Diagnostics

Researchers have developed a new blood test called ECctDNA that can detect the return of womb (endometrial) cancer with high accuracy. The test works by finding tiny fragments of tumor DNA in the blood, offering a non-invasive alternative to pelvic exams, imaging, and biopsies. The test can deliver results within 48 hours and also identifies genetic […]

Researchers have developed MethylScan, a low-cost blood test that can detect multiple cancers, liver diseases, and organ abnormalities by analyzing DNA fragments in the bloodstream. Instead of searching for rare mutations, it examines DNA methylation, chemical markers that reflect tissue health. The test filters out background DNA from healthy blood cells, improving accuracy while reducing

Researchers have found that unexpected findings on lung cancer CT scans can reveal other hidden cancers. By analyzing data from over 26,000 participants in the National Lung Screening Trial, the team identified non-lung abnormalities that may signal undiagnosed cancers and need prompt follow-up. The study showed that about 3% of scans revealed issues in organs

Interim results from a Phase 2b trial show that RAD 101 may help doctors distinguish true brain tumor recurrence from treatment-related changes. In a study of 30 patients with previously treated brain metastases, RAD 101 PET scans matched biopsy or clinical follow-up results in 90% of cases, demonstrating high accuracy. RAD 101 works differently from

Pathologists are taking on a larger role in managing non-small cell lung cancer, moving beyond diagnosis to help guide treatment decisions. They now act as “first responders,” automatically starting molecular testing as soon as cancer is detected, which helps patients begin therapy more quickly. They also assess whether small biopsy samples have enough tumor material

A recent observational study published in the journal Cancer highlights the expanding role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing for minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with metastatic gastroesophageal cancer. In an interview with Targeted Oncology, Dr. Rutika Mehta explained that although ctDNA is commonly used in early-stage cancers, it may also provide valuable insights for

Researchers have developed a new non-invasive test to detect endometrial cancer using cervical cells collected during a routine Pap smear. The method analyzes DNA methylation changes and focuses on three gene markers—ZNF626, GRIA4, and SPDYA. The test, called MATS, showed strong performance in validation studies, achieving about 95% sensitivity and 90% specificity. It also detected more

Researchers discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital pathology are improving risk assessment in HR-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer. By combining clinical factors with AI analysis of digital slides and gene expression, doctors can now identify patients who appear high-risk clinically but are actually low-risk biologically. AI helps predict both prognosis and treatment response. For

A study warns that some AI pathology models used to detect cancer biomarkers may rely on unreliable “shortcuts” instead of true biological signals. Researchers from the University of Warwick found that these models often depend on correlations in clinical features rather than direct molecular evidence. This can work in many cases, but when conditions change

A simulation study looked at whether adding MRI to standard digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) improves breast cancer screening for women with dense breasts. The results show a trade-off: MRI can catch a few more cancers, but it also leads to many more false positives and unnecessary biopsies. For most average-risk women, adding MRI prevented only