Scientists say a simple blood test could detect brain tumours with up to 90% accuracy. The breakthrough may help doctors diagnose cancer earlier without invasive procedures
Currently, doctors rely on MRI scans or biopsies if a brain tumour is suspected. A biopsy often involves surgery to remove a small sample of tissue from the brain, a complex and stressful procedure for patients. A new blood test developed by British and Danish researchers could make diagnosis far less invasive.The test works by identifying two specific proteins in the blood that are linked to brain tumours. This approach, sometimes called a ‘liquid biopsy’, allows doctors to detect the presence of a tumour without directly sampling brain tissue. Early trials suggest the method can identify tumours with more than 90% accuracy. One of the biggest advantages of the test is early detection. Tumours could be identified through a routine blood test even before they appear clearly in scans. Doctors could also use the test to monitor whether a tumour is shrinking during treatment.If the technology becomes widely available, it could mark a major milestone in cancer diagnosis. Detecting tumours earlier could improve survival rates and make treatment easier. Researchers are also exploring similar blood tests for lung, breast and bowel cancers in the future.
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Medical science has advanced rapidly in recent years, bringing new treatment options for diseases once considered deadly. Brain tumours, however, remain difficult to detect early, making diagnosis a major challenge for doctors.
