UK Trials Blood Test Detecting Early-Stage Tumors Across 10 Cancers

Researchers have developed a new blood test called Enlighten that detects early-stage solid tumors by analyzing the body's immune response proteins rather than tumor-produced biomarkers, offering potential for earlier cancer diagnosis and improved treatment options. This test focuses on changes in blood proteins caused by cancer's disruption of the immune system, which are more pronounced in the earliest stages of cancer. The Enlighten test is currently undergoing trials in the UK, led by the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, involving 1,000 patients across multiple solid tumor types, including breast, lung, prostate, ovarian, and melanoma. Participants like Ian Robinson, diagnosed with colorectal cancer, highlight the test's promise in detecting cancer before symptoms appear, potentially improving survival rates. Unlike existing methods that detect circulating tumor DNA, Enlighten measures protein levels linked to immune response, which may be more effective in identifying cancers at very early stages. Experts stress that early diagnosis is critical since treatment options diminish as cancer progresses, making this blood test a significant advancement in cancer detection and patient care.