Stanford University scientists have developed a new type of low-cost blood test that has the potential for quickly tracking the growth and spread of cancer. “For monitoring patient tumours, only a handful of blood tests are available which are limited to only several types of cancers. Nearly all cancer patients require monitoring by whole body imaging, which can be costly, complex, and time-consuming,” said lead investigator Hanlee P. Ji, Associate Professor at Stanford University in the US. “In contrast, molecular tests like the one we have developed will enable patients to be monitored at every visit, and thus have the potential for quickly tracking cancer growth and spread,” Ji added. The test, which is called single colour digital PCR, can detect as few as three mutation-bearing molecules in a single reaction, the study said.

Source: Hindustan Times August 14, 2017 08:15 UTC