Gastric Cancer Researchers Develop Liquid Biopsy Assay to Identify Lymph Node Metastasis

Strategic Insights -

Gastric cancer researchers at Imperial College London School of Medicine have successfully developed a liquid biopsy assay to identify lymph node metastasis in patients with T1 gastric cancer. This innovative diagnostic tool enables the detection of cancer biomarkers in the blood, allowing for a less-invasive and more accurate diagnosis. The study, published in the United European Gastroenterology Journal, utilized a comprehensive biomarker discovery approach, analyzing genome-wide DNA methylation profiling in 277 clinical specimens.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers developed a cell-free DNA methylation-based liquid biopsy assay to detect lymph node metastasis in patients with T1 gastric cancer.
  • The assay allows for robust and less-invasive detection of cancer biomarkers in the blood.
  • The study analyzed genome-wide DNA methylation profiling in 277 clinical specimens, including 177 surgical tissues and 100 pre-operative plasmas.
  • Six novel differentially methylated regions were identified, including at least two differentially methylated CpG probes.
  • The assay has been successfully validated using quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (qMSP) assays.
  • The researchers identified a cfDNA methylation signature that allows for the discrimination of LNM-positive from LNM-negative patients.
  • The study has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the need for invasive surgical procedures in patients with T1 gastric cancer.

Statistics:

  • The researchers analyzed 277 clinical specimens, including 177 surgical tissues and 100 pre-operative plasmas.
  • Six novel differentially methylated regions were identified, including at least two differentially methylated CpG probes.
  • The assay has a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 95% for detecting LNM in patients with T1 gastric cancer.
  • The study concluded that the cfDNA methylation signature-based liquid biopsy diagnostic assay would allow for robust and less-invasive LNM detection in patients with T1 GC.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Data on Gastric Cancer Detailed by Researchers at Imperial College London School of Medicine (Cell-Free DNA Methylation-Based Liquid Biopsy Assay to Identify Lymph Node Metastasis in T1 Gastric Cancer). Cancer Weekly. October 28, 2025; p 216.
  • United European Gastroenterology Journal. "Cell-Free DNA Methylation-Based Liquid Biopsy Assay to Identify Lymph Node Metastasis in T1 Gastric Cancer." 2025.