A blood test that reads a tumour's fingerprints could track lung cancer as it changes

Small cell lung cancer is one of the hardest cancers to follow: it moves fast, and doctors often cannot re-biopsy it as it evolves. Researchers have now shown that a simple blood test can do two jobs at once — measure how much tumour is present and read its molecular identity, by profiling tiny packages of DNA-carrying material called nucleosomes floating in plasma. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, suggests clinicians could one day watch treatment work — or spot resistance building — from a blood draw instead of repeated invasive procedures. Larger trials are still needed before it reaches routine care, the team stresses.

SDG 3 · Good health and well-being — Mechanism: tech innovation