In a remarkable medical breakthrough, scientists have developed a blood test that can detect brain cancer quickly and with greater accuracy than traditional methods. This new test, known as a ‘liquid biopsy,’ offers a less invasive alternative to surgical biopsies and provides results within just one hour.
The test requires just over 100 microlitres of blood and is specifically designed to detect biomarkers associated with glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of brain cancer. Researchers from the United States and Australia, led by a team at the University of Notre Dame, spearheaded the development of this cutting-edge technology.
The liquid biopsy works by identifying biomarkers called epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs), which have proven highly effective in detecting specific types of cancers, including glioblastoma. Its accuracy in diagnosing brain cancer surpasses current methods, offering a faster, more reliable tool for early detection and treatment.
This advancement holds immense potential to improve patient outcomes, particularly by providing quicker diagnosis and reducing the need for invasive procedures.
