By Dailymail.com Reporter
Published: 16:32 BST, 15 May 2019 | Updated: 16:32 BST, 15 May 2019
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A new blood test could determine which cancer patients have a higher risk of their disease spreading, according to new research.
The test, developed by British researchers, analyzes fragments of DNA that are shed by tumors into the bloodstream.
In a study on 47 patients with rectal cancer, they found the test accurately predicted whose cancer would spread over the next two year, spotted 74 percent of them before they had even started treatment.
Experts say the report, presented at a conference today, is encouraging, but time will tell how pivotal it is in the context of countless other studies and start-ups trying to find a liquid biopsy to detect cancer and aggressive cancer early.
The test, developed by researchers at the Royal Marsden in London, analyzes fragments of DNA that are shed by tumors into the blood. It accurately predicted spread in 47 patients
'We know patients respond quite differently to standard treatment - some will do really well, and have what we call a complete pathological response,' lead author Dr Shelize
