A blood test capable of detecting multiple types of cancer was among the most notable studies presented at the ASCO Breakthrough 2026 conference. According to Dr. Nguyen Luu Hong Dang, the research is the largest real-world study in Asia evaluating a multi-cancer early detection blood test.

The conference, held in Singapore from June 25 to 27, showcased the latest advances in cancer research and treatment. The event was jointly organized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and 16 oncology societies from across the Asia-Pacific region.

One of the featured studies was a real-world evaluation of the SPOT-MAS multi-cancer early detection test, conducted across six Asian countries. The test analyzes tumor-derived cell-free DNA circulating in the bloodstream to detect 10 different types of cancer simultaneously.

Cancer causes nearly 10 million deaths worldwide each year, with around 70% occurring in low- and middle-income countries. However, cancer screening programs in many of these countries remain limited or focus only on a small number of common cancers.

Researchers analyzed data from 84,145 people who underwent the blood test as part of routine clinical practice. Most participants were Vietnamese women who did not smoke, rarely consumed alcohol, had no hepatitis B or C infection, and had no family history of cancer. The median age was 46.

Participants who tested positive for cancer signals were referred to physicians for further evaluation and additional diagnostic procedures, including medical imaging and/or tissue biopsy, in accordance with routine clinical practice. Only those who completed the diagnostic process and had at least 12 months of follow-up were included in the final analysis.

Among the 22,597 participants followed for at least one year, the test achieved a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 99.9%.

Notably, among 64 confirmed cases of precancerous lesions or cancer, the test correctly identified the suspected organ of origin in nearly 80% of cases. The study also detected 20 cases involving cancers that currently have no standard screening programs, including liver, stomach and nasopharyngeal cancers.

According to Dr. Nguyen Luu Hong Dang of the Institute of Medical Genetics in Ho Chi Minh City, this is the largest real-world study in Asia on a multi-cancer early detection blood test. However, he emphasized that longer follow-up is needed to determine whether the test can ultimately reduce cancer-related mortality.

Beyond cancer therapies, this year's conference also highlighted the importance of supportive care throughout the cancer treatment journey. Presentations focused on new strategies to optimize treatment, the relationship between metabolic health, chronic inflammation and cancer risk, as well as interventions aimed at introducing supportive care earlier and improving patients' quality of life at the start of treatment.

A randomized clinical trial conducted in India involving 110 breast cancer patients found that integrating palliative care within the first week after diagnosis significantly improved quality of life.

Vo Thu