A new experimental blood test called DENEB has shown strong ability to identify precancerous polyps and early-stage colorectal cancer in a multicenter diagnostic study. The findings, published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, suggest the test could eventually offer a simpler, noninvasive route into colorectal cancer screening — though more research is needed before it could be recommended for routine use.
Key study results
– In more than 1,500 adults who were undergoing colonoscopy screening in China, Japan, and Spain, DENEB detected 92% of stage I–III colorectal cancers and 81% of advanced adenomas (precancerous polyps).
– Overall sensitivity for colorectal cancer in the study was about 91%.
Why this matters
Detecting and removing advanced polyps can prevent cancers from developing. Most blood-based screening tests have performed well at finding existing cancers but have struggled to catch these precursor lesions. The ability to detect a high proportion of advanced adenomas sets DENEB apart and, if confirmed, could shift screening from simply finding cancer earlier to preventing some cancers entirely.
How DENEB compares with current options
Colonoscopy and stool-based tests remain the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening because they can both detect and remove polyps. There are blood-based tests already available (for example, one FDA-approved test), but those have shown limited sensitivity for precancerous polyps — reported as low as about 13% in some analyses — while detecting cancers at a higher rate (around the low 80s percent). In this study, DENEB outperformed that benchmark, especially for precancerous lesions.
Potential role in screening practice
A blood test administered during routine medical visits could make screening more accessible and identify people who should proceed to colonoscopy, particularly those who might otherwise avoid screening. That could free endoscopy resources to focus on higher-risk patients and those with abnormal noninvasive tests. However, experts stress that a positive blood test would still require follow-up with colonoscopy, since colonoscopy remains the definitive diagnostic and therapeutic tool.
Expert perspectives and next steps
Researchers involved with the study emphasize the importance of validating these results in prospective screening trials. Independent clinicians note that if the sensitivity is reproducible, blood-based tests could become a more widely used screening option and reduce the need for routine colonoscopies in average-risk populations. Still, larger and longer-term studies are necessary to confirm performance, assess false positives and negatives, and determine how best to integrate such tests into screening pathways.
Why screening is important now
Colorectal cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers and a leading cause of cancer death. Rates have been rising, particularly among people under 50, and early-stage disease often causes no symptoms. Long-term screening data show substantial reductions in colorectal cancer mortality for people who participate in screening programs.
Bottom line
DENEB is a promising experimental blood test with high reported sensitivity for both early-stage colorectal cancer and advanced precancerous polyps. It could improve screening uptake and help prevent cancers if future prospective studies confirm these results. Until then, colonoscopy and established stool-based screening tests remain the preferred options for routine colorectal cancer screening.
