Medical researchers develop new diagnostic tests for colorectal and lung cancer

Researchers are advancing cancer diagnostics through new testing methods for colorectal and lung cancer.

A study from Örebro University involving 3,258 Swedish patients indicates that fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) are highly effective at identifying high-risk colorectal cancer patients. The study found that a positive FIT test, which detects invisible blood, was a stronger marker for cancer than common symptoms like visible blood or changes in bowel habits. Researchers suggest more systematic use of FIT tests could prioritize high-risk patients for colonoscopies and reduce unnecessary procedures for younger patients.

Separately, researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a blood test designed to identify lung cancer by detecting chemical changes in DNA methylation. Using a DNA chip and optical reading rather than expensive sequencing, the test identified 93.1% of lung cancer cases in a small validation study. While promising as a potential complement to CT scans, the study was limited to 103 participants with stage 2–4 cancer and has not yet been validated for general screening or early-stage detection.