later developed lung cancer while 2193 did not. Also, of those 552 individuals, 70% died from lung cancer during the six-year study period. The researchers assessed the relationship between the risk scores generated by the combination model and incidences of death from lung cancer. The USPSTF recommends screening for adults aged 50 to 80 and who have at least 20 pack per year history and have quit smoking within past 15 years or smoke currently. All those individuals who are currently not eligible for lung cancer screening, such positive test may help to identify the individuals who are possibly at risk for lung cancer death.
Samir Hanash, Professor of Clinical Cancer Prevention, said, “This simple blood test has the potential to save lives by determining the need for lung cancer screening on a personalized basis.” “Given the challenges associated with CT as a frontline screening method for lung cancer and the fact that most individuals diagnosed with the disease do not meet current guidelines, there is an urgent demand for an alternative approach,” he added.
Blood test could be implemented as a lab-developed test in the near future. FDA approval will likely require evaluation through a prospective clinical trial.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only.
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