Worries over cancer blood test

The test checks the blood for signs of cancer

A single blood test could reveal the early signs of dozens of cancers - but there are concerns over the cost of its introduction in the UK.

The DR-70 test detects the body's immune system as it mounts its first response to a growing tumour.

Clinical trials suggest it may be able to detect many cancers before symptoms start to show, potentially increasing the likelihood of a cure.

Among those it claims to detect are cancers of the colon, rectum, lung, breast, liver, cervix, pancreas and lymphatic system.

The UK already has multi-million pound screening programmes for breast and cervical cancer, and is considering the cost-effectiveness of both bowel and prostate cancer screening.

However, despite the lifesaving potential of the DR-70 test, developed in the US by biotech firm AMDL, any introduction in the UK could prove a logistical nightmare.

With its claim to detect asympomatic cancer, in theory a huge swathe of the population should be getting it, and at approximately £50 a time, the cost to the NHS could be prohibitive.

Wait for results

In addition, a positive test result is not the end of the story.

The diagnosis is non-specific - even though the patient could be told he or she has a high chance of having cancer, the test does not tell the doctor what sort of cancer is present.

The test cannot say which sort of cancer is present

Until that is confirmed, then treatment cannot begin, so the patient may end up undergoing a battery of tests, and having to wait until more obvious signs of a particular sort of cancer appear.

GP Dr Rosemary Leonard said: "I don't think I would like this test becoming widely available on the NHS.

"It would be hugely expensive and I'm not sure it would be cost-effective."

A spokesman for the Imperial Cancer Research Fund said that the test should be treated with caution.

He said: "Any new test that enables doctors to detect cancers earlier, or track the progress of their treatment more closely, is certainly welcome.

"Early warning of a cancer frequently helps improve a patient's prospect of survival as treatment can be applied sooner.

"The DR-70 test may hold potential for the future and if it can really deliver what it promises then it would be a valuable addition to the techniques currently used by doctors.

"Like any other new test though, DR-70 must be evaluated very carefully and proven to be effective before being put into use."