This new blood test is able to identify colorectal cancer by testing for circulating tumor DNA! Note it does not detect advanced precancerous polyps well at this time, so a colonoscopy is still a more effective screening tool overall, but a cool option for patients :)
In a cohort at average risk for colorectal cancer, a cell-free DNA blood-based test had 83% sensitivity for colorectal cancer, 90% specificity for advanced neoplasia, and 13% sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions. Full ECLIPSE study results:
nej.md/3v0J319