Freenome to Share Updated Validation Results for CRC Blood Test at ACG 2026
Freenome reported validation results for its updated SimpleScreen blood test for colorectal cancer, showing better sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions. Sensitivity for those lesions increased to 18.2% from 13.7%, and for high-grade dysplasia it rose to 41.9% from 30.5%, while cancer sensitivity held at 80.4% and specificity was 90% in people with no colonoscopy findings. The full results will be presented at ACG on October 14, 2026; the first-generation test was FDA-approved in July 2026 and launched in the U.S. through Abbott Cancer Diagnostics in late September.
Freenome's next-generation SimpleScreen blood test for colorectal cancer showed stronger detection of advanced precancerous lesions than its earlier version. In validation data, sensitivity for those lesions reached 18.2%, up from 13.7% in the original PREEMPT CRC study, while high-grade dysplasia sensitivity rose to 41.9% from 30.5%.
Cancer detection stayed at 80.4%, and specificity was 90% for participants whose colonoscopy found nothing. The company plans a late-breaking oral presentation at ACG on October 14, 2026. Its first-generation test won FDA approval in July 2026 and began U.S. commercial launch through Abbott Cancer Diagnostics in late September.
A blood-based colorectal cancer screening option may make testing easier for people who avoid colonoscopy, potentially improving early detection among average-risk adults. Yet modest sensitivity for precancerous lesions could mean some are missed, so it may complement rather than replace colonoscopy. Patients, clinicians, and payers could face decisions about access, follow-up, and cost.