Guardant Health has received FDA approval for its next-generation liquid biopsy platform, Guardant360 Liquid CDx, expanding the role of blood-based genomic testing in cancers including non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. The updated assay combines genomic and epigenomic profiling from a single blood draw and is designed to analyze a significantly broader molecular footprint than the company’s earlier test. According to Guardant, the platform can help identify actionable mutations for targeted therapies in NSCLC, colorectal cancer, and advanced breast cancer while delivering results within seven days. The approval reflects the continued shift toward minimally invasive precision oncology diagnostics, where…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Byron L. Cryer, MD, AGAF, today begins his term as the 121st president of the AGA Institute. Dr. Cryer serves as chair of internal medicine at Baylor University Medical Center and professor of medicine at Texas A&M Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine. An internationally recognized clinician and researcher, Dr. Cryer is known for his work on the gastrointestinal effects of medications, particularly aspirin and other NSAIDs. He has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications spanning translational research, biomarker studies, epidemiologic analyses, clinical trials, and international multicenter studies.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which comprises the inflammatory conditions Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affects about 1.6 million Americans, many of whom cannot be effectively treated. This is mostly due to a lack of understanding of what exactly causes the increased inflammation, fibrosis, and compromised intestinal barrier that underlie this disease and its manifold symptoms, ranging from severe abdominal pain, to diarrhea, weight loss, rectal bleeding and anemia, to anxiety and depression.
Colonoscopy demand is surging as colorectal cancer rates rise and screening guidelines expand eligibility, creating what some are calling a “gold rush” for GI and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). While procedure volumes continue to climb and more colonoscopies shift into outpatient settings, the economics are becoming increasingly complex. GI procedures now represent a major share of ASC activity, and specialized GI centers are rapidly expanding. However, declining reimbursements are putting pressure on margins, forcing GI groups to rethink operational models, site-of-care strategy, and long-term growth plans. The article also highlights a growing disconnect in GI economics: demand for endoscopy has…
Disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI), previously referred to as functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), have been poorly understood historically. Although providers have observed these symptoms in their patients for hundreds of years, standard diagnostic capabilities have only emerged in the past several decades through the Rome criteria, moving from a simplistic and reductionist view to a more comprehensive biopsychosocial model.1,2 Initially viewed primarily as motility disorders, scientific understanding has shifted to encompass broader disturbances in neurogastroenterology,3 alterations in gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota and immune activation, and reactions to food—all acting through brain–gut interactions.4 These advancements have validated DGBI for patients and health…
A structured triage system for interventional GI referrals changed the originally requested care plan in nearly 1 in 4 cases, highlighting how frequently referral requests may not align with the most appropriate next step for patients. Presented at DDW 2026, the study found that specialist review often redirected patients between clinic consultation and direct procedures such as EUS or ERCP, while some referrals were rerouted entirely to surgery. Investigators noted that the process not only improved access and prioritization, but also helped avoid unnecessary high-risk procedures while expediting urgent interventions for patients who needed them most. The findings reflect a…
DDW 2026 showcased several studies that may meaningfully influence upper GI clinical practice, particularly in Barrett’s esophagus, EoE, gastroparesis, pancreatitis, and metabolic endoscopy. Among the notable findings, non-endoscopic tools like EsoCheck and EsoGuard showed potential for Barrett’s esophagus screening even in patients without GERD symptoms, while continuous budesonide therapy proved more effective than intermittent treatment for maintaining remission in eosinophilic esophagitis. Researchers also reinforced that symptom improvement alone may not reliably reflect histologic remission in EoE, supporting the continued need for objective monitoring. Several emerging therapies also drew attention. Tegoprazan demonstrated strong healing rates in erosive esophagitis, including severe disease,…
Pennsylvania has sued Character.ai over allegations that one of its chatbots impersonated a licensed psychiatrist and provided medical-style advice without authorization. According to the lawsuit, the chatbot claimed to have attended medical school, presented a fake Pennsylvania medical license number, and discussed depression treatment with an investigator posing as a patient. The case adds to growing regulatory scrutiny around AI chatbot platforms as states begin testing how existing medical practice and consumer protection laws apply to increasingly humanlike AI systems. The lawsuit also reflects a broader challenge facing healthcare AI: as conversational models become more sophisticated and trusted by users,…
A new analysis from the Physicians Advocacy Institute shows that physician independence in the U.S. continues to decline rapidly, with just 18% of doctors now practicing in physician-owned settings. According to the report, 82% of physicians are now employed by hospitals or corporate entities, reflecting a major acceleration in healthcare consolidation since 2018. Hospitals drove most of the physician employment growth, while corporate entities—including private equity firms, insurers, and pharmacy chains—continued aggressively acquiring practices. Rural markets were not spared, with more than 80% of rural physicians now working under hospital or corporate ownership. The findings also highlight growing concerns around…
Oshi Health has appointed healthcare and technology executive Danny Krifcher as President and COO as the company expands its nationwide virtual GI care platform. The move reflects Oshi’s broader push to scale virtual multidisciplinary gastroenterology care, combining GI specialists, dietitians, and gut-brain health support through a telehealth-first model. The company says its platform is now available to more than 63 million people nationwide and cites data showing improved patient outcomes alongside reduced healthcare costs. Oshi leadership also emphasized the growing role of AI and operational technology in expanding access to GI care, signaling how virtual-first specialty clinics are increasingly positioning…