Freenome, in partnership with Siemens Healthineers, has developed a new blood test for the early detection of breast cancer. This test is specifically designed for individuals at an average risk of developing breast cancer, aiming to reduce false positives and prevent overdiagnosis and overtreatment commonly associated with existing screening methods.
Early data from a 2023 study, published in Cancer Discovery, indicates the blood test has an 82% sensitivity rate, correctly detecting 82% of cancers. The test also demonstrated an 89% specificity rate, accurately identifying 89% of individuals who do not have cancer.
The developed blood test is currently undergoing further trials and is not yet available to the public. Dr. Aadel Chaudhuri, a radiation oncologist at Washington University, offered commentary on the broader advancements in cancer detection, noting the potential for improved, less invasive screening options.
