فحص دم يكشف السرطان قبل الأعراض بـ10 سنوات

A research team from Massachusetts General Hospital has developed an innovative blood test capable of early detection of head and neck cancers associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV) up to 10 years before any symptoms appear, which could provide an opportunity for early treatment and improve recovery chances. The test relies on detecting tiny fragments of viral DNA that circulate in the blood even in stages where the patient does not feel any signs. In the trial, the test results were positive in 27 out of 28 samples taken from patients who were later diagnosed, while most samples from healthy individuals were negative, demonstrating the accuracy of the test. The research also utilized artificial intelligence techniques to enhance sensitivity and differentiate between samples. Scientists say that if the same performance is achieved across broader trials and diverse populations, the test could become part of routine screenings for at-risk individuals, such as smokers or those with a family history of HPV-related cancers.