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New Blood Tests Trialed for Early Cancer Detection
4 Nov
Summary
- Multi-cancer blood tests are being trialed in 200 English GP surgeries.
- The trial aims to detect hard-to-diagnose abdominal cancers earlier.
- Over 20,000 patients aged 45+ with vague symptoms are eligible.
A significant trial has commenced across 200 GP surgeries in England, introducing novel blood tests capable of screening for multiple types of cancer at once. This initiative specifically targets the early detection of challenging abdominal cancers, including liver, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers, which are often diagnosed late. The STRIDE-RCT trial, led by the University of Birmingham and funded by the government, will evaluate the accuracy of these tests for potential widespread NHS adoption.
Over 20,000 individuals aged 45 and above, experiencing symptoms like persistent pain or bloating, are invited to join the study. The blood tests examine proteins and DNA fragments in blood that may indicate the presence of cancer, potentially guiding further investigations for patients with ambiguous symptoms. Detecting these cancers early is crucial, as it significantly improves treatment success rates and patient survival.
Approximately 71,000 people in England are diagnosed annually with various abdominal and related cancers, leading to nearly 35,000 deaths. The STRIDE-RCT trial aims to detect a range of cancers, including bowel, liver, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. While a positive result doesn't confirm cancer, and a negative result isn't a complete guarantee, health officials hope these simple tests will expedite the identification of patients requiring urgent medical attention.
