German researcher on the verge of a breakthrough?: New blood test could revolutionize the fight against cancer

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Approximately ten million people die from cancer worldwide every year. This number could be reduced in the future. That is what Berlin scientist Alexander Meissner (47), director of the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, is working on.

The scientist has developed a blood test for the early detection of cancer. Early diagnosis can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment. The procedure should make it possible to detect almost all types of cancer. A study in the US must now show whether the test actually works as intended.

Tumor tissue behaves like the placenta

As is often the case in science, Meissner came up with the idea through an accidental discovery: While analyzing the placenta, his team noticed a surprising similarity between the placenta’s signature and the gene activity pattern of human cancer cells. “Tumor tissue behaves much the same as placental tissue,” Meissner tells the “Tagesspiegel”. “The placental cells of an embryo have to migrate to a foreign tissue, the uterus, they have to keep the mother’s immune system in check, they have to ensure the supply of oxygen and nutrients – tumor cells have to be able to do everything. this.”

The genes that make this possible are usually switched off after birth. But apparently the program is reactivated during the early development of cancer. According to Meissner, the cancer-typical placental signature can be found in the earliest stages of almost any human tumor. This means that scientists know what to look for to detect the cancer early.

Apply for approval as early as 2025?

The US study is currently analyzing blood samples from recently diagnosed cancer patients and healthy people to see if tests confirm the diagnosis and do not cause false alarms in healthy people. 10,000 people are to be examined in this way. So far, the scientists have looked at 1,000 test subjects. Meissner expects that a test version for approval applications in the US will be ready in 2025.

Messner has already found investors. Boston venture capital firm Flagship, founder of coronavirus vaccine maker Moderna, announced $140 million in additional investments Thursday after an initial $50 million grant. Messner will remain involved as “scientific founder” of the company he co-founded for the project, Harbinger Health. (no)

Source: Blick