California scientists develop cancer detecting program

A machine that can detect cancer from a blood sample could be ready in a year. Scientists in California have developed a computer program that can detect tumour DNA as well as specify where in the body it is coming from. The program, dubbed CancerLocator, works by looking for specific molecular patterns in cancer DNA. Blood samples from 29 liver cancer patients, 12 lung cancer patients and five breast cancer patients were tested. Out of the 29 liver cancer patients, 25 had early stage cancers - which the program was able to detect in 80 per cent of cases.