New Project Hopes to Detect Cancer With a Drop of Blood

Scientists are working on what would be a profoundly useful new tool in early cancer detection, if successful. Johnson & Johnson announced a partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital to develop a blood test that could pinpoint a single cancer cell amongst billions of healthy ones: a life-changing needle in a massive haystack.

The news should be greeted with enthusiasm, but also caution, says Len Licthenfeld, deputy chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society.