New Blood Test Detects Cancer

A team of U.S. scientists has developed a blood test they say can detect a single cancer cell among billions of healthy ones.
The Boston-based researchers hope to begin studies using the test this year. They will work with international health care giant Johnson & Johnson to bring the test to market.
According to the scientists, the test can detect the single cancer cell, allowing doctors to follow the course of the disease. The non-invasive test could transform the way patients are treated for many types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, colon and lung.
The test would enable doctors to personalize each patient’s care by checking to see if the cancer cell levels drop with treatment. They also would be able to tailor treatment by studying the genetics of the cells.
The test uses a microchip that resembles a lab slide covered with thousands of tiny posts. The posts are covered with a sticky substance that captures cancerous cells when blood is forced through the chip.