UCLA Develops MethylScan Blood Test

Scientists at University of California, Los Angeles have developed MethylScan, a new cost-effective blood test capable of detecting multiple cancers, various liver conditions, and organ abnormalities simultaneously. The test analyzes cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments in the bloodstream, focusing on DNA methylation patterns to identify disease signals. In early studies, MethylScan detected approximately 63% of cancers across all stages and 55% of early-stage cancers with a 98% specificity. The method also performed well in liver cancer surveillance, detecting nearly 80% of cases among high-risk individuals. This breakthrough, led by Jasmine Zhou and Wenyuan Li, aims to provide a more affordable and comprehensive approach to early disease detection, potentially reducing the need for invasive biopsies and improving patient outcomes. The research was supported by grants from the United States — National Cancer Institute.