Most cancers blood checks supply hope, however extra knowledge wanted on ctDNA checks

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Angus Chen covers all points broadly associated to most cancers together with medication, coverage, science, and fairness. He joined STAT in 2021 after protecting well being and science at NPR and NPR affiliate stations. His work has been acknowledged by nationwide Edward R. Murrow awards, the June L. Biedler prize for most cancers journalism, and extra. You may attain Angus on Sign at angus.08.

CHICAGO — Checks trying to find tumor DNA that’s circulating within the blood are surging in recognition, as a result of they’ll clue clinicians into what’s occurring with a affected person’s most cancers lengthy earlier than any adjustments seem on extra conventional instruments like MRI or CT scans. A few of these ctDNA checks can present if most cancers will recur months earlier than any lesions are seen, and others can provide details about how a most cancers will or is responding to a sure remedy.

Gross sales of the checks have soared, and right here on the American Society for Medical Oncology annual assembly this week, there have been dozens of abstracts taking a look at ctDNA and its use in medical decision-making.

But for all their enthusiasm concerning the checks’ potential, most cancers researchers STAT interviewed weren’t able to say these checks are helpful in guiding higher medical selections. That’s as a result of trials are popping out with knowledge on ctDNA, however they nonetheless don’t present clear solutions on whether or not the checks broadly make a distinction in affected person outcomes, consultants mentioned.

STAT+ Unique Story

STAT+