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A new type of blood test has been developed by a group of researchers at the University of Kansas in the US, which employs a plastic chip to detect a form of cancer known as multiple myeloma.
The test is also able to aid treatment decisions and is expected to replace the existing standard bone-biopsy or surgical procedures, which can be invasive and painful for patients.
According to the researchers, the test helps to identify the stage of the disease and the most effective drug for its treatment, in addition to facilitating monitoring for any signs of recurrence in case of remission.
Researchers are currently using the new diagnostic method to test for tumour cells in blood samples that have been obtained from paediatric acute leukaemia patients.
The team hope that the test can be used to improve the diagnosis and precision treatment of various other tumours as well.
