Blood Test Detects Lingering Lung Cancer Traces

A study in the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics found a blood test can spot residual lung cancer after surgery or initial treatment.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Cancer

Vector editorial illustration of unlabeled glass vials of dark red liquid in a wooden rack beside a translucent lung-shaped form, evoking a blood test for lung cancer. — A blood test developed at C22i Genomics detected lingering lung cancer traces in a study led by NYU Langone's Matija Snuderl before tumors appeared on scans. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

A study published in the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics shows a blood test can detect residual lung cancer after surgery or initial treatment. The test can identify lingering cancer traces before a tumor is large enough to appear on a scan.

Why it matters

Imaging scans have been the first line for diagnosing recurring lung cancer for decades, but they miss cancer that has not yet formed a visible tumor. Negative results may spare patients unnecessary overtreatment and toxicity, while positive results allow early, targeted treatment for patients across the United States.

The study reports that an estimated 5% to 19% of non-small-cell lung cancer patients experience recurrence after surgical removal of early-stage tumors. The source does not specify the sample size or the test's accuracy figures.

The players

Matija Snuderl, MD

Matija Snuderl, MD, is a pathologist at NYU Langone Health who led the study at the Perlmutter Cancer Center.

Asaf Zviran, PhD

Asaf Zviran, PhD, is a scientist at C22i Genomics who developed the blood test used in the study.

The details

Researchers led by Matija Snuderl, MD, at NYU Langone Health and the Perlmutter Cancer Center studied a blood test developed by Asaf Zviran, PhD, at C22i Genomics. The test detects lingering lung cancer traces in the blood before a tumor is visible on a scan.

November 5, 2026: Article published on the blood test detecting lung cancer recurrence.

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Health Landscape

Imaging scans have been the first line for diagnosing recurring lung cancer for decades, relying on tumors large enough to appear on a scan. This blood test extends surveillance by detecting residual cancer traces before such tumors form.

Patients who test negative after treatment may avoid unnecessary overtreatment and its side effects. Patients who test positive could receive earlier, targeted treatment if the test is adopted in clinical practice.

The takeaway

Routine imaging alone may miss early recurrence, so a blood-based test could help clinicians decide who needs treatment and who can safely avoid it. Patients should discuss monitoring options with their oncologist as this approach develops.