Australian scientists develop blood test to predict cancer recurrence risk

Sydney (ANTARA) - Scientists in Australia have developed a simple blood test that detects circulating tumour cells to identify head and neck cancer patients at higher risk of recurrence after surgery.

The researchers analysed blood samples taken after surgery and linked the presence of circulating tumour cells, which are cancer cells that have detached from the tumour and entered the bloodstream, with an increased likelihood of recurrence, according to a statement from the Centenary Institute Australia, Wednesday (25/2).

Around 5,500 Australians are diagnosed with head and neck cancer each year, which affects the lining of the mouth, throat, and larynx. While many patients respond well to treatment, a significant number experience recurrence, often with limited early warning, according to a study published in the European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO).

Current follow-up care relies heavily on scans and clinical examinations, which are not always able to detect the risk of recurrence early, said one of the study’s senior authors, Jonathan Clark, director of Head and Neck Cancer Research at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Australia, in collaboration with the Centenary Institute.

“Our findings suggest that detecting circulating tumour cells can provide additional information to help identify patients who may require closer monitoring after surgery,” said the study’s lead author, Dannel Yeo, head of laboratory at the Center for Cancer Innovations under the Centenary Institute.

The researchers say that the findings add to the growing evidence that blood-based biomarkers can play an important role in more personalised cancer care.