By The Nexus Gazette.
16th August, 2024.
In a groundbreaking advancement, Chinese researchers have unveiled a revolutionary blood test that boasts an impressive 90% accuracy in detecting early-stage gastric cancer. This innovative test, which utilizes artificial intelligence (AI), marks a significant breakthrough in the early diagnosis and treatment of one of the world’s most prevalent and deadly cancers.
The research team, led by experts from Hefei Cancer Hospital and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed a novel method to detect cell-free DNA (cfDNA) circulating in the bloodstream. This cfDNA, originating from both healthy and tumor cells, can be analyzed using sophisticated AI algorithms. The test specifically targets 21 methylation biomarkers linked to gastric cancer, enabling highly accurate detection of the disease.
In clinical trials involving 150 gastric cancer patients and 100 healthy controls, the new blood test demonstrated a sensitivity of 88.38% and a specificity of 94.23%. These results highlight the test’s exceptional accuracy and reliability in distinguishing between cancerous and non-cancerous cases. The high sensitivity and specificity underscore the test’s potential as a valuable tool in the early detection of gastric cancer.
Early detection of gastric cancer is critical for improving patient outcomes. Currently, over 80% of gastric cancer cases in China are diagnosed at an advanced stage, where the five-year survival rate is less than 30%. However, with early detection through this new blood test, survival rates can exceed 90%. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as endoscopies and serum markers, have limitations in accuracy and patient comfort, making this new blood test a promising and patient-friendly alternative.
The successful development and testing of this blood test have the potential to revolutionize gastric cancer screening, making early diagnosis and treatment more accessible and less invasive for patients. The research team is optimistic about the technology’s potential to save lives and reduce the global burden of gastric cancer. This breakthrough highlights the critical role of continued innovation in medical research and the transformative impact of AI on healthcare.
Resources:
1.https://interestingengineering.com/health/china-blood-test-early-gastric-cancer-detection
2.https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-11-tumor-marker-gastric-cancer-accuracy.html