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Cancer Blood Test Could Become 'Liquid Biopsy'

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(Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center/AP)
(Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center/AP)

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston have announced a five-year, $30 million deal with pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson to bring to market an experimental test that detects cancer in the blood stream.

The test uses a microchip to detect tiny traces of cancer cells in blood, and helps doctors determine how well a cancer treatment is working. Researchers hope the test will one day become a "liquid biopsy," replacing the painful tissue sampling used today. We speak with Dr. Mehmet Toner of MGH.

This segment aired on January 3, 2011.

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