(9 News) – A 24-hour cancer blood test could save patients the pain of not know their diagnoses for weeks and give patients better chances of survival.
British researchers hope the test, which identifies cancer-specific gene mutations, may eventually be available from GPs to provide a diagnosis within days.
Study leader and consultant thoracic surgeon Eric Lim said the test could also help patients to receive earlier treatment.
“The test is not an alternative to a biopsy for all patients, but when a blood test shows a positive result, this could mean a patient is saved from going through an unnecessary and invasive diagnostic procedure,” Dr Lim said. “It might also result in patients having earlier imaging scans and beginning treatment sooner.”