Abnormal prenatal blood test results could indicate hidden maternal cancers, according to a new NIH study. Researchers found that 48.6% of pregnant women with abnormal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) test results had previously undetected cancers, including colorectal, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers.
The test, which analyzes placental DNA fragments in the mother’s bloodstream, was originally designed to screen for chromosomal disorders in the fetus. However, it also detects abnormal DNA that may result from an undetected cancer in the asymptomatic pregnant person.
A study of 107 participants found that whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was the most effective method for detecting cancer, while standard diagnostic techniques were of limited use. The researchers noted the need for additional studies to validate their findings and develop a reliable screening test for maternal cancers.
The study’s senior author, Dr. Diana W. Bianchi, is available for comment.
Source: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/abnormal-prenatal-blood-test-results-could-indicate-hidden-maternal-cancers