Tissue biopsies to test for cancer can be invasive and potentially life-threatening. But researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new blood test that can detect most major cancers. 

According to a release from the university, when cancerous and non-cancerous tumors appear in the body, cells from the tumors break off and circulate in the bloodstream.

Cancers disrupt the makeup of DNA, so this test is able to easily detect and quantify the presence of cancer cells.

DesertDx, a startup company, brings this blood test to doctors and their patients.

The team of researchers began working with the university’s Tech Launch Arizona office in 2016 to protect the intellectual property and commercialize the discovery.