Blood tests aid cancer therapy

Experts have developed a "genetic fingerprint" technique that allows patients to be given their own unique cancer biomarkers.

These can be used to track the progress of cancers with extraordinary sensitivity by analysing blood samples.

The tests, which may be available to patients within five years, could help doctors spot the first signs of cancer recurrence, assess the effectiveness of treatments, and formulate individualised therapies.

Researchers mapped the DNA of groups of volunteer patients during the project.