Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, with millions of people dying each year from all types of cancer. Reports show that the cases of brain cancer have increased rapidly in the last decade across the world. The growth of abnormal cancerous cells in the brain causes tumors which can lead to brain cancer. It is one of the most deadly types of cancer.
Health experts say that the main reason for the high mortality rate due to cancer is the lack of timely diagnosis of this disease. In most people, cancer is detected only when it has progressed significantly. World Cancer Day is celebrated every year on February 4 to make people aware of the increasing risks of cancer around the world.
The team of scientists searching for ways to diagnose brain cancer early has achieved great success. Surgeons and scientists have developed the world's first blood test for brain cancer, which can help in early detection of cancer. Getting timely treatment can also help in increasing the survival rate of patients.
Blood test to detect brain tumor
Over the years, diagnosing brain tumors has been quite a difficult process. Every year this cancer affects thousands of people around the world. Now to detect this cancer, researchers have designed a special type of blood test that can help in diagnosing the disease more quickly.
The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, reports that the test may be particularly beneficial for patients with "inaccessible" brain tumors, who may benefit from starting treatment as soon as possible.
Many types of brain tumors can be diagnosed
Researchers from the Brain Tumor Research Center of Excellence, run by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, found that the test can easily detect many other types of brain tumors including glioblastoma (GBM). GBM is the most common type of brain cancer, with a higher risk in adults.
How does this test work?
Scientists are studying this test on a large scale and if it is successful, patients may get the benefit of this new test in two years.
This blood test, called Trinetra-Glio, helps identify glial cells. These cells are derived from the brain tumor and keep floating in the blood. These cells in the blood can be identified under a microscope. Its findings may indicate that a tumor is developing in the brain.
What do researchers say?
Dr. Nelofar Syed, who leads the Brain Tumor Research Center of Excellence, says, this is an inexpensive method for early detection of brain tumors which can be important in patient care. We still have some way to go, but it is very helpful for people who cannot have a brain biopsy because of tumor location or other barriers.
Brain tumors kill more people under 40 in the UK than any other cancer, researchers say. If we detect cancer in patients in time, it can be very helpful in saving their lives.
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