The findings, published in March in Nature Medicine under the title “Liquid biopsy for the diagnosis of EBV-positive Burkitt’s lymphoma in endemic areas”, report work done in Tanzania and Uganda between August 2019 and July 2023. The study involved children and young adults aged three to 25 years who were suspected of having lymphoma and included researchers from the University of Oxford and MUHAS in Dar es Salaam.
The liquid biopsy is a minimally invasive blood test that detects tumour DNA linked to Burkitt lymphoma. Compared with conventional tissue biopsy services, the test reduced median diagnostic turnaround time from 46.8 days to 6.5 days and enabled a much higher share of cases to be diagnosed within one week.
Clara Chamba, head of haematology at MUHAS and co‑author, said Burkitt lymphoma is common in the region and highly curable if diagnosed early. She noted the test is meant to complement, not replace, traditional diagnosis. The researchers stress challenges such as sequencing infrastructure, supply chains and trained personnel, and they are planning trials and engagement with health ministries to scale up use.
Difficult words
- liquid biopsy — blood test that analyses tumour DNA
- minimally invasive — causing little or no physical injury
- tumour — an abnormal mass of cells in body
- conventional — following the usual or traditional method
- median — middle value in a set of numbers
- infrastructure — basic systems and services needed for operation
- supply chain — system that moves goods and medical suppliessupply chains
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could a faster diagnosis affect children and young adults with lymphoma in this region?
- What problems did the researchers mention that could stop wider use of the test?
- Would you prefer a minimally invasive blood test or a tissue biopsy if you needed diagnosis? Why?
Related articles
Sudan turns to AI as health system struggles
Sudan’s health system is under severe strain after an almost two‑year civil war. A senior health official says the country is using artificial intelligence to help provide care where normal services no longer reach, while shortages and attacks worsen the crisis.
People with disabilities in Kenya and Nigeria faced hardship during COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people with disabilities in poor urban areas of Kenya and Nigeria had worse access to health care, lost income and faced higher costs. Researchers and advocates call for closer, accessible services and fair relief.
