Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a next-generation liquid biopsy test that detects early-stage colorectal cancer with 95% accuracy—a significant leap over existing non-invasive tests. Unlike conventional methods that rely on circulating tumor DNA, this new approach analyzes RNA modifications in both human and microbial cell-free RNA found in the blood. Led by Dr. Chuan He and in collaboration with gastroenterologist Dr. Marc Bissonnette, the study revealed that changes in microbial RNA activity—triggered by tumor-induced shifts in the gut microbiome—can serve as ultrasensitive biomarkers for early cancer detection. This method bypasses a major limitation in early diagnostics: the…
Author: Abhay Panchal
A recent JAMA Health Forum study highlights a growing concern in gastroenterology: colonoscopy prices have risen significantly faster at private equity-acquired practices than at independent ones — by about 4.5% overall, and 6.7% in high-market-share areas. Despite these price hikes, the quality of care remains statistically unchanged, based on six standard measures. Lead researcher Dr. Daniel Arnold of Brown University notes that while consolidation may offer operational efficiency, it’s not translating to better outcomes. “Higher prices without better quality challenges the justification often given for consolidation,” he said. As the pressure of consolidation increases, GI physicians are left weighing trade-offs…
Exact Sciences has announced a major milestone: its Oncodetect™ MRD test for colorectal cancer has secured Medicare coverage through CMS’s MolDX program. The test can now be used serially in patients with stage II, III, and resectable stage IV CRC over a five-year period for adjuvant and recurrence monitoring. Why it matters: The highly sensitive, tumor-informed test tracks up to 200 ctDNA variants and can detect signs of cancer recurrence up to two years earlier than imaging alone. This opens the door to more personalized and timely treatment for millions of Americans eligible for MRD testing across solid tumors.
Burnout, saturation, and a changing healthcare landscape are prompting physicians worldwide to rethink their professional paths — not necessarily to leave medicine, but to realign with their values, goals, and lifestyle. In a compelling feature by Anna Carolina Rodrigues for Medscape, the story follows Dr. Layla Almeida, an infectious disease specialist from Brazil, who transitioned from traditional practice to becoming a strategic advisor for healthcare startups. Her story reflects a broader trend: more doctors are reconsidering what fulfillment and sustainability look like in a profession they once entered with clarity and conviction. The number of doctors in Brazil alone has…
A new chapter published by Springer Nature dives deep into one of the most promising frontiers in oncology: the use of gut microbiota as a noninvasive biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC) detection and monitoring. Titled “Diagnostic Approaches for Colorectal Cancer: Gut Microbiota–Based Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer Detection and Monitoring”, the chapter is part of the book Role of Gut Microbiota and Postbiotics for Colorectal Cancer and is authored by K. Sandhanam, Bedanta Bhattacharjee, M. Sumithra, Ram Kumar Sahu, and Jiyauddin Khan. The authors explore the rapidly growing body of evidence that links shifts in the gut microbiome to CRC progression.…
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.
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…