Researchers at Uppsala University say a simple blood test could soon help detect several cancers earlier, potentially improving survival rates.
Early detection remains one of the most important factors in treating cancer effectively. However, many cancers still lack reliable early screening tools. As a result, doctors often diagnose patients only after the disease has progressed.
Scientists have long sought easier ways to identify cancer sooner. Blood testing offers a promising path because clinicians can collect samples quickly and analyze them at scale. In this new study, researchers focused on identifying specific biomarkers in blood. The team examined combinations of proteins and other substances linked to cancer. They found distinct patterns that could signal colorectal, lung and ovarian cancers. Additionally, some biomarker combinations performed as well as or better than existing tests.
Lead researcher Tobias Sjöblom said the team identified several reliable indicators. He explained that combining specific proteins improved detection accuracy. Furthermore, these combinations could form the basis for consistent diagnostic tools. The study relied on nearly 2,500 blood samples from established biobanks. Researchers used samples from cancer patients and compared them with healthy controls. Meanwhile, they screened a wide range of proteins to identify meaningful differences.
They discovered two proteins that worked together to detect ovarian cancer. In addition, they identified four proteins that could indicate colorectal and lung cancers. These findings matched or exceeded the performance of current blood or stool tests. Researchers also explored how biomarkers relate to tumour stages. They measured both protein levels and metabolites in the blood. Metabolites are small molecules produced during normal body processes.
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Research team plans to expand study
The results showed that metabolite-based markers could better distinguish cancer stages. This trend appeared strongest in ovarian and lung cancers. Consequently, doctors might use these markers to track how far a disease has progressed.
Sjöblom noted that stage-specific biomarkers could improve diagnosis in complex cases. For example, some abdominal cancers present similar symptoms. Additionally, metastatic ovarian cancer can resemble bowel cancer in imaging and symptoms. A reliable blood test could help doctors tell these conditions apart. It might also reduce the need for invasive procedures like biopsies. Furthermore, faster diagnosis could allow treatment to begin sooner.
The research team plans to expand the study significantly. They aim to collect samples from 100,000 participants in future trials. Participants will take their own blood samples at home. Researchers will then analyze whether these biomarkers detect cancer at earlier stages. Meanwhile, they will assess how well the tests perform in real-world conditions. This step remains critical before any clinical rollout.
The findings appear in the journal Molecular Cancer. Scientists hope the approach will eventually support routine screening. Additionally, large-scale validation could confirm whether these biomarkers reduce cancer deaths.
The study adds to growing interest in liquid biopsy technologies. These methods aim to detect disease using blood samples rather than tissue. Consequently, they could reshape how doctors screen for and monitor cancer. For now, researchers continue refining the biomarkers and testing their accuracy.
While these findings mark a step forward, they also reflect a broader shift in how scientists approach cancer detection. Increasingly, researchers are moving away from single-test diagnostics toward integrated methods that combine biomarkers, imaging and patient data.
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Several companies advance alternative approaches to cancer detection
Additionally, advances in genomics and artificial intelligence are accelerating efforts to identify cancer earlier and more accurately. Meanwhile, healthcare systems continue to weigh how to scale these innovations for routine use without increasing costs or complexity.
Beyond blood-based biomarkers, several companies are advancing alternative approaches to cancer detection that aim to improve accuracy and patient compliance. In the United Kingdom, Owlstone Medical has developed breath-based technology that analyzes volatile organic compounds. These compounds can reflect metabolic changes linked to cancer. Additionally, the non-invasive nature of breath testing may encourage more people to participate in screening programs.
Similarly, Breath Diagnostics is developing its OneBreath platform for lung cancer detection. The system uses exhaled breath analysis to identify disease signatures. Meanwhile, lung cancer screening has historically struggled with low compliance due to imaging requirements. A simple breath test could lower that barrier and improve early detection rates.
Blood-based screening is also expanding rapidly. Grail Inc (NASDAQ: GRAL) offers the Galleri test, which can detect signals from multiple cancer types in a single blood draw. Furthermore, the test aims to identify cancers that currently lack standard screening options. This multi-cancer approach could streamline diagnostics and reduce the need for multiple separate tests.
Pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK) is also investing in early detection technologies alongside its oncology pipeline. The company has supported diagnostic development efforts that integrate biomarkers with targeted therapies. Consequently, earlier detection could align patients with more effective treatments sooner.
Together, these innovations focus on reducing invasiveness while improving diagnostic reach. Additionally, easier testing methods may increase participation, which remains a key challenge in current screening programs.
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