A study in The Lancet Oncology found that measuring circulating tumor DNA using droplet digital PCR could help identify patients with resected stage III melanoma who are at high risk of recurrence. Researchers detected ctDNA in 13% of pretreatment plasma samples, with about 80% of those patients experiencing disease recurrence.

Researchers at UCLA have developed a genetic test called PROSTOX that can predict which prostate cancer patients will experience urinary side effects from radiation therapy. The test evaluates 32 genetic factors and was validated in a study of 148 patients, successfully identifying those at risk for both early and late-onset urinary problems.

A study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that over 40% of individuals with ER-low early breast cancer did not receive endocrine therapy, and this lack of treatment was associated with a 23% increased mortality risk over three years, particularly among those with 6% to 10% ER expression. The research highlighted the need to identify patients who would benefit most from endocrine therapy, especially those with residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

While gut microbiome research has primarily focused on bacteria, experts are emphasizing the significant roles of bacteriophages and fungi. "We've been talking about things that affect the gut microbiome -- diet, genetics, immune response -- but probably the biggest influence on what grows in the GI tract are bacteriophages," said Robert Schooley, co-director of the Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics.

Whole-genome sequencing is gaining traction as a more comprehensive diagnostic tool for rare diseases, capturing abnormalities in both coding and noncoding regions of the genome. The technique has become more accessible, costing less than $1,000, and is being used more frequently in the US and Europe, although reimbursement remains a challenge in the US.

Surescripts Health Information Network has been designated as a Qualified Health Information Network under the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement. This designation allows health care stakeholders to participate in national health information exchange through Surescripts, which has seen a 10% increase in patient data sharing from 2022 to 2023.

A rise in social media-driven misinformation about "cortisol detoxing" is prompting more patients to request cortisol testing. Cortisol testing can help diagnose a limited number of conditions, such as Cushing syndrome or adrenal insufficiency, but experts say primary care clinicians must be mindful of the large potential for error with the test and analysis of results.

Lumos Diagnostics has secured Medicare reimbursement for its FebriDx test, which differentiates between bacterial and nonbacterial acute respiratory infections. Two Medicare Administrative Contractors have agreed to a reimbursement rate of $41.38 per test, effective this month. Lumos is in advanced negotiations with three more contractors.