Consumer Blood Test to Detect Cancer Hits Market Amid Skepticism
- Starting at $299, Pathway's `liquid biopsy' is non-invasive
- Doctors caution more evidence needed to prove test's value
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Biotechnology startup Pathway Genomics Corp. is introducing the first “liquid biopsy” tests designed to detect cancer-associated mutations in the blood of healthy people who are at high risk of developing tumors.
While doctors are enthusiastic about the potential of liquid biopsies as a low-cost, non-invasive alternative to traditional tissue biopsies, they say more evidence is needed to validate the tests’ sensitivity before being offered to consumers, especially those without disease.