A world-first blood test for over-50s being trialled by Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) could prevent as many as one in 10 cancer deaths in the future, with researchers optimistic about its ‘enormous’ potential.
Although there are no results yet, based on modelling, the scientists believe the 'Holy Grail' test could prevent about 10% of cancer deaths, of which there are around 167 000 in the UK every year, or nearly 460 a day, reports the Daily Mail.
Hundreds taking part in the trial of 140 000 volunteers are already being referred for a scan or colonoscopy as a result of the test’s findings. It is expected around half of those referred could have cancer.
If the trial proves successful, the test will be rolled out to another 1m people as early as 2024, then possibly nationwide.
If the test were made available across the UK and offered to around 18m adults aged 50-79, roughly 130 000 more people without symptoms would receive cancer screening referrals each year, assuming one in 100 test positive as investigators expect.
Only after the NHS trial results are published will it be clear whether the test can prevent what the modelling suggests.
The test provides hope for hard-to-detect cancers such as ovarian and pancreatic, which are usually picked up far too late.
The NHS trial, led by The Cancer Research UK and King’s College London Cancer Prevention Trials Unit, saw people aged 50-77 sent letters of invitation.
Those with a signal of cancer in their blood were referred for a scan within a two-week target, which is expected to apply if the blood test is offered routinely. Researchers are not yet revealing what proportion of those referred to hospital in the NHS trial turned out to have cancer, but previous studies suggest it could be 30% to 70%.
By comparison, less than 10% of people referred to hospital after breast or bowel cancer screening will actually have cancer. Half of the people in the NHS trial did not have their blood sample tested. Their rate of advanced cancer will be compared with that of those given the test. If it is significantly higher, that suggests the test has prevented people developing an advanced cancer.
The 130 000 referrals in the UK using the cancer blood test is based on people aged 50-79 using it, if 70% of them accepted the invitation.
Early results from the trial will be shared with the NHS in 2024.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
NHS trials blood test to detect cancer before symptoms appear
NHS pilots simple blood test that screens for 50 types of cancer
Blood test may detect 10 types of cancer before tumour develops