New Liquid Biopsy Test Matched Established Cancer Monitoring
A study found a tissue-free test performed on par with tumor-informed assays for tracking cancer.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Cancer
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A peer-reviewed study published in The Journal of Liquid Biopsy demonstrated that the Northstar Response assay matched the performance of established tumor-informed testing. This advancement could potentially allow clinicians to begin molecular monitoring for patients weeks earlier than currently possible.
Why it matters
By providing a tissue-free alternative, this testing method may improve access to ongoing cancer monitoring for patients where traditional tumor-informed assays are not feasible or delayed. It offers a standardized way to track tumor burden using circulating tumor DNA.
The study evaluated 169 paired samples from 61 patients, showing a conditional R2 of 0.97 in quantitative results. The findings suggest the assay is highly accurate, though the study is a clinical performance evaluation and not an outcomes trial.
The players
BillionToOne
A molecular diagnostics company headquartered in Menlo Park, California, that develops liquid biopsy assays.
Huntsman Cancer Institute
A major cancer research and treatment center that contributed to the study evaluating Northstar Response.
The details
Northstar Response is a methylation-based liquid biopsy that avoids the need for initial tissue sampling. It employs patented single-molecule counting technology to detect circulating tumor DNA in the blood. Researchers used patient-specific baseline normalization to compare these quantitative results against established diagnostic approaches.
Timeline
October 7, 2026: The study was published in The Journal of Liquid Biopsy.
Health Landscape
Most current liquid biopsies rely on tumor-informed assays that require an initial tissue biopsy to identify specific genetic markers. This study validates a shift toward tumor-agnostic, methylation-based testing that could simplify monitoring protocols across cancer types.
If you are currently undergoing cancer monitoring, ask your oncologist if a tissue-free, methylation-based assay is appropriate for your specific treatment plan. Discussing whether your current diagnostic protocol allows for faster monitoring intervals is a productive step to take with your doctor.
The takeaway
This study demonstrates that tissue-free liquid biopsies can be as accurate as traditional tumor-informed methods. Patients should talk to their oncology team about the availability of molecular monitoring tools that may reduce the need for repeat tissue biopsies.
Further reading
For more information on how new diagnostics are changing clinical practice, visit our Cancer section.
More information
To learn more about the technology behind this testing, visit the BillionToOne official company website.
Live Poll
Do you trust blood-based liquid biopsies as a reliable alternative to traditional tissue-based cancer testing?
