Trying out home tests in major cancer study
The blood is dripped onto a paper card, which is left to air-dry before being sent off for analysis. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
Could it be possible to detect cancer early by means of a simple blood test taken at home using a paper card? A study is currently underway in which researchers aim to collect samples from 100,000 participants. The purpose is to test new methods of cancer screening.
In a new study currently underway at Uppsala University, researchers are seeking to develop new methods for detecting cancer before it causes symptoms. In the Prediction and Identification of Cancer (PRIC) study, they are collecting blood samples that participants take themselves at home. This method is intended to be both simple and suitable for large-scale use.
The study is primarily aimed at people aged between 55 and 75, as the risk of cancer increases with age. Participants receive a sampling kit at home, take a blood sample by pricking their finger, and return it by post.
The long-term aim is to identify biomarkers – changes in the body that may indicate that cancer is developing. Among other things, the researchers are studying various markers in the blood, such as proteins and genetic changes.
“The reason we are doing this is to develop new tests for early detection of cancer. The earlier cancer is detected, the greater the chance of curing it. A tumour detected at an early stage can often be surgically removed before it has spread,” says Professor Tobias Sjöblom from the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology.
Invitations have already been sent out to 10,000 people in Uppsala County. The goal is to collect samples from 100,000 individuals.
Inger Gustavsson and Tobias Sjöblom in the laboratory, where they are looking for biomarkers in the blood that may indicate that cancer is developing. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
Seeking to address gaps in current cancer screening
Screening programmes are currently available for certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and cervical cancer. But for others, there are no reliable methods. This is where the PRIC study hopes to make a contribution.
“Prostate cancer is an example of a condition for which we currently lack a sufficiently effective screening test,” Sjöblom says.
Inger Gustavsson, a project manager at the same department, also takes up the challenge of ovarian cancer:
“This is a form of cancer that is very difficult to detect in time, and for which there are currently no good tests.”
A key aspect of the study is that samples will be collected from the same individuals over a three-year period. This will make it possible to track how physiological readings change over time.
“Then we will be able to see whether the readings change as we get closer to a diagnosis,” says Sjöblom.
The home blood sampling is central to the study’s design and one of its unique strengths. The method, in which participants themselves let a drop of their blood fall onto a strip of paper, makes it easier to participate and reduces the need for visits to a healthcare facility, while keeping costs down.
“For this to work in practice, it has to be cheap and easy to use,” says Gustavsson. She also emphasises that a key aspect of the study is that participants can take the tests themselves at home, without having to visit a healthcare facility.
Fatemeh Khudadadi
How the sampling is done
The test kit contains everything needed to take a blood sample at home, including illustrated instructions, a gauze pad, a plaster, an alcohol wipe and a lancet.
Before taking the sample, participants are asked to wash and warm their hands to improve blood circulation. The sample is taken from the side of the middle or ring finger after cleaning the skin with an alcohol wipe.
Once the blood sample has been taken and the blood has been dripped onto the paper card, it is left to air-dry for a few hours. The card is then placed in a protective sleeve and returned in a pre-paid envelope by standard post.
Read more about the study