Researchers develop new methods for cancer detection via blood tests

New advancements in liquid biopsy technology are emerging to improve the detection of cancer through blood samples.

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have reported a 93 per cent sensitivity for stage 2 to 4 diseases using an optical DNA chip. Unlike traditional liquid biopsies that rely on expensive genetic sequencing, this method uses a light scanner to identify a chemical fingerprint on DNA. The study, conducted in collaboration with JaxBio Technologies, Bnai Zion Medical Center, and Sheba Medical Center, suggests the test could cost approximately $60 per sample with a turnaround time of two to three days.

In a separate development, Illumina has launched an early access program for a sequencing workflow designed to study molecular residual disease (MRD) and tumor evolution. This research-use-only workflow utilizes duplex chemistry on the NovaSeq X platform combined with DRAGEN bioinformatics software. By confirming base calls on both complementary strands of a DNA molecule, the technology aims to detect trace amounts of circulating tumor DNA in plasma with high confidence. Kits for this workflow are expected to ship in the first quarter of 2027.