How scientists can detect a presence of cancer cells in a body

Scientists develop 10-minute universal cancer test

Inexpensive procedure shows whether patient has cancerous cells in the body, but does not reveal where or how serious it is

Coloured scanning electron micrograph of dividing breast cancer cells. Photograph: Steve Gschmeissner/Getty/Science Photo Library RM

Coloured scanning electron micrograph of dividing breast cancer cells. Photograph: Steve Gschmeissner/Getty/Science Photo Library RM

Scientists have developed a universal cancer test that can detect traces of the disease in a patient’s bloodstream.

The cheap and simple test uses a colour-changing fluid to reveal the presence of malignant cells anywhere in the body and provides results in less than 10 minutes.

While the test is still in development, it draws on a radical new approach to cancer detection that could make routine screening for the disease a simple procedure for doctors.

“A major advantage of this technique is that it is very cheap and extremely simple to do, so it could be adopted in the clinic quite easily,” said Laura Carrascosa, a researcher at the University of Queensland.

The test has a sensitivity of about 90%, meaning it would detect about 90 in 100 cases of cancer. It would serve as an initial check for cancer, with doctors following up positive results with more focused investigations.

“Our technique could be a screening tool to inform clinicians that a patient may have a cancer, but they would require subsequent tests with other techniques to identify the cancer type and stage,” Carrascosa said.

The test was made possible by the Queensland team’s discovery that cancer DNA and normal DNA stick to metal surfaces in markedly different ways. This allowed them to develop a test that distinguishes between healthy cells and cancerous ones, even from the tiny traces of DNA that find their way into the bloodstream.

Healthy cells ensure they function properly by patterning their DNA with molecules called methyl groups. These work like volume controls, silencing genes that are not needed and turning up others that are. In cancer cells, this patterning is hijacked so that only genes that help the cancer grow are switched on. While the DNA inside normal cells has methyl groups dotted all over it, the DNA inside cancer cells is largely bare, with methyl groups found only in small clusters at specific locations.

Writing in the journal Nature Communications, the Queensland team described a series of tests that confirmed the telltale pattern of methyl groups in breast, prostate and colorectal cancer as well as lymphoma. They then showed that the patterns had a dramatic impact on the DNA’s chemistry, making normal and cancer DNA behave very differently in water. “This is a huge discovery that no one has grasped before,” said Carrascosa.

After a series of experiments, the scientists hit on the new test for cancer. The suspect DNA is added to water containing tiny gold nanoparticles. Though made of gold, the particles turn the water pink. If DNA from cancer cells is then added, it sticks to the nanoparticles in such a way that the water retains its original colour. But if DNA from healthy cells is added, the DNA binds to the particles differently, and turns the water blue. “The test is sensitive enough to detect very low levels of cancer DNA in the sample,” Carrascosa said.

Led by Matt Trau, a professor of chemistry at the University of Queensland, the researchers have run the test on 200 human cancer samples and healthy DNA. “We certainly don’t know yet whether it’s the holy grail for all cancer diagnostics, but it looks really interesting as an incredibly simple universal marker for cancer, and as an accessible and inexpensive technology that doesn’t require complicated lab-based equipment like DNA sequencing,” Trau said.

The scientists are now working towards clinical trials with patients that have a broader range of cancer types than they have tested so far.

To test for cancer today, doctors must collect a tissue biopsy from a patient’s suspected tumour. The procedure is invasive and relies on the patient noticing a lump, or reporting symptoms that their GP recognises as a potential sign of cancer. A less invasive test that has the potential to spot cancer earlier could transform how patients are screened for the disease.

The DNA in cancer cells can be riddled with mutations that drive the growth of a specific tumour, but these mutations tend to differ depending on the type of cancer. A universal cancer test would not be precise enough to pinpoint the location or size of a tumour, but would give doctors a swift answer to the question: does this patient have cancer?

Tests in the lab showed that the scientists could distinguish normal DNA from cancer DNA by looking for a colour change in the gold particle solution that was visible to the naked eye within a few minutes.

“This test could be done in combination with other simple tests, and become a powerful diagnostic tool that could not just say that you have cancer, but also the type and stage,” said Carrascosa.

Ged Brady, of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, said: “This approach represents an exciting step forward in detecting tumour DNA in blood samples and opens up the possibility of a generalised blood-based test to detect cancer. Further clinical studies are required to evaluate the full clinic potential of the method.”

How scientists can detect a presence of cancer cells in a body

Remember when Dr. Evil, Austin Powers’ nemesis in the film series of that name, declared that he could take over the world with “a sophisticated heat beam which we call ‘a laser’?” And, even earlier, when many of us watched in awe as the Star Wars’ Jedi knights blasted their way through enemies using lightsabers? While using these gadgets to help fight evil was once simply a figment of our imagination, the reality is that lasers now are being used to detect cancers cells.

Why detecting cancer cells in the blood is important

Tumors have the ability to break off of their initial site and spread from their primary organ to other sites of the body via the bloodstream and lymphatic system. The spreading of cancer, known as “metastasis”, is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Being able to detect cancer cells early in the disease process, particularly, in an easy-to-access fluid such as blood, is important. This is because it will inevitably change the treatment plan and course for patients.

Circulating cancer cells

Cells that are shed from the primary tumor into the bloodstream are called, circulating cancer cells or CTCs. They essentially constitute “seeds” for additional growth of cancer. And, they often trigger subsequent growth in distant parts of the body.

There are currently blood tests, such as those known as liquid biopsies, that are designed to detect CTCs circulating in the bloodstream. However, these tests often cannot detect the small number of cells released early on in the process. So the early spread of the disease can be missed. When this happens, the test result is called a false negative.

If these tests do return as positive, it often means that there is a high level of cancerous cells in the blood. In many cases, the cancer may have already spread to other organs. When this occurs, the test has failed to meet the goal of early detection that can significantly alter the course of the disease. In that case, it represents a missed opportunity to eliminate the cancer cells at a treatable juncture.

Related content: Liquid Biopsy for Cancer – What You Need to Know

Lasers and early detection of circulating cancer cells

As mentioned, current methods of detecting CTCs have a limited detection and sensitivity for picking up minimal cells at early stages of the disease. However, this may soon change as researchers explore the use of other technologies, including laser, to detect malignant cells circulating in the blood.

Notably, a team of scientists led by biomedical engineer Vladimir Zharov, director of nanomedicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, has developed such a method in hopes of improving the odds for early detection and treatment cancer.

In their recent study published in Science Translation Medicine, the researchers reported that they have devised a laser-based technology that can detect malignant melanoma cells in the blood. Further, they learned that they can use the device to “zap” these cells from outside of the body.

The innovative device, called a “cytophone,” was created by coupling a laser with an ultrasound detector. It can detect the malignant cells acoustically.

Here is how it works. A laser is first shined on the surface of a person’s skin, penetrating right into some of the near-surface blood vessels. Because of their dark pigment, passing melanoma cells absorb enough energy from the laser to cause them to quickly heat up and expand. This, in turn, creates a small “acoustic wave” that then gets picked up by the ultrasound detector.

How well did the new test work?

The researchers tested the device on 28 patients with melanoma and 19 healthy volunteers. They found that it was able to detect CTCs in 27 of the 28 patients within as little as 10 seconds and as long as 1 hour the cytophone. In fact, the cytophone was able to pick up a single circulating tumor cell per liter of blood. That makes this test up to approximately 1,000 times more sensitive than other currently available methods of detection that typically examine only about 7- 8 milliliters of a sample of blood.

Significantly, the test did not return any false positives (a test result that incorrectly indicates the presence of a condition) on the healthy volunteers. An additional benefit of this new test is that the cytophone was also able to detect small blood clots. This is important because they could potentially grow and lead to another set of harmful consequences.

Moreover, the researchers discovered that when the energy level of the laser was turned up (still to a safe intensity) the number of circulating tumor cells dropped over the course of the hour without causing any side effects. That means not only does the cytophone offer a more sensitive way to detect CTCs, but it may also have therapeutic potential.

How this new test could be used in the future

Although this new approach will likely not destroy all of the patient’s cancer cells it can help in several different ways:

What’s next?

While this study holds promise, it must be studied in a larger population. Additionally, it needs to be determined if the positive outcome holds true for patients with darker skin and a higher content of melanin.

Further, as of now, the device has only been tested in melanoma patients whose CTCs contain melanin. That is because, as described above, the dark pigment plays a role in its detection. However, Zharov and his colleagues are currently working to develop methods of “tagging” other types of cancer cells with small nanoparticles that may allow them to “heat up” and thus be distinguished from the normal cells in the blood.

The bottom line

A recent study has shown that a new laser-based technology called the cytophone was able to accurately detect small volumes of circulating melanoma cells in 27 out of 28 patients without any false positive results. Further, by turning up the energy level of the laser, it appeared to reduce the amount of circulating cancer cells as well. This study suggests that lasers could play an important role in the diagnosis and, perhaps, the treatment of certain cancers sometime in the future.

**LOVE OUR CONTENT? WANT MORE INFORMATION ON CANCER, CANCER TREATMENTS AND HEALTHY LIVING? SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE**

Joshua Mansour, M.D.

Dr. Joshua Mansour received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University where he was a chancellor scholar. He then went on to Ross University School of Medicine to continue his education.

Dr. Mansour recently received Ross University School of Medicine 2019 Early Distinguished Career Award, given to a “young alumni” that has already experienced a high level of success and displayed promise for future growth and leadership opportunities.

He completed his internal medicine residency at Medical College of Georgia, completed a fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the Medical University of South Carolina, and then went to Stanford University to pursue an additional fellowship in Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy. He is triple board-certified in internal medicine, hematology, and oncology.

Dr. Mansour actively belongs to several associations including the Medical Oncology Association of Southern California, where he is currently a board member, the California Medical Association, American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Community Oncology Association, where he is on the CAR T-Cell Task Force, American Society of Hematology, and American Society of Transplantation & Cellular therapy. He also serves as a physician mentor for students as part of the American College of Physicians.

Although he has an extensive and varied medical background and training, he currently focuses on hematological malignancies. He is a bone marrow transplant and cellular immunotherapy physician in Los Angeles, CA. This is where he sees patients, continues research in this field, as well as helping with clinical trials.

He dedicates much of his spare time investigating ways to improve patient care and outcomes. He has helped design and implement clinical studies to evaluate current treatment plans, collaborated on grant proposals, and lead multi-institutional retrospective studies that have been published in major high impact medical and scientific journals.

In addition to these studies, he has been writing for several years. His commentaries and pieces have been published in several outlets including US News & World Report, Cancer Therapy Advisor, DrugWatch, Today’s Practioner, KevinMD, and Physician’s News. Dr. Mansour has also been featured on FOX television among other media outlets.

Most recently he was the recipient of the “40 under 40 in Cancer” Award. This award is given to recognize the contributions being made across the field of cancer by rising stars and emerging leaders under the age of 40. Recipients are selected by a panel of reviewers from across diverse roles in oncology.

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Cancer Detection: Lymphocyte Genomic Sensitivity Test!

Early Cancer Detection

CANCER, the term that scares every common man is now easier to be treated with all the latest medical technologies and advanced diagnostic procedures. The best treatment comes with the early diagnosis of the cancer type. There are a lot of new tests developing worldwide for detecting cancer which can help the doctors to diagnose cancer earlier. Early diagnosis has better prognosis when patient receives early chemotherapy or surgical treatment. These diagnosis and tests for cancer detection may either be blood tests, urine tests or most advanced immuno lab test. One of such most advanced blood test to detect cancer is Lymphocyte Genomic Sensitivity test (LGS). The current article will be revolving around the various types of cancer detecting blood tests, keeping the focus light on one of most recent cancer detection test called Lymphocyte Genomic Sensitivity Test. The specificity and sensitivity test suggest the Lymphocyte Genomic Sensitivity test is better tool for diagnosis of cancer. 1

A Short Note of Cancer and Cancer Detection

There are several type of cancer and several cancer detection tests. Usually the tests and diagnosis for cancer detection include imaging, blood tests, urine tests, biopsy, sputum test and immune studies. One of the most effective cancer detection tests recently published in scientific journal and discussed among the specialists is Lymphocyte Genomic Sensitivity test.

The following array will discuss about the same.

How Is Cancer Detected?

Which Are The Various Types of Blood Tests For Detecting Cancer?

What is Lymphocyte Genomic Sensitivity Test and Why Is It A Potential “Universal” Blood Test For Cancer Detection?

Lymphocyte Genomic Sensitivity test, developed by the researchers from University of Bradford is a simple and potential “Universal” blood test discovered in the very recent times for detecting cancer. This is a less expensive and less invasive test procedure which have a great efficiency finding out if a patient has cancer or not. The whole concept of this Lymphocyte Genomic Sensitivity or LGS test lies on the use of UV light on the white blood cells and diagnosing for the level of damage caused to the DNA of the white blood cells, when exposed. Studying on the result of exposure of varied intensities of Ultraviolet light on the blood cells explains about the cancer presence or absence in the person undergoing the test.

A Positive Note To End The Topic On Cancer Detection:

It is a belief, “You can fight odds if you can love life more than any odd loves it.” If you have a positive sense for your life, for better health; then be sure you are going for a proper and early diagnosis anytime you find a change in your normal process. Any minor symptom can help you out detect many bigger issues of health and in turn help you prevent from any danger caused by the same to your life. “If cancer is something that gets goose bumps in your skin and worried beats at your heart; then be sure you are opting for an early visit to the doctor and undergo the diagnosis & tests prescribed.”

Hope for the best of a worldwide availability of the most recent, simple and potential “universal” blood test for cancer detection. Lymphocyte Genomic Sensitivity test or LSG test can save many of the cancer struggling lives.

This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer

Can Blood Tests Detect Cancer Anywhere in the Body?

Once in a while, you have had your friend, relative or even prominent personnel have passed on due to cancer, have you ever wondered what this cancer is? Actually, cancer also is known commonly as Malignancy is a condition where there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in any part of the body.

Research done show that there are more than 100 different types of cancer among them include lung cancer, lymphoma, breast cancer, colon cancer among others. An individual with cancer will show different sign since different cancers have different symptoms. Since cancer can affect anyone routine blood testing is required. Most people wonder if blood tests detect cancer anywhere in the body. The answer is yes.

When one is diagnosed to be having a cancer different treatment can be carried depending on the position of the cancer and the type of the that cancer. Some of the treatment used includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. All different types of cancer can be treated successfully if at all the diagnosis is done while cancer is at an early stage.

Types of Cancer

There are Four Main Types of Cancer and They Include

Carcinomas – These begin on the tissue or skin that cover glands or internal organs. They usually form solid tumors. These are the most common cancer according to the research done and they include lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer.

Sarcomas – These ones are found most in the connecting and supporting tissue of the body. They can grow on the tendons, bone, muscles, blood vessels, joints, nerves among other connecting tissues.

Leukemia – This is the cancer of the blood. It occurs when the healthy blood cells start to change and grow in an uncontrollable way. Some of the types of this group include chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia.

Lymphomas – These one start in the lymphatic system. They are two non-Hodgkin lymphomas and Hodgkin lymphoma. A lymphatic stem is a network of glands and vessels which helps our body fight infection.

Can Blood Tests Detect Cancer Anywhere In The Body?

If a doctor suspects an individual to be having cancer the first step is to order different cancer blood tests and other lab tests. For example, urine or even a biopsy may be done on the suspected area which helps in the guiding of the diagnosis.

With the exemption of blood cancer, different blood tests done by a doctor cannot tell whether an individual has cancer or some sort of noncancerous condition. These tests just give the doctor some hint of what is going on inside the patient body.

It should be noted that the fact that the doctor has ordered for cancer blood tests does not mean that the individual has been diagnosed cancer. The main reason for requesting for this test may be your doctor has observed some signs related to cancer.

Blood Tests to Detect Cancer

Whenever doctor takes a sample of patient blood for cancer testing, they exam whether the blood has cancer cells fragment, protein or even DNA fragment. Presence of tumor fragment is a sign the individual has cancer. The most used cancer blood tests by doctors in recent days include the following

CancerSEEK

This blood test is used in detecting small and tiny particles of proteins and DNA released by the cancer cells into the bloodstream. As it is known small tumors start to release minute’s abnormal proteins and mutated DNA into the bloodstream. This test has the ability and can accurately detect mutated particles of DNA in 10000 of normal DNA fragments.

Research reveals that this type of blood test can be used in detecting the presence of breast, stomach, ovarian, lung, liver, bowel among others types of cancer. The advantage of this method is that it is less invasive, therefore, can be performed to any individual who doesn’t even suspects to have any cancer.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

CBC is a full blood count measure. It measures the amount and condition of different types of blood cells in a sample of blood that is white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells help in the supply of oxygen in the body. Low red blood cells are characterized by shortness of breath and feeling of tiredness.

White cells help our body fight infections some example of white blood cells include lymphocytes and neutrophils. Platelet helps in a blood clot in case of an accident. A low level on platelets in our body is characterized by abnormal bleeding. The common blood cancers diagnosed by this test include lymphoma and leukemia.

Apart from detecting the type of cancer individual has this test can help to determine whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body like bone marrow and also to monitor the side effects of cancer treatments.

Tumor Marker Tests

As the tumor cells continue to multiply they produce different chemicals known as Tumor Markers, through tumor marker tests this chemical can be detected in the person blood. It should be noted that this chemical is also produced by normal cells. Therefore, cannot be used conclusively to ascertain the presence of cancer further test may be required. This test is used in rare cases and in most cases is considered for use to confirm the diagnosis of cancer cells in the body.

Conclusion

Although blood tests can detect cancer anywhere in the body, it should not be used conclusively to ascertain the presence of cancer as other noncancerous cells can still bring abnormal results. A blood test should be used by a doctor just to give a clue, as more tests may be required to be done for example a biopsy to affirm the condition. If diagnosed with cancer, Tumor Marker is most preferred to help the doctor in determining how the treatment is responding to the individual.

How to Detect Cancer: 7 Emerging Methods for Early Cancer Detection

By Suresh Nair, PhD
May 27, 2019

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Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in the October 2018 edition of TTAC’s Insiders member newsletter.

Cancer is a word that we hear far too often nowadays. It seems like all of us know someone who has had this dreaded disease, be it a friend, relative, or work colleague.

Incredibly, an estimated 1,735,350 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2018. 1 Over 600,000 people will die from the disease.

The most common cancers are expected to be breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer, followed by melanoma, bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, kidney and renal pelvis cancer, endometrial cancer, leukemia, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, and liver cancer.

What Exactly is Cancer?

Cancer can develop anywhere in the body and can best be understood as the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Instead of dying as they should, old cells grow out of control and form new, abnormal cells, which accumulate to form a mass of cancerous tissue, known as a tumor.

You see, normal cells have a pre-determined life span. They are programmed to die at the end of their natural life cycle because they have numerous checks and balances in place to stop them from growing uncontrollably. For example, every red blood cell in our body can live for only about 120 days.

Further, normal cells stay where they belong – heart cells stay in the heart, kidney cells in the kidney, and so on.

On the other hand, cancer cells enjoy a nearly unlimited life span, leading to their continuous growth and eventually, overgrowth.

Some cancer cells lack the ability to invade other parts of the body and simply grow where they are. The resulting tumor is known as a benign tumor.

A so-called “malignant tumor” acquires its own blood supply and gains access to nutrients, with the result that healthy tissues near and around the tumor become deprived of nutrition.

Malignant tumors not only interfere with the body’s normal functions, some of their cancer cells can also travel via the blood or lymph, far from their original area of growth, to invade other parts of the body. This process is known as metastasis and is usually fatal for the patient. For example, breast cancer cells often metastasize to the lungs.

Why is Early Cancer Detection Important?

It’s obvious – detecting cancer early, when the tumor is very small in size and contains as few abnormal cells as possible, and before it metastasizes, gives patients and caregivers the best possible chance of beating it.

For instance, Stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive, very early version of breast cancer in which abnormal cells are present only in the lining of the breast milk duct and nowhere else. Stage 0 DCIS is highly treatable, as long as it isn’t allowed to spread into the surrounding breast tissue.

Generally speaking, the first occurrence of any cancer is easier to manage than when they recur, especially if the cancer has metastasized or migrated to other parts of the body.

Tumors that are larger than 1-2 mm in size are dangerous, because they acquire their own blood supply, giving them access to the bloodstream and the lymphatic system, via which individual cancer cells from the tumor can migrate to other parts of the body.

So, it’s clear – a cancer patient has the best chance of recovery when their disease is detected as early as possible.

How effective are “old-school” methods of cancer detection? Let’s take a quick look.

Old-School Methods of Cancer Detection

#1. Mammograms

These are the most widely used screening test for breast cancer detection. 2 However, many independent health experts now believe mammography may not be any more effective than the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening test for prostate cancer. In fact, these two tests appear very similar in their lack of sensitivity, their ability to detect false positives, and their less-than-impressive benefits in terms of the actual reduction in numbers of deaths.

A study that involved 90,000 women and lasted a full 25 years randomly assigned Canadian women aged 40-59 years to have regular mammograms and breast exams by trained nurses or only to have breast exams. 3,4 Surprisingly, death rates from breast cancer and from all other causes were the same in women in both groups – suggesting that the existing rationale for mammography screening should be urgently re-examined by policy makers.

Further, an estimated one in five cancers detected with mammography turn out not to be a threat. 3,4 Specifically, the risk of having a false positive test within ten mammograms has been estimated to range from 58–77%. 5,6

So, not only are mammograms not very sensitive, they also routinely pick up cancers that don’t exist or don’t need to be treated. No wonder the Swiss Medical Board – after conducting a thorough global review of mammography screening studies – recommended in 2014 that no new mammography screening programs be introduced in their country, and that a time limit be placed on already existing programs. 7

#2. Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI)

This is a method for detecting breast cancer that uses a radioactive tracer to detect cancer cells, which tend to take up the radioactive substance much more than normal cells do. 8

MBI appears to offer an advantage over mammography in detecting breast cancer in women who are at greater risk for the disease and have dense breasts. However, MBI screening involves exposure to a much greater dose of radiation than mammograms.

#3. Thermography

Also known as thermal imaging, thermography measures variations in skin temperature caused by changes in underlying blood flow. 9 It is completely non-invasive, requires no breast compression, and uses no radiation.

Because cancer cells grow and multiply very fast, both metabolism and blood flow are typically higher in and around a tumor than in normal, healthy tissues – and as blood flow increases, local skin temperature also goes up.

Some experts believe thermography can identify a pre-cancerous state or an early tumor that is not yet large enough to be detected by physical examination, mammography, or other types of structural imaging. 9 However, the FDA disputes the claim that it can detect breast cancer earlier than a mammogram. 10

Currently, the consensus seems to be that the sensitivity of mammography as a detection technique can be significantly improved when combined with thermography. 11

#4. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Before a PET scan, the patient receives an intravenous (IV) infusion of radioactive glucose. Cancer cells take in and use this radioactive glucose much faster than noncancerous cells. The patient’s body then is scanned, and any cancer cells that may be present light up because they contain radioactivity. If a tumor is large enough, the scan can pinpoint where it is located and whether it has spread to other areas.

However, small tumors under 1 cm in size may not show up on the scans; hence a PET scan is not considered an early detection method. In other words, a negative scan does not necessarily mean absence of cancer.

#5. CAT / CT Scan

This scan, also referred to as computerized axial tomography or simply computerized tomography, uses X-ray radiation to generate very thin cross-sectional images of the inside of the body. A CT scan can help physicians visualize small tumors, which cannot be seen with a plain film X-ray.

Unfortunately, CT scans use very high doses of radiation – in some instances, the equivalent of about 200 chest X-rays! Evidence suggests such a large exposure can itself raise our risk of developing cancer. 12

#6. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Usually, a PET scan is combined with a CT scan and MRI, which uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to produce pictures. MRIs provide different information about the possible presence of cancer in the body than a PET scan, X-ray or CT scan.

#7. Ultrasound / Sonogram

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to detect tumors in soft areas of the body that don’t show up well on X-rays. Doctors often use them to guide a needle during a biopsy. While this procedure is quick and doesn’t require special preparation, ultrasound images are not as detailed as those from CT or MRI scans and cannot tell whether a tumor is cancer. Its use is also relatively limited, because sound waves can’t travel through the lungs or bones.

The problem with these old-school methods is that by the time a tumor gets large enough to be detected by a mammogram, PET, or CT scan, it is likely to be pea-sized or roughly 8 mm across and contain billions if not trillions of cancer cells, some of which will have already reached an advanced stage, making them difficult to treat.

Obviously, detecting the same tumor earlier when it has fewer cells and in earlier stages will make the situation a lot easier to manage.

So, it makes sense to check for the presence of cancer regularly – especially if you know you’re in a high-risk group for a specific cancer and an early detection test is available – rather than waiting for symptoms to show, by which time the tumor has usually become quite large.

Promisingly, there have been instances of diagnosed cancer, when detected early enough, being reversed by giving the body the right tools to fight it, such as great nutrition, detoxification, and minimizing exposure to toxins and carcinogens.

Let’s take a closer look at 7 relatively new, promising cancer detection methods that have been shown to spot cancer earlier – sometimes much earlier – than the old-school methods, offering patients the hope of quicker recovery and a better life.

How to Detect Cancer: 7 Emerging (& Promising) Methods

#1. CA Profile©
Contact info: American Metabolic Laboratories
1818 Sheridan Street Hollywood, FL 33020
Phone: 954-929-4814
Website

The CA Profile© test claims to be an early screening test for cancer detection as well as cancer progression. Developed by Emil Schandl, PhD, MD, this test has seven components.

According to Dr. Schandl, this test has been confirmed by biopsy in diagnosed cancer cases between 89 to 97% of the time and can detect pre-cancerous conditions as well as brain tumors. However, it cannot pinpoint the location of the cancer or identify its stage.

The seven components of the CA test provide a multifaceted result. If more than one of the seven tests results comes back positive, it is a strong indication that a real problem exists.

However, a final diagnosis must always be made only after carrying out soft tissue pathology.

#2. EarlyCDT® – Lung Cancer & Liver Cancer Tests
Contact info: Oncimmune (USA) LLC
8960 Commerce Drive, Building #6 De Soto, KS 66018
Phone: 888-583-9030 or 913-583-9000
Website

The EarlyCDT® blood test for lung cancer measures a panel of seven so-called “autoantibodies” – which Oncimmune claims can be detected up to four years before a tumor is visible – against specific tumor-associated proteins known as antigens. 13

If autoantibody levels are higher than a set threshold, the test is considered to be positive. According to Oncimmune, its test is supported by more than 25 peer-reviewed clinical publications, has been validated on over 120,000 patient samples, and can detect lung cancer at all stages – including the very earliest stage – earlier and with higher specificity than CT scans.

This test is specifically recommended for current and ex-smokers older than 40 who have smoked one pack or more of cigarettes per day, as well as for anyone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or a family history of lung cancer in a first degree relative.

However, those with a previous history of cancer, including skin cancer, are not considered to be eligible for this test because lingering antibodies from a previous cancer episode could cause a false positive result.

Test results are classified as either low, moderate, or high.

A low result indicates the lowest chance of getting lung cancer, while a moderate level indicates a greater risk than a low result, but still a lower risk than a high result. Oncimmune reports 98% accuracy for people within the target population who get a high result.

Absence of any detectible antibodies can rule out lung cancer. However, a low result does not mean cancer will not develop in the future. Therefore, regular monitoring is recommended for people in the high-risk groups already mentioned.

Considering that up to 80% of lung cancers are found much too late in the disease process – and only 17% of these patients survive for five years – this is a much-needed screening test for lung cancer. The earlier it is detected, the better for the patient.

Oncimmune also offers a liver cancer test, which has been designed to detect and confirm the presence of liver carcinoma, in combination with imaging in high-risk patients. The EarlyCDT-Liver test measures the levels of a panel of seven autoantibodies against specific tumor-associated antigens. It also measures the levels of alpha fetoprotein (AFP), a protein known to be made by tumors.

Oncimmune claims that their test is very specific and can detect liver cancer with high sensitivity up to 4 years before it is detected by other methods, with similar accuracy as CT, MRI, and ultrasound. 14

Once again, test results are classified as either low, moderate, or high.

According to Oncimmune, this test was developed and validated using samples from over 1,500 patients with liver disease as well as healthy controls.

#3. Oncolab, Inc.: The AMAS Test
Contact info: Oncolab, Inc.,
36 The Fenway Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 800-922-8378 and 617-536-0850 Fax: 617-536-0657
Website

The AMAS test is a relatively early cancer detection test offered by Oncolab, based in Boston, MA. It was developed by Samuel Bogoch, MD, PhD – a neurochemist with a PhD in biochemistry from Harvard University – and his wife Elenore Bogoch, MD, DMD. 15

AMAS stands for “anti-malignin antibody in serum”. Patented and Medicare approved, this test measures the levels of a protein in blood known as the anti-malignin antibody, whose levels rise – regardless of the type of cancer or where it is located – during the early part of cancer growth when cancer cells are growing and multiplying rapidly.

However, this test cannot identify what type of cancer it is or where it is located. Also, it is presently unclear exactly how many cancer cells need to be present in the body before they can be detected with the AMAS test.

Still, the AMAS test is considered to be a useful tool to monitor patients who are at a high risk for cancer as well as for follow-up purposes in patients already diagnosed and/or treated for cancer. Promisingly, test results have been shown to be elevated up to 2 years before clinical detection of cancer.

However, the AMAS test is also considered somewhat controversial because a low AMA level can either indicate a lack of cancer, advanced and terminal cancer, as well as a successfully treated cancer with no further evidence of disease. Hence, a competent physician who understands the test well must be consulted to identify a patient’s exact clinical status and differentiate between these states.

On the positive side, AMA levels have been found to be normal in up to 96% of cancer patients who no longer have disease.
Oncolab claims that for tests shipped back to them overnight, false positives are 5% and false negatives 7%. Anti-malignin antibody is elevated in 93 to 100% of cases in which active, non-terminal malignancy is the clinical diagnosis.

Further, Oncolab claims that the AMAS test is 99% specific and 95% sensitive – and that in studies of more than 8,000 breast cancer patients and controls, it was 95% accurate.

#4. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Test
Contact info: Navarro Medical Clinic Efren Navarro,
MD 3553 Sining Street Morningside Terrace Santa Mesa,
Manila 1016 Philippines
Website

This test was developed in the late 50s by Dr. Manuel D. Navarro, who claimed that hCG is secreted, or released, by all types of cancer – and that this test can detect the presence of cancer cells in the body well before any obvious signs or symptoms develop.

The hCG test is based on the theory that, just as cells in a growing fetus do not “play by the rules” during pregnancy, cancer cells also do not play by the rules – and that both secrete the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Urine is the preferred specimen for this test.

Therefore, the level of hCG found in the urine is said to be directly related to the extent of cancer present in the body – assuming the person is not pregnant, of course.

Indeed, in 32 proven cancer cases, the test gave 31 positive results using urine.

The hCG test claims to detect brain cancer nearly 2.5 years before symptoms appear – and skin cancer 2 years, bone cancer 1 year, and metastasis from breast cancer 2 years before symptoms appear.

This test is affordable, non-invasive, and can easily be done in the privacy of one’s home. However, it cannot identify the organ or site of the cancer, or its stage. Further, substances such as thyroid hormones, steroid compounds, female hormone supplements, and vitamin D can interfere with the test results – so they must not be consumed for 3 days prior to testing.

#5. Biocept, Inc.: Liquid Biopsy and Cancer Biomarkers
Contact info: Biocept, Inc. 5810 Nancy Ridge Dr. San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: 888-332-7729
Website

Biocept offers a simple, non-invasive “liquid biopsy” that can be performed before, during, and after cancer therapy. A simple blood draw replaces the invasive procedure that would normally be used to remove a piece of tumor tissue or a sample of cancer cells from the body for analysis in a laboratory. There is no exposure to radiation.

When any cancer metastasizes or spreads, pieces of DNA and abnormal cancer cells enter the bloodstream. Liquid biopsies are typically used to identify biological markers or “biomarkers” in circulating tumor DNA or on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood that have separated from the main tumor.

A physician can use the results of a liquid biopsy to identify cancer early, customize treatment plans for each patient, evaluate how well treatment is working, and detect any possible relapses. Currently, Biocept claim to be able to detect the exact number of CTCs in blood, along with their specific genetic characteristics in cases of breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, and stomach cancer.

Additionally, the Biocept test also detects a panel of biomarkers, which are typical of specific types of cancer and which can indicate whether a patient is a suitable candidate for targeted therapies.

In summary, the Biocept test is a useful and sensitive tool for detecting multiple types of cancer relatively early and very easily, helping physicians understand an individual patient’s disease and develop a personalized treatment plan.

However, this test only works if solid tumors are already present, so it’s debatable how early it detects cancer. Also, false negatives have been reported with this test, so it’s important to confirm negative results with further testing.

#6. Cologuard® Stool DNA Home Screening Kit
Contact info:
Exact Sciences Corp.
Phone: 844-870-8870
Website

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women in the U.S. Unfortunately, most cases are not found early or before it has spread beyond the colon or rectum.

Unfortunately, once colon cancer metastasizes, it is fatal for approximately 87% of patients in five years. Therefore, early screening for colon cancer is critical.

Cologuard®, approved by the FDA in 2014, requires a prescription, looks for blood in the stool and altered DNA, and can be done in the privacy of your home. This test includes a protein biomarker and no less than 9 distinct DNA biomarkers.

The wall of the colon sheds cells daily. Cologuard detects altered DNA from abnormal cells which may be associated with cancer or pre-cancer. The test result is reported as either “positive” or “negative.” Any positive result should always be followed by a diagnostic colonoscopy.

In a 10,000-patient clinical study, Cologuard found 92% of colon cancers and 42% of advanced adenomas with 87% specificity, although false positives and false negatives were also seen to occur.

#7. Research Genetic Cancer Center (RGCC)
Research Genetic Cancer Center, R.G.C.C., U.S.A., LLC
Branch office for the United States, North America, Canada
3105 Main Street Rowlett, TX 75088
Phone: 214-299-9449
Website

Research Genetic Cancer Center (RGCC) specializes in cancer genetics and offers multiple tests for measuring the levels of circulating tumor cell (CTC) counts. CTCs are cancer cells that have separated from the primary tumor and entered the blood or lymphatic system.

Even though CTCs are relatively rare, they are considered dangerous because they can lead to deadly metastatic cancers, so detecting and isolating them is a high priority.

The RGCC lab claims to have established a new method that offers precise and accurate detection and isolation of CTCs in blood with 86.6% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity among different types of cancer.

These tests can detect and diagnose new cancers years before they would otherwise be identified. They can also help to monitor existing cancers

RGCC can also provide information about the risk of a current or previous cancer recurring, thereby helping the patient and their caregiver develop a personalized treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcome.

Further, the lab also evaluates up to 74 tumor-related genes to predict outcomes of treatments and prognosis.

In summary, the RGCC lab can detect and diagnose new cancers; provide a count of CTCs in blood, indicating tumor burden; pinpoint the tumor’s main location; and last but not least, identify chemotherapy drugs and natural substances that have the most effective kill rate for a person’s individual cancer cells.

If the submitted blood sample is negative for CTCs, no further testing needs to be done since no cancers cells were detected.

Conclusion

Old-school methods detect tumors when they contain billions and trillions of cancer cells. Detecting cancer earlier by going for regular checkups for the presence of cancer, especially if you’re in a high-risk group, is now possible thanks to the many exciting developments in cancer detection.

However, the 7 new and exciting detection methods and the companies that offer them that are described in this article are only part of the story.

If you or someone you know is at risk for or has been diagnosed with a particular type of cancer, it would be a good idea to do your own research and find out whether any organization exists that offers a specialized, early detection method for that form of cancer.

Further, please note that the availability of the tests mentioned in this article may vary depending on your location, your insurance plan, and FDA approval as well as other legal circumstances.