When cancer is detected earlier, it can improve outcomes for patients. Liquid biopsies are one way to improve cancer detection; these tests can analyze DNA in blood samples, which can reveal the presence of tumors because of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Usually, genetic sequencing is used to assess this DNA, but that usually only identifies some types of cancers. Scientists have now created a new blood test called TriOx, which can analyze ctDNA in multiple ways and detect six types of cancer. The work has been reported in Nature Communications.
Usually, the analysis of ctDNA only focuses on one feature of the genome such as small variations in the DNA sequence that can reveal cancer, but TriOx uses an advanced tool called whole-genome TAPS (TET-Assisted Pyridine Borane Sequencing), which was combined with machine learning. This technique can analyze genetic as well as epigenetic features of DNA, like methylation.
"Our new test brings together the best of cutting-edge science and machine learning,' explained senior study author Anna Schuh, a Professor at the University of Oxford. "While this test is still early in development, with further work, we believe it has the potential to improve survival rates for millions worldwide, by enabling implementation of routine blood tests to catch cancer earlier, when it’s easier to treat."
The reliability of TriOx was tested with blood samples from individuals with and without cancer. The researchers included breast, colorectal, oesophageal, ovarian, pancreatic, and renal cancers.
The test was able to detect these types of cancer, even at early stages, and could differentiate between people with and without cancer with 94.9 percent sensitivity and 88.8 percent specificity.
‘Many cancers, such as pancreatic and ovarian, often go unnoticed until they’ve advanced, when treatment is more difficult and less effective. Current screening methods are limited to a few cancers and are often invasive, deterring many from regular checks," said co-corresponding study author Dr. Dimitris Vavoulis of Oxford's Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics. "Although our approach is still early in development, we envision that a simple blood draw could eventually be all that’s needed to screen for multiple cancers, giving patients and doctors a faster, more convenient tool to stay ahead of the disease."
Now the test has to be validated and tested with more patients, and other types of cancer. The researchers suggested that TriOx may one day be a routine part of cancer screening.
Sources: Oxford University, Nature Communications