New blood test that can detect breast cancer is developed by Olivia Newton-John’s institute in key breakthrough
- New blood test based breast cancer technology is set to be trialled in Australia
- The trial will run for three years testing previous sufferers for returning cancer
- Women will take the less invasive and more convenient test every three months
A new blood test for breast cancer created by the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute could be set to replace current screening methods.
The test developed in Melbourne will be used to screen 18,000 Australian women diagnosed with cancer each year to see if their disease has returned.
It was developed by Associate Professor Alexander Dobrovic and works by checking for DNA specifically related to tumours in the patient’s blood.
Premier Denis Napthine, Olivia Newton-John and John Brumby ONJCRI Chairman during the Official opening of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Institute in 2014
A new breast cancer test created by the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute could be set to replace current screening methods with a blood test
The test will go to clinical trial within the next three years, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Patients will likely take the blood test every three months with the amount of cancer specific DNA found directly correlating to the seriousness of the disease.
If trialled successfully, the technology could potentially replace mammograms and be used for early detection.
‘There is the potential to modify this to be used in early detection,’ Professor Dobrovic said.
Professor Dobrovic is said to also assisting in developing the blood test process for discovering melanoma.
He said the technology could be useful for other types of cancer.
Associate Professor Alexander Dobrovic developed the test that will check for DNA specifically related to tumours in the patient’s blood
Patients have welcomed the idea of the simple test such as cancer sufferer Kath Sroka who had a tumour growing for 12 months before it was discovered.
‘I think it would be a game changer. If you were able to test for DNA you’d be able to test faster and do it more frequently and not wait for a year,’ she said.
She said the test that could be taken at any local health centre would be much more convenient and give her peace of mind.
If trialled successful the technology is said to potentially replace mammograms and be used for early detection
The project was given a $385,000 grant from the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
The recent funding is apart of the foundation’s $9.2m commitment towards zero deaths from breast cancer.
The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute was set up by the Greece actor who recently announced she was suffering her third bout of cancer.