Leukemia risk can be detected early with blood test: study
JERUSALEM, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Researchers have found that a simple blood test can detect a person's risk of developing leukemia, said a statement issued by Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science on Friday.
In a new study, published in Nature Medicine, a team of Israeli and U.S. researchers suggested that this test may replace the current more invasive method of bone marrow sampling used to diagnose certain blood cancers.
The research focused on myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), an age-related condition in which blood-forming stem cells do not develop properly.
MDS can lead to severe anemia and may progress to acute myeloid leukemia, one of the most common types of blood cancer in adults.
Currently, diagnosing MDS requires the bone marrow sampling procedure that involves local anesthesia and can cause significant discomfort and pain.
The team discovered that rare stem cells, which occasionally leave the bone marrow and enter the bloodstream, carry crucial information about early signs of MDS.
Using advanced single-cell genetic sequencing, they were able to analyze these cells from a standard blood sample and detect warning signs of disease.
The researchers also found that these circulating stem cells can act like a biological "clock," offering insights into a person's chronological age.
In men, these cells change earlier than in women, which may help explain why blood cancers are more common in males.
The researchers believe this blood test may also help identify other age-related blood disorders in the future.
The Weizmann Institute of Science noted that the findings are being tested in a large-scale clinical trial at multiple medical centers worldwide.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Feature: Chinese medical team brings free healthcare to Uganda's remote border district
KIKUUBE, Uganda, June 28 (Xinhua) -- As the sun rose over the Rift Valley escarpment in Uganda's remote western district of Kikuube, 45-year-old Jennifer Nyangoma made her way to a much-anticipated free medical camp. For weeks, villagers in this region bordering the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo had heard of a healthcare outreach organized by a Chinese medical team from Kampala, more than 300 kilometers away. The team, comprising cardiologists, pediatricians, general surgeons, acupuncture specialists and public health experts from the 24th Chinese medical team, was joined by over 20 Ugandan medical professionals. As they set up at Buhuka Health Center III, a community-level facility serving over 10,000 people, Nyangoma was among the first in line. After her diagnosis, doctors recommended acupuncture, a traditional Chinese needle therapy. "The doctors have checked me and said they are going to insert several needles in me. I received the treatment and I hope I will get better. I have moved to several health facilities, but I continue to suffer from joint and back pain," Nyangoma told Xinhua. By midday, hundreds had gathered in the sheltered waiting area. Among them was 30-year-old Evelyn Atuhura and her three children. "By 7 a.m., I was already up preparing the children to come here. My children have not been very well. The Chinese have given us treatment, and I really thank them," she said as she received medication. Linard Kule, acting in-charge of the health center, said the camp not only provides critical care and medical supplies but also fosters knowledge exchange between Chinese and Ugandan health professionals. Li Yun, head of the Chinese medical team, said the camp aims to serve about 1,000 people. "We also learnt a lot from our Ugandan colleagues. I am inspired by the resilience of local healthcare workers providing services in such a remote area with limited resources," said the Chinese doctor. The annual camp is organized by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), which is developing the nearby Kingfisher oil project. Hu Weijie, acting president of CNOOC Uganda Limited, said the initiative reflects the company's long-term commitment to the health and well-being of local residents. "Since the initiative started, thousands have received critical medical care," Hu said, adding that as CNOOC develops Uganda's oil and gas sector, it remains equally focused on the health and safety of the people. "Health is not only a basic human right, it is also the foundation for strong families, productive communities, and sustainable national growth," he said. Public health cooperation is a key part of the 10 partnership actions announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, said Fan Xuecheng, minister counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Uganda. "China pledged to help build more hospitals across Africa, continue sending medical teams, enhance joint disease prevention and control, and expand access to essential medicines and medical training," Fan said. "This represents not only China's commitment to Africa's health sector but our belief in building a shared future where development and dignity go hand in hand." He said that Chinese medical teams have provided consultations to hundreds of thousands of people in Uganda since 1983, supported local hospitals, and trained health workers. "In both urban centers and rural communities, Chinese doctors have worked shoulder to shoulder with Ugandan colleagues to improve lives. The team present here today continues this proud tradition, offering not only equipment and care, but also hope, sincerity, and solidarity," Fan said.
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
112 Palestinian children hospitalised daily in Gaza due to malnutrition
GENEVA: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that approximately 112 Palestinian children are being hospitalised each day in Gaza due to severe malnutrition, a direct result of Israel's ongoing blockade and military assault on the Strip, Palestine News and Info Agency (WAFA) reported. In a press statement, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as having "surpassed catastrophic levels," pointing to the devastating impact of Israel's siege and intense military attacks. Out of 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip, only 17 are partially functioning, and none are operational in northern Gaza or in Rafah in the far south, areas hardest hit by the ongoing conflict, he said. Dr Tedros also reported that at least 500 people have been killed while trying to access food at aid distribution points controlled by the United States (US) and Israel, which operate outside the United Nations system. He said WHO was able to access Gaza this week for the first time since March 2, but only in a "very limited capacity," underscoring the extreme difficulty humanitarian agencies face in reaching those in need. The statement adds to growing international alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where famine, displacement, and collapsing health services are pushing civilians, especially children, to the brink of survival amid the ongoing Israeli onslaught.
The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
Penang4Palestine condemns discovery of oxycodone in flour packets for Gaza
GEORGE TOWN: Penang4Palestine condemns the discovery of oxycodone pills hidden in flour packets distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an aid centre reportedly backed by the United States and Israel. Its chairman, MS Anuar Mahmod, said Penang4Palestine was deeply concerned over the matter, adding that at least four testimonies had reported the shocking discovery. "A local pharmacist from Gaza described it as 'the most heinous form of genocide', while a local doctor claimed it was being used as 'a tool to destroy the consciousness of our society'. "This discovery is alarming because oxycodone is a strong and highly addictive painkiller that can cause hallucinations and respiratory problems," he said in a statement Saturday (June 28). Anuar said the incident clearly reflected an abuse of humanitarian aid and amounted to a death trap through the mixing of illicit substances into basic food items. Therefore, he said Penang4Palestine was demanding an urgent investigation by the United Nations (UN) and international human rights groups into GHF and all parties involved. Earlier, Gaza authorities had called for an international investigation after oxycodone pills were discovered in flour packages distributed by GHF, a US-Israeli-backed organisation. The Gaza government media office, in a statement, said at least four residents had reported discovering the pills in food aid packages, and several witnesses believed the narcotic substance may have been crushed or mixed into the flour. - Bernama
