WALTHAM, Massachusetts, May 26, 2026
Mercy BioAnalytics, Inc. has announced that it will present new clinical data at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting evaluating the performance of its blood-based lung cancer early detection assays using biospecimens from the landmark National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). The studies represent a significant advancement in the development of liquid biopsy technologies designed to improve early lung cancer detection and pulmonary nodule assessment among high-risk patient populations.
According to the company, the first study demonstrated that Mercy’s investigational blood-based lung cancer screening assay achieved sensitivity levels comparable to low-dose CT (LDCT) screening across two annual screening encounters while also identifying cancers missed by imaging alone. A second study evaluating a blood-based pulmonary nodule triage assay reported 43% sensitivity for detecting lung cancer in patients categorized as Lung-RADS 3 or 4A following LDCT screening. Mercy BioAnalytics believes the findings support continued clinical development of blood-based approaches capable of improving lung cancer screening uptake, enhancing diagnostic precision, and accelerating earlier intervention for high-risk patients.
Mercy BioAnalytics Advances Blood-Based Lung Cancer Detection
The data presented at ASCO originate from analyses conducted using biospecimens from the National Lung Screening Trial, one of the most influential lung cancer screening studies ever performed. The NLST demonstrated that annual low-dose CT screening reduced lung cancer mortality by approximately 20% compared with conventional chest X-rays, ultimately leading to widespread adoption of LDCT-based lung cancer screening recommendations in high-risk populations.
Mercy BioAnalytics stated that its ASCO presentations mark the first reported use of blood specimens from NLST participants for preliminary validation of blood-based lung cancer biomarkers. Researchers believe this milestone could help establish new diagnostic approaches capable of complementing or potentially augmenting traditional CT imaging methods.
Advertisement
The company’s proprietary Mercy Halo™ liquid biopsy platform utilizes biomarker colocalization technology to analyze extracellular vesicles and particles circulating in blood that contain unique cancer-associated signatures. Mercy’s primary research focus currently includes early detection technologies for lung and ovarian cancers, areas where early diagnosis significantly improves treatment success and patient survival outcomes.
Liquid Biopsy Technology Expands Cancer Screening Potential
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, largely because many patients are diagnosed at advanced stages when curative treatment options become limited. Although low-dose CT screening has improved detection rates among high-risk individuals, uptake remains relatively low due to access limitations, patient concerns, false positives, and follow-up complexities.
Researchers believe blood-based screening technologies could potentially increase screening participation by offering minimally invasive diagnostic options capable of identifying cancer-associated biomarkers earlier and more efficiently. Mercy BioAnalytics’ pulmonary nodule triage assay is specifically designed to help risk-stratify nodules identified through LDCT screening, potentially improving clinical decision-making and reducing unnecessary invasive procedures.
Dr. Christine Berg, former National Cancer Institute lead investigator for the NLST and current Clinical Advisory Board member at Mercy BioAnalytics, stated that the company’s findings align with the original purpose of the NLST biospecimen repository — enabling validation of promising blood biomarkers capable of improving lung cancer detection and patient outcomes.
ASCO Presentation Highlights Precision Oncology Innovation
The acceptance of the two abstracts at the ASCO Annual Meeting highlights increasing scientific interest in precision diagnostics and liquid biopsy technologies within oncology. ASCO is considered one of the world’s most influential cancer research conferences, where emerging technologies and clinical findings often shape future directions in oncology care and diagnostics.
Industry analysts note that blood-based early cancer detection technologies are rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing sectors within precision medicine and oncology diagnostics. Companies developing multi-cancer detection assays, liquid biopsies, and biomarker-driven screening platforms continue attracting substantial clinical and commercial attention as healthcare systems seek more accessible and scalable cancer screening solutions.
Mercy BioAnalytics stated that further evaluation of its lung cancer screening and pulmonary nodule assessment technologies is already underway as the company continues expanding development of blood-based approaches designed to improve early detection and clinical management of cancer.
Source: Mercy BioAnalytics press release
