This type of methodology for diagnosis would allow obtaining more information about cancer than through a conventional biopsy of a single part of the tumor. / EFE/Andres Cristaldo Benitez.
This non-invasive technique, developed by Spanish researchers, consists of an analysis that makes it possible to detect the presence of DNA released by tumor cells into the blood.
Researchers from the Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga and the Nanomedicine Platform (IBIMA BIONAND Platform) have developed a new methodology for the early detection of breast cancer through a single blood sample.
This new non-invasive method consists of DNA analysis by massive sequencing, which allows the detection of the presence of DNA released by tumor cells into the blood.
The project has been led by the researcher Iñaki Comino-Méndez and coordinated by Emilio Alba, head of service of the Intercentre Oncology Clinical Management Unit of the Regional de Málaga and Virgen de la Victoria university hospitals.
Iñaki Comino-Méndez explains that using this new technology, blood samples have been analyzed, prior to any medical intervention, from 75 patients who presented mammograms with indications of breast cancer.
The results show that “the fact of presenting a detectable tumor mutation in the blood means that this woman has an 86% probability of having a breast tumor,” according to Comino-Méndez.
Information from a biopsy
This type of diagnostic methodology has many advantages, such as allowing for the obtaining of more information about the cancer than through a conventional biopsy of a single part of the breast tumor.
The researcher highlights that “it is a very powerful tool for the detection of tumors in asymptomatic individuals and key in choosing the most appropriate therapy for each patient.”
In addition, he adds, “it will be very important for patients thanks to its ability to detect the disease early and its subsequent early treatment.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Mammograms allow early detection programs to be carried out, and only when abnormal images are detected is a breast biopsy performed.
This new diagnostic method, called liquid biopsy, is an alternative to current methods, lower risk and more effective for patients, highlight those responsible for the project, who are members of the Cancer Network Biomedical Research Center (CIBERONC), belonging to the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII).
Source: EFE / SYNC
Rights: Creative Commons.
Un nuevo método permite diagnosticar cáncer de mama con una gota de sangre (agenciasinc.es)
