Norwegian researchers say they have solved the mystery of blood cancer

The test was developed by researchers in Stavanger. It shows the level of cancer DNA in the blood, he writes NRK extension.

– We have taken our research one step further and made discoveries that we believe can prolong the lives of patients, says Professor Oddmund Nordgård of Stavanger University Hospital.

Researchers say they have found the genetic material for cancer in the blood. It can show whether or not a treatment is working. If treatment doesn’t reduce the level of DNA, doctors may try another treatment.

– We can detect if the tumor is growing a few months earlier than with X-rays or diagnostic imaging. This means we can change treatment sooner. It saves the patient from unnecessary side effects and prolongs life, says Nordgård.