Multiple-cancer blood test shows real promise in NHS study

Researchers have said that a blood test for over 50 types of cancer has shown real promise in a major NHS trial.

During the trial, the test correctly revealed two out of every three cancers among 5,000 people in England or Wales who had visited their GP with suspected symptoms.  In 85 per cent of these cases, it also pinpointed the original site of the cancer.

The Galleri test looks for distinct changes in parts of genetic code that can leak from different cancers.

The researchers from Oxford University say the test remains very much a “work in progress”, but could increase the number of cancers identified.

Although not accurate enough to “rule in or rule out” cancer, the test was really useful for patients, according to lead researcher Professor Mark Middleton.

He said “The test was 85% accurate in detecting the source of the cancer – and that can be really helpful because so many times it is not immediately obvious when you have got the patient in front of you what test is needed to see whether their symptoms are down to cancer.

“With that prediction from the test, we can decide whether to order a scope or a scan and make sure we are giving the right test the first time.”

Dr David Crosby from Cancer Research UK, said “The findings from the study suggest this test could be used to support GPs to make clinical assessments – but much more research is needed, in a larger trial, to see if it could improve GP assessment and ultimately patient outcomes.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s Legal 500 recommended West Yorkshire medical negligence solicitors, have over 20 years of experience and specialist expertise in medical negligence investigations and claims, supporting injured clients and their families through the legal process and helping them obtain answers, justice and compensation after life-changing events including cases involving delays in diagnosis and treatment of cancer.  We have offices in Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax, Leeds, Bradford and Morley and represent clients locally and nationally.

If you or a relative have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence lawyers on the freephone number below or e-mail us.

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 7382