Australian researchers said Wednesday that they have created a test that can detect cancer quickly and easily, with the goal of revolutionizing early detection.
The researchers, from the University of Queensland, discovered a unique signature in cancer DNA that, when put in a specific solution, separates from other bodily fluids and is easily observed.
“This unique nano-scaled DNA signature appeared in every type of breast cancer we examined,” Dr. Abu Sina, one of the lead researchers of the study, said in a statement.
The scientists confirmed similar results with prostate cancer, colorectal and lymphoma.
When separating from the blood in the given solution, the cancer cells form three-dimensional patterns that are easily observed, the researchers said.
The process takes only minutes, and experiments were 90 percent accurate in over 200 human cancer samples.
Their research was published in the journal Nature Communications on Tuesday.
• Laura Kelly can be reached at lkelly@washingtontimes.com.
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