Researchers have developed a blood test that may be able to predict whether melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer, will return after treatment. The study, published in a leading medical journal, analyzed blood samples from patients who had undergone treatment for stage 3 melanoma. The blood test looks for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which are tiny fragments of cancer DNA floating in the bloodstream.
The study found that approximately 80% of patients with stage 3 melanoma who tested positive for ctDNA in their blood experienced a recurrence of their cancer. This suggests that the blood test is a reliable indicator of whether the cancer is likely to return. The test could help doctors identify patients who need more frequent monitoring and potentially additional treatment to prevent recurrence.
"This blood test could be a game-changer in how we manage melanoma patients after treatment," said Dr. Emily Carter, lead author of the study. "By identifying patients at high risk of recurrence, we can tailor their follow-up care and potentially improve their outcomes." Further research is underway to determine how best to use the blood test in clinical practice and whether it can improve survival rates for melanoma patients.
Blood Test May Predict Melanoma Recurrence, Study Finds
A new blood test shows promise in predicting whether melanoma, a type of skin cancer, will return after treatment. The study found that the test, which detects tumor DNA in the blood, accurately identified patients at high risk of recurrence. Specifically, about 80% of stage 3 melanoma patients with positive blood tests experienced a return of their cancer. This advance could allow doctors to monitor patients more closely and intervene earlier if the cancer returns.