When Lung Cancer Is Diagnosed, Fast Blood Tests Help Save Lives

Researchers suggest in a new study that administering blood tests to lung cancer patients at the time of diagnosis may be able to hasten treatment decisions. Conducted by scientists with Gundersen Health System in Wisconsin, the study's authors stress the effectiveness of cancer treatment is dependent on timely information, and blood tests are an important reference. Lead author Dr. Jennifer Mattingly said in a press release, "Waiting for test results on biopsy material to determine the correct course of action can delay treatment for several weeks, sometimes months." According to UPI, researchers examined 17 patients who had been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. Investigators used GeneStrat genomic test to target specific cancer mutations, and a VeriStrat proteomic test to provide prognostic information. The results were available within 72 hours, and were used to make treatment decisions and improve prognostic conversations with patients. Mattingly added, "The rapid and accurate results of these tests significantly decreases the wait time between diagnosis and treatment." The research was published in the American College of Chest Physicians journal CHEST.