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In what is considered a breakthrough of sorts, researchers believe they have zeroed in on a key protein and its presence in elevated levels in the blood of lung cancer victims. All it may take is a simple blood test to diagnose the disease. The protein, called isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1), and its presence in elevated levels in the blood is the new biomarker for cancer diagnosis. �This study is the first to report identification of IDH1 as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) using a large number of clinical samples. We have identified IDH1 as an effective plasma biomarker with high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of NSCLC, especially lung adenocarcinoma,� said Jie He, director of the Laboratory of Thoracic Surgery at the Peking Union Medical College. �Based on the present data, IDH1 can be used to detect stage 1 lung cancer; however, it is also possible that IDH1 could be used to detect precancer but further studies are required to address that possibility,� he said.