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Researchers have identified around 800 markers in the blood of cancer patients that could help lead a single blood test for early detection of many types of cancer in future, according to a new study.

The study is one of the first to comprehensively review and identify cancer-specific blood markers for further clinical development. The analyzed 19,000 scientific papers and found more than 800 biomarkers. 

The aim of this research is to develop a screening test from a single blood sample for multiple cancer types. All cancers produce markers in the blood, so it could be feasible to develop a general screening test for many different forms of the disease, the press release added. 

"This is a new approach to early detection and the first time such a systematic review has been done. A single blood-based screening test would be a game changer for early detection of cancer which could help make it a curable disease for many more patients. We believe that we've identified all the relevant biomarkers; the next step is working out which ones work the best for spotting cancers," said study author professor Ian Cree, a Cancer Research UK funded scientist at the University of Warwick and University Hospital in Coventry, in the press release. 

The research will be presented at the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference (abstract).