A trial in Scotland has shown that using a blood test to detect lung cancer earlier can significantly reduce late-stage presentation of the disease.
The Early Detection of Cancer of the Lung Scotland is the world’s largest clinical biomarker trial looking into detecting early lung cancer using a blood test.
Scotland has one of the highest rates of lung cancer in the world – 2,592 men and 2,739 women were diagnosed with the disease there in 2017 – and 12,000 volunteers agreed to take part in the study.
“This study moves us closer to making an earlier diagnosis of lung cancer which could have a significant impact in saving lives,” said Professor Frank Sullivan, co-chief investigator.
“Lung cancer has been notoriously difficult to spot early and to treat. The question we need to answer next is whether a combination of blood testing and imaging can offer a real step-change in lung cancer diagnosis.”
See here for an interview with Professor Frank Sullivan.
Image credit | iStock
