Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Circulating tumor DNA in head and neck cancer

Liquid biopsy targeting viral ctDNA holds promise as a diagnostic and surveillance tool for head and neck cancer. The study aims to monitor treatment response and assess minimal residual disease (MRD) to adapt treatment via precision oncology.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateJul 30, 2026

Tumor-informed liquid biopsy suggests structural-variant ddPCR can monitor high-grade serous ovarian cancer

A novel method for monitoring on-treatment disease burden in high-grade serous ovarian cancer uses tumor-informed breakpoints-spanning ddPCR, detecting superior sensitivity and specificity compared to real-time PCR. The approach may enable sensitive and specific detection of minimal residual disease and early relapse detection.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeNews article·DateMar 19, 2026

Advances in liquid biopsies as a tool for detecting lung cancer mutations

A study published in Molecular Oncology developed a liquid biopsy panel that can detect specific gene mutations in lung cancer patients, offering a potential solution for early detection and guiding patient treatment. The test showed promising results, detecting mutations in 65.6% of samples, including those in frozen samples without s...

Not all low-grade prostate cancers are low risk

A new study found that one in six men with low-grade prostate cancer (GG1) actually have intermediate- or high-risk cancer when other clinical features are considered. This suggests that relying on biopsy grade alone can lead to underestimating disease risk and misclassifying individuals who may benefit from definitive treatment.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJul 31, 2025

Switch to experimental drug after liquid biopsy detection of breast cancer recurrence improves outcomes

A large clinical trial found that switching to an experimental drug after liquid biopsy detection of treatment-resistant mutations in breast cancer patients substantially extends tumor control and overall health status. The study, conducted at Weill Cornell Medicine, showed better outcomes compared to standard care.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 1, 2025

Patient outcomes may improve with tailored treatment guided by tissue plus liquid biopsies vs. individually

The ROME trial found that patients with concordant biopsy findings experienced improved survival outcomes when receiving tailored therapy based on genomic alterations detected in both tissue and liquid biopsies. This approach led to better overall survival, progression-free survival, and objective response rates compared to standard-of...

Molecular tests provide more convenient, personalized monitoring of heart transplant recipients

New molecular testing methods are transforming post-transplant care by detecting potential heart injury or rejection earlier than traditional biopsies. This enables physicians to reduce immunosuppressive medicine dosage in low-risk patients, potentially improving patient outcomes beyond the first year post-heart transplant.

Research Spotlight: Comparison of single-cell profiling methods reveals strengths and limitations

The study directly compared Droplet-based scRNA (D-scRNA) and Picowell-based scRNA (P-scRNA) platforms for analyzing human mucosal biopsies. D-scRNA provides more detailed insights, but requires resources and may introduce contamination. P-scRNA is gentler, more resource-efficient, but less effective in capturing rare cell types.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2025

Mini rolling robot takes virtual biopsies

Researchers developed a tiny magnetic robot that can take 3D scans from deep within the body, enabling 'virtual biopsies' for non-invasive cancer diagnosis and treatment. The device uses high-frequency imaging to create detailed 3D reconstructions, allowing clinicians to diagnose and treat colorectal cancer in a single procedure.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

Delay of more than 42 days for breast cancer surgery raises death risk for certain subtypes, University of Oklahoma study finds

Patients with hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative breast cancers face a higher risk of death from the cancer if they wait more than 42 days after diagnosis to have surgery. Delayed surgery increases the patient's risk exponentially, with risks of death increasing by 21%, 79%, and 183% at 60, 90, and 120 days, respectively.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalBreast Cancer Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2025

High resolution ultrasound could enable faster prostate cancer diagnosis

A new study has shown that high-resolution ultrasound can diagnose prostate cancer as effectively as MRI, with improved resolution and lower costs. The technology, called micro-ultrasound, is expected to speed up diagnosis, reduce hospital visits, and make imaging more accessible, particularly in less developed healthcare systems.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 23, 2025

Remote telemedicine tool found highly accurate in diagnosing melanoma

A new study found that a remote telemedicine tool called SpotCheck is highly accurate in diagnosing melanoma, with experts able to remotely examine skin lesions using dermoscopy. The tool has the potential to address diagnostic and treatment disparities for lower-income populations with limited access to dermatologists.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 14, 2024

Johns Hopkins researchers use electronic diagnostic model to predict acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) in patients

Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a common cause of acute kidney injury, often linked to medication use. Johns Hopkins researchers developed an electronic diagnostic model using machine learning to predict AIN in patients, showing improved accuracy in diagnosis and potential benefits for treatment decisions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 12, 2024

Closing in on Parkinson’s Disease proteins in extracellular vesicles in the blood

Researchers have developed a new protocol to exclusively access and quantify proteins carried by extracellular vesicles in the blood. This breakthrough may lead to early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and other brain disorders, providing treatment opportunities before symptoms appear.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2024

Aston University researcher develops new optical technique that could revolutionise medical diagnostics

Aston University researcher has developed a new technique harnessing Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) light to improve imaging and data transmission through skin and biological tissues. The OAM-based approach shows unmatched sensitivity and accuracy, paving the way for non-invasive medical diagnostics and imaging.

SourceAston University·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2024

New prostate biopsy technique lowers infection risk

A new prostate biopsy technique, transperineal biopsy, has been shown to lower the risk of infection compared to traditional biopsies. The PREVENT trial found no infections among men who underwent the transperineal procedure, while those with traditional transrectal biopsies had a 1.6% infection rate despite receiving antibiotics.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateSep 19, 2024

Novel blood test helps improve cancer treatments

A new liquid biopsy method analyzes gene fragments in the bloodstream to detect and track cancer, enabling oncologists to tailor treatment approaches to individual patients. This non-invasive test can help monitor treatment success, detect cancer recurrence, and improve patient quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024