Blood tests and imaging combined may improve lung cancer detection

Researchers are exploring a less invasive method to detect lung cancer by combining blood analysis with computed tomography (CT) scans. This approach aims to identify the disease more accurately and at an earlier stage, particularly for patients for whom conventional biopsies are difficult or impossible.

A study published in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics suggests that a liquid biopsy, which measures circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood, could detect residual disease months before it becomes visible on traditional imaging tests. This is especially relevant for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where patients in early stages may still face recurrence.

By integrating blood data with imaging information into a computer model, clinicians hope to better predict the risk of relapse. Detecting minimal residual disease could help doctors decide whether additional treatments are necessary, while negative results might help patients avoid unnecessary medical interventions.