New assay detects marker of metastatic cancers, infection, trauma and neurological disease

(Walter Reed Army Institute of Research) WRAIR scientists demonstrated the potential of a novel blood test for cathepsin B as an indicator for a range of disease states in blood. While high levels of cathepsin B are readily detectable in aspirates, biopsies and cerebrospinal fluid, a blood test is particularly desirable due to its ease of use with little risk to the patient. Researchers plan to continue developing and testing the assay, aiming to develop it into a portable diagnostic tool.