Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women globally, with around 2.3 million new cases diagnosed in 2020 alone.

Over the years, advancements in technology and medical research has significantly improved treatment for breast cancer and recovery rates. However, once the treatment is complete, women who have been treated are still left with uncertainty about the recurrence of the disease. The American Cancer Society reports that one in four women will experience a breast cancer relapse.

But, a new blood test can help predict the tumor relapse in women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer.

What is a blood test for breast cancer recurrence?

The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay or ELISA test is a blood test that diagnoses or helps predict diseases by studying the level of proteins and antibodies present in a person’s blood.

Researchers from the University of Leicester in England, USA, and Australia developed a new ELISA blood test that uses a specific biomarker called CD44. This biomarker is present on the surface of cancerous cells. It is believed that the more CD44 proteins are present in the blood, the higher the chances of the cancer relapse process within the body.

Accuracy of the blood test

Researchers conducted a study of around 104 women who had been treated for breast cancer. These women were observed for a minimum of five years, during which blood samples were collected at fixed intervals.

The blood samples were tested using the ELISA test, and researchers discovered that the test did well in accurately predicting tumor relapse. The results were notable as the blood test was 92% accurate.

Though this percentage might sound like an excellent result, it is important to note that the study was conducted on a small group of women. Moreover, the accuracy of the test could be impacted by several factors that might make it less reliable.

For example, patients diagnosed with early breast cancer have lower levels of CD44 protein as compared to those with metastatic breast cancer. Therefore, the accuracy of the test could depend on cancer’s stage, grade, and other factors.

Benefits of the blood test

When compared to common screening methods like MRI scans or mammograms, the ELISA test is relatively cheaper and less invasive. It is a simple and cost-effective method to predict breast cancer relapse and does not require complicated procedures.

This blood test can help predict cancer relapse before any symptoms occur, which can significantly improve treatment and recovery rates. Additionally, the new blood test method will be more beneficial for high-risk groups such as women with a family history of breast cancer or those diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50.

Conclusion

The ELISA blood test is a promising diagnostic and predictive tool for breast cancer relapse and has the potential to improve patient outcomes and survival rates.

This new method is essential in monitoring women who have undergone breast cancer treatment for relapse prediction and early detection. Although the current study shows promise, more extensive research is necessary to determine how accurate the test is for different stages of breast cancer.