Researchers have developed MethylScan, a low-cost blood test that can detect multiple cancers, liver diseases, and organ abnormalities by analyzing DNA fragments in the bloodstream. Instead of searching for rare mutations, it examines DNA methylation, chemical markers that reflect tissue health.
The test filters out background DNA from healthy blood cells, improving accuracy while reducing sequencing needs. This makes the test far more affordable, potentially costing under $20 per sample. In a study of 1,061 participants, it detected 63% of cancers overall and 55% of early-stage cancers, with 98% specificity.
MethylScan also identified nearly 80% of liver cancers and distinguished between different liver diseases. It can trace abnormal signals back to specific organs, guiding follow-up care. Researchers believe it could become a universal, affordable tool for early disease detection.
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