New blood test can detect skin cancer much earlier

Will a new blood test revolutionize the diagnosis of skin cancer??

Skin cancer is a disease that affects more and more people. An early diagnosis significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Scientists in Australia have now developed the world's first blood test capable of detecting skin cancer before it spreads throughout the body.

Researchers at Edith Cowan University have developed a blood test that detects skin cancer even before the disease can spread throughout the body. The physicians published the results of their study in the English language journal "Oncotarget".

Skin cancer is a dangerous disease affecting more and more people worldwide. The melanomas that occur can easily be mistaken for moles. (Image: glisic_albina / fotolia.com)

New blood test could avoid costly biopsies

The new blood test could enable the early detection of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and thus increase the chances of effective treatment. It can also help prevent invasive and costly biopsies, the authors of the study explain.

Differentiation between melanoma and birthmarks is difficult

The blood test is much more accurate than the current method of diagnosing this form of cancer. The diagnosis usually includes an examination by a doctor. This looks at the skin and existing moles in the patients. If the moles have changed or increased greatly, a sample is often taken for a more detailed examination. But an early stage melanoma can often be difficult to distinguish from a birthmark, the experts explain.

How does the test work??

Although doctors are doing a good job using the methods used to date, the use of biopsies alone can be problematic, explains study author Pauline Zaenker from Edith Cowan University. The body, however, begins to produce antibodies as soon as a melanoma develops. Based on this, the cancer can be detected at a very early stage with the new blood test. No other type of biomarker in the blood is likely to detect cancer at these early stages, adds the expert.

Melanomas spread to other parts of the body

Melanoma, which is typically caused by exposure to the sun, can spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs, liver, and brain if left unchecked. These secondary melanomas can then be more dangerous and difficult to treat.

Blood test detects over 81 percent of cases with disease

The new blood test was performed on 245 people with cancer at an early stage. The test detected the disease in 81.5 percent of all cases. Melanoma detection before spread can result in a five-year survival rate of 90 to 99 percent, but the survival rate of people with secondary forms is less than 50 percent, the researchers say.

Melanoma must be diagnosed earlier

The experts state that the test could be used for routine screening of people at higher risk of melanoma, such as those with a large number of moles, pale skin, or a family history of the disease. It is important that melanoma is diagnosed more accurately and earlier, says study author Professor Mel Ziman of Edith Cowan University. The new blood test can help with this identification, especially in early stage melanoma.

Which people often get skin cancer?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), skin cancer is more common in Caucasians, especially people with pale skin or many freckles, blond or red hair or blue eyes. They may possibly be screened using the new test. The researchers are planning further clinical trials and believe the test could be available in three to five years. (As)