New genetic test predicts lung cancer spread before surgery

Researchers identify gene patterns that predict aggressive lung cancer before surgery using small biopsy samples.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:07pm

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An extreme close-up, translucent X-ray image revealing the intricate network of blood vessels within a human lung, conceptually representing the ability to detect the early signs of lung cancer spread.A new genetic test could help doctors identify aggressive lung tumors before surgery, guiding more personalized treatment approaches.Boston Today

Researchers from Boston University have discovered that hidden genetic patterns in lung tumors can reveal whether the cancer has already begun to spread through blood vessels, even before surgery. This discovery could change how doctors approach early-stage lung cancer treatment, as it may help identify high-risk tumors and guide more personalized surgical decisions.

Why it matters

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., and even when detected early, outcomes can vary widely. The ability to detect vascular invasion, a strong warning sign of potential cancer spread, before surgery could help surgeons make more informed decisions about the appropriate level of intervention, potentially improving survival rates while reducing unnecessary procedures.

The details

Researchers analyzed gene activity in lung tumors with and without vascular invasion, identifying over 400 genes that behaved differently between the two groups. They then built a machine learning model to predict vascular invasion using a set of 48 genes, and found the model could accurately predict vascular invasion in small biopsy samples taken before surgery. This breakthrough means doctors could assess risk earlier in the treatment process and tailor surgical approaches accordingly, potentially avoiding undertreatment of aggressive cancers or overtreatment of less aggressive ones.

  • The study was published on April 10, 2026.

The players

Marc Lenburg

Professor of medicine, bioinformatics and pathology at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

Kimberly Rieger-Christ

Researcher from Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, part of Beth Israel Lahey Health.

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What they’re saying

“We think this is a potential game changer for patients with early-stage lung cancer. Our findings suggest a simple biopsy-based test could help doctors better identify patients at higher risk of recurrence and guide treatment decisions.”

— Marc Lenburg, Professor of medicine, bioinformatics and pathology

“This project began years ago due to the persistent clinical challenge: we need a better way to identify high-risk tumors from just a biopsy. This multidisciplinary collaboration allowed us to turn that challenge into a new molecular approach that can screen early-stage lung cancer patients for the biology linked to vascular invasion. It's a powerful example of how clinical insight and advanced analytics can come together to improve patient care.”

— Kimberly Rieger-Christ, Researcher

What’s next

The researchers plan to determine whether similar genetic patterns appear in other types of cancer, such as breast, liver, and gastric cancers, which could support broader cancer care strategies.

The takeaway

This new genetic test could revolutionize the treatment of early-stage lung cancer by allowing doctors to identify high-risk tumors before surgery and tailor their approach accordingly, potentially improving survival rates and reducing unnecessary procedures.