In a breakthrough from Germany’s Hahn-Schickard Institute, researchers have developed a new blood test for early-onset colorectal cancer that requires 20 times less blood than existing methods—without compromising diagnostic accuracy. Using a novel combination of immunoprecipitation and multiplexed digital PCR, the test achieved 85% sensitivity and 90% specificity in a pilot study. Only 500 µL of plasma—less than a teaspoon—is needed. This opens the door to broader clinical use, especially among younger populations where CRC rates are rising.
Author: Abhay Panchal
A new multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test profiled in Medscape claims to detect 13 types of cancer—including hard-to-screen cancers like pancreatic and ovarian—with high sensitivity and specificity. In a prospective study, it showed 87.4% sensitivity and 97.8% specificity in validation cohorts. However, in asymptomatic screening, the test produced a 25% positive predictive value—meaning 3 out of 4 positive results were false alarms. While early detection remains promising (especially in cancers with no current screening tools), researchers urge caution due to risks of overdiagnosis and unnecessary anxiety.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are revolutionizing treatment for diabetes and obesity, but their impact on the gastrointestinal tract demands careful clinical attention. Dr. Peter Buch is joined by Dr. Michael Camilleri, Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research in Rochester, Minnesota, to discuss key findings on gastrointestinal side effects, procedural risks, and the impacts of GLP-1 receptor agonists on the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology.
Malpractice insurance is one of the biggest fixed costs physicians face—but few understand what truly drives premium costs. In a recent piece for Physicians Practice, Jennifer Wiggins breaks down the key factors, including: If you’re considering expanding your scope, taking on new locations, or just want clarity on your malpractice coverage, this article offers timely insights—especially for private practice owners.
A new study from Mount Sinai Health System underscores the potential of consumer-grade wearable technology—such as Apple Watch, Fitbit, and Oura Ring—as a non-invasive biomarker for disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the NIH-funded longitudinal study tracked over 100 IBD patients for more than seven months. Researchers found that disruptions in sleep architecture—especially reductions in restorative REM sleep—were strongly correlated with inflammation, rather than just symptoms alone. “This is the first study to longitudinally map objective sleep patterns before, during, and after IBD flares using wearable technologies,” said Dr. Robert Hirten, gastroenterologist and…
A breakthrough from Caltech may redefine how we understand gut health. Introducing PillTrek—a miniaturized “smart capsule” designed to perform continuous, real-time biochemical profiling of the gastrointestinal tract, a feat no current technology can achieve. Developed by Dr. Wei Gao and team, the 7mm x 25mm capsule houses a wireless electrochemical workstation. It measures pH, temperature, neurotransmitters (like serotonin), metabolites, and ions as it travels through the GI tract. The platform is reconfigurable, allowing different sensors to be swapped based on the diagnostic need—enabling low-cost, mass production using 3D-printed biosensors. “This isn’t just a diagnostic tool—it’s a platform for unlocking the…
Constipation is one of the most common yet persistently misunderstood GI complaints, often sending patients on long journeys—literally and diagnostically—for relief. But a new innovation from gastroenterologist Dr. Eric Dinesh Shah at the University of Michigan may finally bring answers closer to home. The Rectal Expulsion Device (RED), recently FDA-cleared, offers a point-of-care diagnostic tool to assess pelvic floor dysfunction—a key contributor to chronic constipation. Using a simple foam-filled balloon that can be deployed during a routine office visit, RED removes the need for expensive referrals or complex testing housed only at tertiary centers. For many, it means no more…
Machine learning (ML) algorithms could reshape how we predict colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced polyps (ACPs) before a colonoscopy is even performed. A recent meta-analysis, published in Gastroenterology and summarized by Jessica Nye, PhD, reviewed 14 studies involving over half a million patients across Europe and Australia. These AI-driven tools demonstrated strong potential—particularly in CRC detection—with an average AUROC of 0.883, sensitivity of 83%, and specificity of 80%. However, the performance dropped when ACPs were included, and even more so when evaluating ACPs alone. The models varied widely, using everything from logistic regression to random forests and neural networks, and…
Diagnosing celiac disease might soon become significantly easier. A team from Australia’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute has developed a simple IL-2-based blood test that can accurately detect celiac disease—even in patients already following a gluten-free diet. In the study, patients’ blood was exposed to gluten in vitro (in a test tube), triggering an immune response if gluten-specific T-cells were present. The WBAIL-2 assay showed 90% sensitivity and 95% specificity in HLA-DQ2.5+ patients, eliminating the need for patients to undergo weeks of gluten consumption or invasive biopsies. Experts like Dr. Christopher Cao from Mount Sinai call it “practice-changing,” though they…
The U.S. House has passed the Trump-backed “Big Beautiful Bill,” triggering a seismic shift in American healthcare. Over the next decade, Medicaid will see $930B in cuts. Work requirements will now apply to adults ages 19–64, and ACA enrollees must reapply annually—changes projected to leave 17 million people uninsured by 2034. Experts warn of cascading effects: ER overcrowding, rural hospital closures, and a collapse in community health centers that serve America’s most vulnerable. SNAP benefits will shrink for millions, and Planned Parenthood will be defunded for Medicaid patients. “The biggest immoral piece of healthcare legislation I’ve ever seen,” says bioethicist…