Researchers from the Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga and the Nanomedicine Platform (IBIMA BIONAND Platform) have developed a new methodology for the early detection of breast cancer through a single blood sample.
This new non-invasive method consists of DNA analysis by massive sequencing, which allows detecting the presence of DNA released by tumor cells in the blood.
“Having a detectable tumor mutation in the blood means that this woman has an 86% chance of having a breast tumor.”
Iñaki Comino-Méndez
The project was led by researcher Iñaki Comino-Méndez and coordinated by Emilio Alba, head of service at the Intercentro Clinical Oncology Management Unit of the Regional University Hospitals of Málaga and Virgen de la Victoria.
Iñaki Comino-Méndez explains that, with this new technology, blood samples were analyzed, before any medical intervention, from 75 patients who presented mammograms with signs of breast cancer.
When abnormal images are detected on mammograms, biopsy is performed
The results show that “the fact of having a detectable tumor mutation in the blood means that this woman has an 86% probability of having a breast tumor”, according to Comino-Méndez.
information from a biopsy
This type of diagnostic methodology has many advantages, such as allowing more information about the cancer to be obtained than through a conventional biopsy of a single part of the breast tumor.
The researcher points out that “it is a very powerful tool for detecting tumors in asymptomatic individuals and fundamental in choosing the most appropriate therapy for each patient”.
This new method, called liquid biopsy, is a lower-risk alternative to current methods.
In addition, he adds, “it will be very important for patients due to its capacity for early detection of the disease and consequent early treatment”.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Mammograms make it possible to carry out early detection programs and, only when abnormal images are detected, is a breast biopsy performed.
This new diagnostic method, called liquid biopsy, is an alternative to current methods, with lower risk and more effective for patients, emphasize those responsible for the project, members of the Cancer Network Biomedical Research Center (CYBERONC), belonging to the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII).