Groundbreaking DENEB Blood Test Identifies 81% of Pre-Cancerous Colon Polyps
Scientists have recently introduced an innovative experimental blood test, DENEB (DEtection of colorectal NEoplasias in Blood). This breakthrough test can identify up to 81% of advanced adenomas, the dangerous pre-cancerous polyps in the colon. Additionally, it can detect 92% of stage I–III colorectal cancers, as revealed by a significant international study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
Developed by a global team comprising researchers from the Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope (Monrovia, California), the University of Barcelona, and institutions across Italy, Spain, Japan, and Denmark, DENEB examines the expression of 19 cell-free and 20 exosomal microRNAs. This analysis is performed using a simple blood draw and RT-qPCR technology. In a test cohort of over 1,500 adults, DENEB achieved an area under the ROC curve of 95%, indicating an exceptionally high diagnostic accuracy score.
This development represents a significant advancement in cancer screening. Historically, existing blood-based tests have struggled to detect precancerous lesions, which is the critical stage where intervention can be most life-saving. Colorectal cancer remains the third most common and second deadliest cancer in the United States. However, most cases and deaths can be prevented through timely screening.
Although researchers emphasize that DENEB is not yet a substitute for diagnostic colonoscopy, it must progress into large-scale prospective trials. Nevertheless, its results provide compelling evidence that a convenient, highly accurate blood-based alternative to colonoscopy may soon be available to the general population.
Source: Research Today – DENEB Blood Test Study, The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology (August 10, 2026)