Scientists at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China have developed a new test using artificial intelligence (AI) that can diagnose three types of cancer from just a drop of dried blood. This test can identify colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers and tell if a person has cancer or not.
The goal is to catch cancer early, especially in rural areas where medical resources are limited. This test is affordable and easy to use, which can help improve cancer detection worldwide.
The researchers found that their test could accurately diagnose cancer 82% to 100% of the time using less than 0.05 millimeters of dried blood. Unlike liquid blood, dried serum is cheaper and easier to collect, store, and transport, making it more accessible for early cancer detection everywhere.
An earlier study in 2022 showed that many cancer patients in rural China are diagnosed late and have fewer screening and treatment options. The new AI test, tested on blood donors with and without cancer, showed that it could reduce the number of undiagnosed cases of pancreatic, gastric, and colorectal cancers by 20% to 50%.
The test uses a method called nanoparticle-enhanced laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (NPELDI MS) to improve accuracy and sensitivity. Although the method needs more validation, the results are promising.
Dr. Chaoyuan Kuang from Montefiore Health System says that while this cancer test is not yet ready for use, its potential is significant. With further development, it could help detect other cancers or diseases early and monitor disease progression in diagnosed patients.
China has a high demand for pathology services, but there are not enough trained pathologists. This new AI test could provide a faster, cheaper, and accurate alternative to traditional methods, helping to meet the growing need for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Source: darkdaily
