An experimental blood test detects breast cancer in 96.4% of cases. The method was developed by scientists at Sechenov University: the test looks for five proteins associated with inflammation and tumor growth, Lenta.ru reported.

The study involved 135 women, 55 of whom were diagnosed with cancer. Scientists measured the concentrations of osteopontin, soluble VEGFR2 and neuropilin-1, suPAR, and tenascin-C. Based on these indicators, a risk assessment system was built. It identified 96.4% of cases, but sometimes erroneously indicated an increased risk in healthy individuals. Osteopontin turned out to be the main marker — it is also considered a target for antitumor drugs.

The method has been tested on a small sample and does not replace mammography. The authors see its role differently: the analysis will help identify women who need additional examination. Early detection of breast cancer increases the chances of treatment, but such a test will become a mass screening only after trials on thousands of patients.