Researchers are developing a revolutionary noninvasive test to diagnose endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting up to 10% of women and girls of reproductive age.
Healthnews recently brought attention to this breakthrough, which could significantly reduce the need for invasive surgery. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to symptoms like chronic pain and infertility. Despite the severity of symptoms, diagnosis often takes four to eleven years, partly because the condition is frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed as normal period pain.
// A new noninvasive test for endometriosis diagnosis
Currently, laparoscopy, a surgical procedure, is the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis. However, this invasive method is costly, requires recovery time, and is not always accessible.
To address these issues, researchers at Yale University and DotLab are working on a noninvasive test based on microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers. MiRNAs are molecules found in the blood that regulate various biological processes, and their altered levels are associated with specific health conditions, including endometriosis.
This new test, called DotEndo, aims to detect miRNA biomarkers related to endometriosis from blood, serum, or saliva samples. Early studies have shown that miRNA levels differ significantly between women with and without endometriosis. A 2020 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology revealed that four miRNA levels increased in women with endometriosis, while two miRNAs decreased, yielding a 96% specificity and 83% sensitivity. These promising results suggest that the test could provide an accurate diagnosis without the need for invasive procedures like laparoscopy.
DotLab is currently conducting larger trials, enrolling 750 women across the U.S. to further validate the test’s effectiveness. If successful, DotEndo could dramatically shorten the diagnostic process for endometriosis and improve accessibility to diagnosis for women who cannot afford surgery or time off from work.
// European developments and the future of treatment
In Europe, a similar test, Endotest, developed by French company Ziwig, is already available. It uses salivary miRNA biomarkers and boasts over 95% accuracy. However, concerns have been raised about its validation in broader populations, as current studies have focused on a limited cohort.
While noninvasive tests like DotEndo and Endotest could revolutionize endometriosis diagnosis, treatment may remain the same. Surgical intervention is often required to remove endometriotic tissue and repair related issues, such as adhesions. Nonetheless, a noninvasive test could affirm a patient’s experience and allow for earlier intervention, reducing the long diagnostic delays many women face.
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