As of: April 4, 2024, 6:59 p.m
By: Teresa Toth
Comments
Press
Split
Some types of cancer can only be detected late - a cure is often no longer possible. Researchers have now developed a new cancer test.
Cambridge – Cancer is the second most common cause of death in Germany. There is still a lack of treatment options. However, there may be a vaccine against cancer in the future. Until then, early detection of cancer is crucial for a successful cure. However, the disease is often only discovered when it is already too late. A newly developed cancer test could now change that.
Esophageal cancer is often only detected at a late stage. © Andrey Popov/dpa
New cancer test for earlier detection of esophageal cancer
A pilot project at the University of Cambridge examined over 8,500 patients using the so-called “capsule sponge test,” as reported on the university website. This test aims to detect the risk of esophageal cancer. Although this type of cancer is relatively rare in Germany, as the German Cancer Society explains, it is often only detected at an advanced stage, which significantly reduces the chances of recovery.
esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer can occur anywhere in the esophagus. Common symptoms include gagging when eating, esophageal spasms, and heartburn and hoarseness. In Germany, around 6,100 men and 1,800 women suffer from it every year.
Source: German Cancer Society
As part of the test, patients were asked to swallow a small capsule containing a tiny sponge. This sponge collected cells from the esophagus. Using a thread attached to the capsule, it could be pulled out again. Using the cell samples collected, researchers were able to determine whether the patients had Barrett's esophagus, a disease of the esophagus that can lead to cancer. The test was developed by Rebecca Fitzgerald, director of the Early Cancer Institute at the University of Cambridge.
Cancer test is intended to relieve endoscopy capacity
Barrett's esophagus could previously only be diagnosed through an endoscopy. The evaluation of the test showed that one or two of the patients tested had corresponding cells. These patients were referred to endoscopy for further diagnostics, while all other test participants were discharged. Various early detection methods already exist for other types of cancer.
Fitzgerald describes the positive results of the test as “very exciting.” They could help to relieve endoscopy capacity. With the new cancer test, an increased risk of esophageal cancer can be determined in advance. This would allow unaffected patients to be discharged and affected patients to be referred to endoscopy more quickly.
My news
Videos show losses: Russia's tank fleet is lost in the rain of cluster bombs
2 hours ago
Many pensioners are entitled to more pension points - but these are only available upon application
Debate about citizens' money for Ukraine refugees: “The federal government is making our lives difficult” read
Tumor discovered too late: 19-year-old falls into a coma after chemo
Russia's economy worried: dependence on China will be Putin's downfall
“He was reckless”: driver dispute escalated – passenger grabs information about the background to the Flixbus accident
If esophageal cancer is detected early with the cancer test, surgery may be sufficient
The project was commissioned by the English National Health Service (NHS). Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, highlighted: “The NHS is always looking to introduce the latest innovations and new ways of working that help improve patient experiences and increase efficiency – this simple sponge-on-a-string test is just one Example of many groundbreaking instruments that we have tested in recent years to be able to diagnose and treat people more quickly.” A new cancer drug could also be promising in curing cancer.
The German Cancer Society points out that the chances of recovery increase significantly if esophageal cancer is detected early. If the cancer is still limited to the mucous membrane, it can usually be operated on without any problems. Dr. Danielle Morris, a specialist in gastroenterology, is also enthusiastic about the new cancer test: “The use of the capsular sponge test as a diagnostic tool has brought enormous benefits to patients: (...) the waiting lists for endoscopy have been shortened, so we are the one Those who really need an endoscopy can have it delivered quickly.”
(tt)
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked.
Learn more about our AI principles here
.