Plain language summary of a fingerprinting technique to monitor blood cancer.

We discovered that this new tool (Raman spectroscopy using gold nanoparticles) can detect trace molecules in the blood found only when cancer cells are present or when a person's cancer is returning. This study, which has identified new potential for Raman spectroscopy as an early-screening tool, opens the possibility for the better monitoring of blood cancer. This could mean both less aggressive and fewer treatments for people diagnosed with this disease. This tool may also be useful for people seeking reassurance that their cancer remains dormant or will be identified for treatment sooner if it returns. These findings can also be applied more broadly, such as in helping scientists test the effectiveness of new treatments as they continue to get better at eliminating cancer cells.