Tumor Trace: This Computer Program Can Detect Cancer In Just 2 Days

Short Bytes: Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has come up with a new computer algorithm called Tumor Trace, that can detect several kinds and location of cancer in just 2 days with 85% accuracy.

Cancer- the dreadful disease that has plagued the world today. However, if detected at an early stage, can still be treated. Hence, time plays a crucial factor in the treatment of cancer.
The good news is that researchers at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) have come up with a new computer algorithm called Tumor Trace, that can detect several kinds and location of cancer. And the best part? Well, in just 2 days.

So why did the need of such an algorithm at all arise?

At present, though doctors can diagnose the type and site of cancer, yet it remains undetected in 1 out of 20 cases. This is known as cancer of unknown primary (CUP). That’s really tragic is that people suffering from CUP have to go through a lot of tests and are ultimately given a are given a cocktail of chemotherapy drugs, which often fails to reach and work upon the target area.

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1,658,370 new cancer cases were registered in U.S in the year 2015 and there are approximately 30,000 CUP cancer cases every year. Such shocking statistics, demand for a more efficient method of diagnosing cancer.



So, how does Tumor Trace work?

This is a self-learning computer algorithm,
It compares thousands of samples to diagnose the cancer infected area correctly
The program is then able to assess a biopsy and, thereby, providing  a number of scenarios for where cancer may have developed
It then indicates the probability of those scenarios.
Accuracy was tested on 1,669 public tumors of certain types
This including a set of 24 specimens from nine lung cancer patients and a cohort of 91 breast metastases
Accuracy was found out to be around 85%
Researchers are optimistic about further improvements in this cancer detecting method which promises of detecting the free cancer cell source in a blood sample. Detection of cancer at an early stage not only increases the chances of full recovery, but also ensures less of physical and mental trauma for the patient.