541-323-3833Scientists in Britain announced today that a simple outpatient breath test identified stomach cancer with greater than 90% accuracy. The researchers completed a phase I trial of 130 patients with stomach complaints. Larger trials will need to confirm the accuracy of the test before it will become available to the public.
An accurate test for early detection could save many lives. Currently, most stomach cancers are found at a more advanced stage. Earlier detection would expand treatment options and make treatment more effective.
The test uses nanotechnology to detect proteins released by tumor cells. A 15 year old from Maryland has patented a similar nanotechnology test to detect pancreatic cancer. We live in hopeful times.