A new research development could revolutionise cancer treatment by allowing doctors to predict with greater accuracy if breast cancer is likely to return in patients after treatment.

A blood test can now reveal which patients are at risk of relapse after therapy ends, enabling doctors to develop personalised therapies to give patients the best chance of survival.

The the blood test is said to determine the unique genetic fingerprint of cancer in the blood of patients following treatment. This helps doctors to detect any genetic mutations that indicate whether the cancer has spread to the bloodstream.

How the Blood Test Works

The study follows a simple procedure, which would involve blood being taken from the patient during and after cancer treatments.

This would then be sent to a specialist lab that shepherds cell-free DNA to look for the molecular pathway responsible for the blood mutations. To enhance the accuracy of the test, factors such as age and the severity of the cancer are also taken into consideration.

Once the analysis is completed, it is possible for doctors to create an accurate profile of the genetically mutated cancerous cells, which have been released into the bloodstream.

Tracking this genetic pattern allow the doctors to know whether or not the cancer has metastasised or spread beyond the original tumour site long before any physical side effects are experienced. The findings can be shared with other specialist laboratories around the world to further studying the biomarkers of cancer given the more significant range of information available.

What Are the Risks?

The benefits of the blood-test are clear, however, it could imply that when the bio-markers are forecasted, cancer patients go through unnecessary stressful events like for example, the patients who have been previously diagnosed with the illness seeing uncomfortable situations appearing on family members faces and will lead to patients are often “looking over their shoulders.” Financial reasons may also be a factor for some patients that can damage other facets of their life, including relationships.

The Advantages of a Predictive Blood Test

Firstly, the blood-test could be life-changing for cancer patients and could reduce the need for unnecessary treatments and surgeries.

This, in turn, would save patients from unnecessary medical attention and reduce the strain on healthcare systems which isn’t already demanding.

Secondly, the blood-test could identify when the cancer cells first start spreading around the body and treat the cancer while it is still relatively benign giving patients the best chance of survival.

Therefore, the opportunities are limitless concerning therapy.

Differentiating Between Aggressive and Non-Aggressive Cancer Cells

Throughout previous cancer studies, differentiating between aggressive and non-aggressive cancer cells in patients is a challenge.

Rest assured, for those who undergo chemotherapy, this therapy alone can’t completely terminate the cancer cells, making this important research necessary. The therapy also brings symptoms of how physically and mental-breaking and at high costs.

By choosing the right therapies for the right patients, doctors can offer a more effective solution to fighting the cancer cells, as well as reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

The ability to identify the genetic markers of cancer that has managed to enter the bloodstream will help doctors to tailor suitable therapies for each individual.

A unique personalised therapy ensures that the patient is not over-treated and also prevents relapse by identifying when the cancer is in an advanced stage.

Increasing the Efficacy of Breast Cancer Treatment

Early detection of cancerous cells entering the bloodstream could save lives, it also reduces the burden of relapsed rates of breast cancer.

Women worldwide, many of whom die due to the spread of the disease after treatment, would especially benefit from such personalised blood-based diagnosis. The blood-test could become the new medical paragon in the fight against major worldwide life-threatening illnesses.

How to Find Out If You Need the Blood Test

Whether a patient needs the blood test or not would be based on their situation and how urgently they need the test. Every individual who has recently had treatment for cancer may be candidates for the blood-test.

It is best to speak to your doctor to see if this is something recommended in your case.

Conclusion

The blood-test offers doctors the chance to diagnose breast cancer with a more considerable level of accuracy, the before and after blood-tests provide an excellent marker for metastasis and the chance of relapse.

The discovery of a future cure for cancer is still very much not within reach, but with the discoveries and advances of today, medical science is making great leaps in the fight against this disease. The future of cancer diagnosis and treatment is here.