Detection and localization of surgically resectable cancers with a multi-analyte blood test
Multi-analyte cancer detection shows why case-control performance and population screening are different questions.
What the paper explores
CancerSEEK combined circulating protein measurements with cell-free DNA mutation analysis. The study evaluated patients with already diagnosed, nonmetastatic cancers and healthy controls, and explored whether positive results could narrow the likely anatomical origin of the cancer.
How to interpret the evidence
Performance in known cases and healthy controls cannot establish screening performance in an unselected population. Clinical benefit, downstream investigation and the consequences of false positives require separate evidence.
Questions for MedTech teams
For a new IVD, align the population and reference method with the proposed clinical use. The paper’s Johns Hopkins academic affiliations do not imply an affiliation with Hopkins MedTech.
Sources & further reading
Read original paperDOI: 10.1126/science.aar3247
Bibliographic record and abstract on PubMedThis is a short editorial reading note on external research. The original research is attributed to its authors and does not represent an HMC study, product validation or regulatory determination.
