A cutting-edge study coming out of the United Kingdom shows a new blood test can detect brain cancer using artificial intelligence (AI). The study included 104 patients and the test was able to successfully detect brain cancer 87% of the time.
Will This New Test Help Save People With Brain Tumors?
In my opinion, yes, I believe that it will. Brain cancer is often difficult to diagnose. Because of this, the current 5-year survival rate for someone with brain cancer is less than 33%. The current methods of detection for a suspected tumor include a physical exam, neurological exam, imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI. This blood test could revolutionize brain tumor diagnostics because it is significantly simpler, faster, and noninvasive. This has the potential to lead to earlier diagnoses, and therefore, earlier treatment. Most people know the earlier cancer is caught, the better your chances for a positive outcome – so, hopefully, this will lead to improved survival rates.
Why Is It So Difficult To Diagnose Brain Cancer?
The simple reason for this is that the symptoms of brain tumors are general and could relate to a whole host of other issues. These include headaches, memory loss, loss of balance, or seizures. Symptoms can also vary depending on the type and location of the tumor. Some tumors are asymptomatic until they are very lare, while others develop very gradually. There is no one-size-fits-all cancer diagnosis. That is why a blood test of this kind is so vital. It can provide an important starting point for diagnosing brain cancer.
