Lasers to Help Identify Cancer WEST LAFAYETTE, IN (wbaa) - Laser technology developed by Purdue and the Mayo Clinic could aid in detecting cancer sooner.

Researchers say they can run a laser scan over a surface vein on the wrist or in the cheek, and it will identify tumor cells.

The scan can test a larger volume of blood than the traditional method. It also means less time and money spent on lab work.

The scientists hope to initiate a clinic trial soon using the new technique.

They also want to expand the types of cancer cells the scan will detect. © Copyright 2012, wbaa