Breakthrough: AI-Powered Test Detects Deadly Cancers with a Single Drop of Dried Blood
Detecting cancer within minutes using just a drop of dried blood and a new test is now a possibility, suggests a recent study. Early findings indicate that a novel tool requiring only a single drop of blood could identify three of the most lethal types of cancer.
In preliminary trials, this innovative test could differentiate between patients with pancreatic, gastric, or colorectal cancer and those without cancer in a matter of minutes. By analyzing specific chemicals in the blood, the test showed promising results, identifying cancer with an accuracy ranging from 82% to 100%.
The test, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), utilizes machine learning to analyze metabolites in blood samples, serving as potential biomarkers for cancer detection. This approach could revolutionize cancer diagnosis by enabling early detection when survival rates are higher and symptoms are absent.
Currently, there are no standalone blood tests accurate enough to diagnose pancreatic, colorectal, and gastric cancers independently. Typically, doctors rely on imaging or surgical procedures for detection. However, this new test, requiring less than 0.05 milliliters of dried blood, offers a cost-effective and straightforward alternative.
The simplicity of storing dried blood could democratize access to cancer early detection testing worldwide, potentially reducing undiagnosed cases by 20% to 50% in rural areas, according to modeling studies.
Despite its immense potential, further validation and extensive clinical trials are needed before widespread adoption. Nonetheless, with continued development, this technology could expand to detect other cancers or monitor disease progression, offering hope for improved healthcare access, particularly in low-resource settings.