Noninvasive detection of early stage cancers has long been a goal for researchers because earlier detection means earlier treatment. For some cancers such as ovarian and lung cancer, that can increase the five-year survival rate, the benchmark used to determine whether someone is cancer free.

Here’s what researchers did: they developed a blood test that examined the genetic mutations in pieces of DNA floating in the bloodstream. Specifically they looked at 58 different cancer-driver genes to see if there were mutations in the DNA fragments. If they found mutated DNA pieces floating in the blood stream, they knew there were tumors somewhere.

They first examined blood from 44 healthy individuals and found no changes in those genes related to cancer. Then they examined the blood of 200 people who were diagnosed with stage I or II cancers. They were able to correctly identify cancer-driver gene mutations for several types of cancer: 71% of colorectal cancer, 59% of both breast and lung cancer, and 68% of ovarian cancer. There’s more refinement needed to get the detection to 100% while maintaining no false-positives, but this is a major first step in noninvasive early detection of cancers. Developing a blood test for cancer could save lives by getting treatment even before symptoms occur.

If you want more information on this study and the implications this study has on treatment and ethical concerns, become a Member or Insider at DrChet.com to get access to the Straight Talk on Health audios. Gene Test to Diagnose Cancer has just been posted, as well as a new one on The Cholesterol Myth.

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Dr. Chet

Reference: Science Translational Medicine. DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aan2415.