An "ultra-sensitive" blood test has been discovered by researchers that can predict the recurrence of breast cancer years before the disease becomes detectable through scans. The groundbreaking test, which detects traces of tumor DNA, has shown 100% accuracy in predicting patients who will experience a relapse. If used widely, this test could lead to earlier treatment and improved survival rates for breast cancer patients.

The study, conducted by a team of researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) London, involved 78 patients with different types of early breast cancer. The "liquid biopsy" examined the patients' blood for 1,800 mutations released by cancer cells. In 11 of the women, circulating tumor DNA was found, and all of them experienced a relapse, while none of the other women saw their cancer return.

Results presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago revealed that, on average, the blood test detected cancer 15 months before symptoms appeared or prior to the illness appearing on scans. The earliest detection occurred 41 months before a diagnosis was confirmed through scans. Lead researcher Dr. Isaac Garcia-Murillas from ICR explained that breast cancer cells can remain in the body after treatment, often in such small quantities that they are undetectable on follow-up scans. These cells can later cause patients to relapse even years after their initial treatment.

With the potential to revolutionize post-treatment monitoring and improve patient outcomes, the study paves the way for more effective and timely treatment interventions that may extend patients' lives. Blood samples were initially tested at the time of diagnosis, following by additional tests after surgery and chemotherapy. Subsequent tests were performed every three months for the first year and every six months for the following five years.

The study received partial funding from Breast Cancer Now, whose Director of Research, Support, and Influencing, Dr. Simon Vincent, expressed excitement about the initial findings. He emphasized that early detection plays a crucial role in the battle against breast cancer, and this research suggests that new tests could identify signs of cancer recurrence over a year before symptoms emerge. By catching the recurrence earlier, treatment becomes more likely to eradicate the cancer and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body, becoming incurable.

It is important to note that the research is still in its early stages, and the availability of the blood test on a larger scale remains unclear. However, breakthroughs like these are urgently needed, as around 11,000 people in the UK die every year from secondary breast cancer. Early detection and improved monitoring methods hold the potential to save countless lives.

In recent developments within the field of cancer research, saliva tests have shown promise in identifying men at higher risk of prostate cancer, surpassing standard blood tests. Furthermore, thousands of NHS cancer patients in England are expected to gain access to personalized vaccine trials in the fight against cancer. However, the UK is also experiencing an expected rise in melanoma skin cancer cases, as warned by a cancer charity.

The discovery of an ultra-sensitive blood test for predicting breast cancer recurrence is a significant stride towards combating the devastating disease. While more research and clinical trials are needed to validate these findings, there is a glimmer of hope for the future of breast cancer management and prevention.