‘Revolutionary’ DNA blood test to offer thousands in England tailored cancer care

The test can mean patients receive targeted therapy earlier, while helping some to avoid further tests and treatments, including chemotherapy. Photograph: Simon Dawson/PA

Thousands of cancer patients in England are to benefit from a DNA blood test that saves lives by fast-tracking them on to personalised treatments.

In a world-first, the NHS will offer patients with lung and breast cancer – two of the most common forms of the disease – a liquid biopsy that detects tiny fragments of tumour DNA.