UCLA researchers develop MethylScan blood test for early cancer detection

MethylScan liquid biopsy DNA methylation cancer screening early detection

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed a new blood test called MethylScan that can detect multiple types of cancer, liver diseases, and organ damage. Unlike traditional liquid biopsies that search for specific genetic mutations, MethylScan analyzes DNA methylation patterns—chemical tags that regulate gene activity. This approach allows the test to reflect the health status of specific tissues and potentially identify which organ is affected.

The test utilizes cell-free DNA (cfDNA) released into the bloodstream during cell death. To improve sensitivity and reduce costs, the team uses enzymes and a genomic panel to isolate methylated DNA from solid organs, which can lower the cost to approximately $20 per sample. Dr. Jasmine Zhou, a lead researcher, noted that early detection at Stage 1 significantly improves survival rates compared to Stage 4.

In related developments, a study in the United Kingdom involving the National Health Service (NHS) found that liquid biopsy technology identified four times more cancer cases than conventional screening methods. Additionally, researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a different blood test for lung cancer that uses light to identify a tumor’s chemical fingerprint without requiring expensive genetic sequencing, achieving over 93% sensitivity in patients with Stage 2-4 disease.

Entities

Jasmine Zhou · MethylScan · National Health Service · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · Tel Aviv University · University of California, Los Angeles

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] a new blood test for lung cancer achieved 93.1% sensitivity and 90.3% specificity in Stage 2-4 patients www.jwire.com.au
[● 6 SOURCES] developed a blood test called MethylScan to detect multiple cancers and organ diseases br.paipee.com · time.news · epocanegocios.globo.com · nin.rs · www.metropoles.com · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] liquid biopsy technology identified four times more cancer cases than conventional screening in a UK study www.osul.com.br
[● 6 SOURCES] MethylScan focuses on DNA methylation rather than just genetic mutations br.paipee.com · time.news · epocanegocios.globo.com · nin.rs · www.metropoles.com · +1 more
[● 3 SOURCES] the test can cost approximately 20 dollars per sample br.paipee.com · epocanegocios.globo.com · www.metropoles.com
[● 2 SOURCES] MethylScan can identify the specific organ from which disease signals originate time.news · nin.rs