Cancer research 'breakthrough' at Swansea University
The study reveals blood platelets are absorbing mutated DNA in patients diagnosed with cancer- which could help lead to earlier detection
Researchers at Swansea University say results from a new study could help detect cancer earlier.
The study reveals blood platelets are absorbing mutated DNA in patients diagnosed with cancer.
The researchers now say, a blood test could detect the presence of pre-cancerous changes- leading to early diagnosis.
When cells die, they release genetic material into the bloodstream, triggering unwanted immune responses or other health problems.
Until now, scientists have not fully understood how the body clears these potentially harmful molecules, but the team’s research suggests that platelets actively absorb stray DNA, helping to clean the blood and maintain immune balance.
Analysis of platelet DNA via a blood test has been able to detect the presence of even pre-cancerous changes, which could help to pave the way for early and accurate cancer screening methods that are less invasive.
“Our discovery that platelets act as tiny DNA dust-busters in the blood was unexpected."
Professor Paul Rees from Swansea’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, said:
"The role of platelets, which are primarily involved with blood clotting, in absorbing cell-free DNA from the blood was completely unexpected.
"Also, the protection they give the internalised DNA from degradation in the blood means that this source of platelet DNA is perfect for detecting modifications and mutations that indicate diseases such as cancer in the body at a very early stage.”
Dr Bethan Psaila, Associate Professor of Haematology at the University of Oxford and senior author for the study, said:
“Our discovery that platelets act as tiny DNA dust-busters in the blood was unexpected. One lucky consequence of this is that platelets bear hallmarks of DNA damage that has occurred in all tissues in our body – and analysis of platelets can potentially improve screening tests, including for cancer."