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 low volume of tumor DNA released into blood during early-stage disease.
“This is the first time RNA modifications have been used as a potential cancer biomarker,” said Dr. He. “And the results are unprecedented.”