On December 5 the scientific journal PNAS published the results of a study that tested the potential of a new class of biomarkers, which could increase the odds that in the near future several types of cancer will be detectable at an early stage with a simple blood or urine test.In a proof-of-concept test, urine and blood plasma samples from 1,260 volunteers were analyzed for levels of glycosaminoglycans, molecules that can be linked to the presence of 14 types of cancer.Another of the factors highlighted in the paper is that this new method would cost about $50 per test, between five and 10 times less than those that search for tumor DNA in the bloodstream, as liquid biopsies currently do.Before it can be approved for use in the detection of various types of cancer, larger studies involving 100,000 participants would be necessary.”Gatto believes that this type of test would be most effective in people “with a high risk of cancer; people who are over 55 or who have a family history of cancer.” In addition, the researcher says that these analyses could be used in conjunction with those that seek tumor DNA.If these biopsies deliver on their potential, cancer mortality could be reduced by up to 15%, according to a study carried out by a team from US biotechnology company Grail, which is also focused on developing systems for the early detection of cancers."