Blood analysis could predict the recurrence of skin cancer, shows the study
Nyu Langone Health researchers and their Perlmutter cancer center have revealed that blood tests could predict the return of skin cancer.
Melanoma is a less common form of skin cancer that is more dangerous than other varieties, according to the American cancer society.
This is because it is much more likely to spread to other parts of the body if it is not found and is treated early.
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The new cancer research, published in the Lancet Oncology Journal, examined the circulating tumor DNA levels (ADNM) found in the blood of cancer patients.
Approximately 80% of patients with stadium 3 melanoma who had detectable ADNMT levels experienced a return of cancer later. (Istock)
Approximately 80% of patients with stage 3 melanoma who had detectable ADNMT levels (before starting treatment) experienced a return of cancer later, according to a press release from Nyu Langone.
Melanoma in stage 3, one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, occurs when cancer has spread to lymph nodes.
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Lymph nodes can be removed surgically, but once they have gone, that makes it more difficult to monitor cancer using traditional methods such as radiographs and computerized tomographies, the researchers said.
That challenge has aroused interest in finding new ways to detect cancer activity before.
Melanoma is a less common form of skin cancer that is more dangerous than other varieties due to the speed with which it spreads. (Istock)
“Our findings suggest that circulating tumor DNA tests could help oncologists identify which melanoma patients are most likely to respond well to therapy,” said principal author Mahrukh Syeda in the statement.
The early detection of the return of the disease through ADNMT analysis could save lives, according to Syeda, since this type of cancer is notoriously difficult to treat once it has spread.
“Current tumor DNA tests provide a clear and direct measure of the disease itself.”
The study analyzed the results of almost 600 men and women who participated in a previous clinical trial. The researchers used blood samples to compare the presence of ADNMT and evidence back to cancer.
The team represented other factors such as sex, age and the type of therapy used to combat cancer.
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Almost all patients who had detectable ADNMT levels within a year after treatment experienced a return of melanoma.
“The ADNMT method works by focusing on the most common mutations in the genetic code in melanoma cells,” according to release.
The researchers found that almost all patients who had detectable ADNMT levels within a year of treatment experienced a return of melanoma. (Istock)
Evaluating ADNMT levels was so good or better to predict recurrence than other tests that imply examining the tumor itself, the researchers found.
“Unlike the standard analysis based on tissues of tumor cells, which can only suggest the probability of recurrence, circulating tumor DNA tests provide a clear and direct measurement of the disease itself and can directly tell us that melanoma has returned,” said Senior David Polsky’s author and dermatologist in the press release.
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In some cases, however, cancer still returned even though patients had negative DNAmt tests before starting therapy.
Researchers plan to improve the sensitivity of evidence in the next study in the hope of reducing cases like these.
“It is clear in this document and others that persistent circulating tumor DNA after healing surgery is a bad prognostic sign, which suggests a high risk of early recurrence.” (Istock)
Dr. Joshua Strauss, an assistant hematologist and medical oncologist at Advancezed Care Oncology and Hematology Associates of the Atlantic Medical Group in Morristown, New Jersey, applauded the investigation.
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“This is another in a line of studies that promote the powerful technologies that can now detect the tumor DNA that circulates in the blood in various types of tumors,” Digital’s News told News.
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“It is clear from this document and others that the persistent circulating tumor DNA after healing surgery is a bad prognostic sign, which suggests a high risk of early recurrence,” Strauss continued.
The next step in the evolution of this technology, according to the oncologist, will be to use this information “not only in a prognostic way, but predictively to help guide management options.”
Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a variety of stories issues that include food and drink, travel and health.