Blood Test Analysis Identifies Early-Stage Tumors
|
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 04 Apr 2017 |
|
Image: The CancerLocator method focuses on DNA methylation, which is depicted in this image. The two white spheres represent methyl groups bound to two cytosine nucleotide molecules (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
The development of a blood test that screens for methylated DNA from tumor cells may herald an era of simpler and more precise cancer diagnostics.
Currently there is no existing cell-free DNA (cfDNA)-based method that is able to simultaneously detect cancer and predict its tissue of origin. To fill this gap investigators at the University of California, Los Angeles have proposed a novel method, CancerLocator, which simultaneously infers the proportion and tissue of origin of circulating DNA in a blood sample using genome-wide DNA methylation data.
CancerLocator identifies specific methylation patterns in circulating cancer DNA from different cancer types and compares the patterns to those in a tumor epigenetics database. Since DNA from tumor cells enters the bloodstream in the earliest stages of cancer, this approach offers a method for early detection of the disease.
In a pre-clinical study CancerLocator and two other programs were used to analyze blood samples from 29 liver cancer patients, 12 lung cancer patients, and five breast cancer patients. CancerLocator correctly identified 25 of 29 liver cancer patients and five of 12 lung cancer patients with early stage cancers. Overall CancerLocator had an overall error rate of 0.265 compared to the other two programs, which had rates of 0.646 and 0.604.
Senior author Dr. Xianghong Jasmine Zhou said, "We built a database of epigenetic markers, specifically methylation patterns, which are common across many types of cancer and also specific to cancers originating from specific tissue, such as the lung or liver. We also compiled the same molecular footprint for non-cancerous samples so we had a baseline footprint to compare the cancer samples against. These markers can be used to deconvolute the DNA found freely in the blood into tumor DNA and non-tumor DNA. Non-invasive diagnosis of cancer is important, as it allows the early diagnosis of cancer, and the earlier the cancer is caught the higher chance a patient has of beating the disease. We have developed a computer-driven test that can detect cancer, and also identify the type of cancer, from a single blood sample. The technology is in its infancy and requires further validation, but the potential benefits to patients are huge."
The CancerLocator program was described in the March 24, 2017, online edition of the journal Genome Biology.
Currently there is no existing cell-free DNA (cfDNA)-based method that is able to simultaneously detect cancer and predict its tissue of origin. To fill this gap investigators at the University of California, Los Angeles have proposed a novel method, CancerLocator, which simultaneously infers the proportion and tissue of origin of circulating DNA in a blood sample using genome-wide DNA methylation data.
CancerLocator identifies specific methylation patterns in circulating cancer DNA from different cancer types and compares the patterns to those in a tumor epigenetics database. Since DNA from tumor cells enters the bloodstream in the earliest stages of cancer, this approach offers a method for early detection of the disease.
In a pre-clinical study CancerLocator and two other programs were used to analyze blood samples from 29 liver cancer patients, 12 lung cancer patients, and five breast cancer patients. CancerLocator correctly identified 25 of 29 liver cancer patients and five of 12 lung cancer patients with early stage cancers. Overall CancerLocator had an overall error rate of 0.265 compared to the other two programs, which had rates of 0.646 and 0.604.
Senior author Dr. Xianghong Jasmine Zhou said, "We built a database of epigenetic markers, specifically methylation patterns, which are common across many types of cancer and also specific to cancers originating from specific tissue, such as the lung or liver. We also compiled the same molecular footprint for non-cancerous samples so we had a baseline footprint to compare the cancer samples against. These markers can be used to deconvolute the DNA found freely in the blood into tumor DNA and non-tumor DNA. Non-invasive diagnosis of cancer is important, as it allows the early diagnosis of cancer, and the earlier the cancer is caught the higher chance a patient has of beating the disease. We have developed a computer-driven test that can detect cancer, and also identify the type of cancer, from a single blood sample. The technology is in its infancy and requires further validation, but the potential benefits to patients are huge."
The CancerLocator program was described in the March 24, 2017, online edition of the journal Genome Biology.
Gold Member
Collection and Transport System
PurSafe Plus®
Urine Chemistry Control
Dropper Urine Chemistry Control
New
Gold Member
Clinical Drug Testing Panel
DOA Urine MultiPlex
Latest Molecular Diagnostics News
- Diagnostic Device Predicts Treatment Response for Brain Tumors Via Blood Test
- Blood Test Detects Early-Stage Cancers by Measuring Epigenetic Instability
- Two-in-One DNA Analysis Improves Diagnostic Accuracy While Saving Time and Costs
- “Lab-On-A-Disc” Device Paves Way for More Automated Liquid Biopsies
- New Tool Maps Chromosome Shifts in Cancer Cells to Predict Tumor Evolution
- Blood Test Identifies Inflammatory Breast Cancer Patients at Increased Risk of Brain Metastasis
- Newly-Identified Parkinson’s Biomarkers to Enable Early Diagnosis Via Blood Tests
- New Blood Test Could Detect Pancreatic Cancer at More Treatable Stage
- Liquid Biopsy Could Replace Surgical Biopsy for Diagnosing Primary Central Nervous Lymphoma
- New Tool Reveals Hidden Metabolic Weakness in Blood Cancers
- World's First Blood Test Distinguishes Between Benign and Cancerous Lung Nodules
- Rapid Test Uses Mobile Phone to Identify Severe Imported Malaria Within Minutes
- Gut Microbiome Signatures Predict Long-Term Outcomes in Acute Pancreatitis
- Blood Test Promises Faster Answers for Deadly Fungal Infections
- Blood Test Could Detect Infection Exposure History
- Urine-Based MRD Test Tracks Response to Bladder Cancer Surgery
Channels
Clinical Chemistry
view channel
New PSA-Based Prognostic Model Improves Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment
Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among American men, and about one in eight will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Screening relies on blood levels of prostate-specific antigen... Read more
Extracellular Vesicles Linked to Heart Failure Risk in CKD Patients
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 1 in 7 Americans and is strongly associated with cardiovascular complications, which account for more than half of deaths among people with CKD.... Read more
Hematology
view channel
New Guidelines Aim to Improve AL Amyloidosis Diagnosis
Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare, life-threatening bone marrow disorder in which abnormal amyloid proteins accumulate in organs. Approximately 3,260 people in the United States are diagnosed... Read more
Fast and Easy Test Could Revolutionize Blood Transfusions
Blood transfusions are a cornerstone of modern medicine, yet red blood cells can deteriorate quietly while sitting in cold storage for weeks. Although blood units have a fixed expiration date, cells from... Read more
Automated Hemostasis System Helps Labs of All Sizes Optimize Workflow
High-volume hemostasis sections must sustain rapid turnaround while managing reruns and reflex testing. Manual tube handling and preanalytical checks can strain staff time and increase opportunities for error.... Read more
High-Sensitivity Blood Test Improves Assessment of Clotting Risk in Heart Disease Patients
Blood clotting is essential for preventing bleeding, but even small imbalances can lead to serious conditions such as thrombosis or dangerous hemorrhage. In cardiovascular disease, clinicians often struggle... Read moreImmunology
view channel
Blood Test Identifies Lung Cancer Patients Who Can Benefit from Immunotherapy Drug
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease with limited treatment options, and even newly approved immunotherapies do not benefit all patients. While immunotherapy can extend survival for some,... Read more
Whole-Genome Sequencing Approach Identifies Cancer Patients Benefitting From PARP-Inhibitor Treatment
Targeted cancer therapies such as PARP inhibitors can be highly effective, but only for patients whose tumors carry specific DNA repair defects. Identifying these patients accurately remains challenging,... Read more
Ultrasensitive Liquid Biopsy Demonstrates Efficacy in Predicting Immunotherapy Response
Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment, but only a small proportion of patients experience lasting benefit, with response rates often remaining between 10% and 20%. Clinicians currently lack reliable... Read more
Microbiology
view channel
Comprehensive Review Identifies Gut Microbiome Signatures Associated With Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 6.7 million people in the United States and nearly 50 million worldwide, yet early cognitive decline remains difficult to characterize. Increasing evidence suggests... Read more
AI-Powered Platform Enables Rapid Detection of Drug-Resistant C. Auris Pathogens
Infections caused by the pathogenic yeast Candida auris pose a significant threat to hospitalized patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems or those who have invasive medical devices.... Read more
Pathology
view channel
Engineered Yeast Cells Enable Rapid Testing of Cancer Immunotherapy
Developing new cancer immunotherapies is a slow, costly, and high-risk process, particularly for CAR T cell treatments that must precisely recognize cancer-specific antigens. Small differences in tumor... Read more
First-Of-Its-Kind Test Identifies Autism Risk at Birth
Autism spectrum disorder is treatable, and extensive research shows that early intervention can significantly improve cognitive, social, and behavioral outcomes. Yet in the United States, the average age... Read more
Technology
view channel
Robotic Technology Unveiled for Automated Diagnostic Blood Draws
Routine diagnostic blood collection is a high‑volume task that can strain staffing and introduce human‑dependent variability, with downstream implications for sample quality and patient experience.... Read more
ADLM Launches First-of-Its-Kind Data Science Program for Laboratory Medicine Professionals
Clinical laboratories generate billions of test results each year, creating a treasure trove of data with the potential to support more personalized testing, improve operational efficiency, and enhance patient care.... Read more
Aptamer Biosensor Technology to Transform Virus Detection
Rapid and reliable virus detection is essential for controlling outbreaks, from seasonal influenza to global pandemics such as COVID-19. Conventional diagnostic methods, including cell culture, antigen... Read more
AI Models Could Predict Pre-Eclampsia and Anemia Earlier Using Routine Blood Tests
Pre-eclampsia and anemia are major contributors to maternal and child mortality worldwide, together accounting for more than half a million deaths each year and leaving millions with long-term health complications.... Read moreIndustry
view channel
New Collaboration Brings Automated Mass Spectrometry to Routine Laboratory Testing
Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique that identifies and quantifies molecules based on their mass and electrical charge. Its high selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy make it indispensable... Read more
AI-Powered Cervical Cancer Test Set for Major Rollout in Latin America
Noul Co., a Korean company specializing in AI-based blood and cancer diagnostics, announced it will supply its intelligence (AI)-based miLab CER cervical cancer diagnostic solution to Mexico under a multi‑year... Read more
Diasorin and Fisher Scientific Enter into US Distribution Agreement for Molecular POC Platform
Diasorin (Saluggia, Italy) has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Fisher Scientific, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific (Waltham, MA, USA), for the LIAISON NES molecular point-of-care... Read more