Study Aiming to Test Whether Non-invasive Liquid Biopsies Can Safely Reduce Invasive Surveillance Methods in Lynch Syndrome

Overview

Lynch syndrome is an inherited genetic predisposition that increases the risk of developing several types of cancer, particularly colon and rectal cancers (colorectal cancer), as well as cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer). It affects around 1 in 400 people in Europe. Today, surveillance mainly relies on examinations such as colonoscopy (an examination of the colon using a camera) or gynaecological evaluations, sometimes accompanied by biopsies (the removal of a small tissue sample for microscopic analysis). Although effective, these procedures are invasive and demanding; they can affect quality of life and discourage some individuals from adhering to their recommended surveillance programme. The European project PREDI-LYNCH is exploring an additional pathway that is simpler and better tolerated. This project relies on "liquid biopsies", meaning tests performed on easily collected samples such as blood, urine, stool, and vaginal swabs for women with a uterus. The PREDI-LYNCH study aims to determine whether these non-invasive tests could enable personalised surveillance and potentially increase the interval between more burdensome procedures, while maintaining a high level of medical safety.

This European clinical study evaluates whether non-invasive liquid biopsy tests (blood, urine, stool and vaginal samples when applicable) can improve cancer surveillance in adults with genetically confirmed Lynch syndrome (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 or EPCAM). The trial compares two strategies: standard follow-up with colonoscopy every 18 months versus an approach combining annual liquid biopsies with a colonoscopy every 36 months. The main outcome is the number of new cancer cases diagnosed, confirmed by standard procedures. Secondary outcomes include early cancer detection, lesion identification, diagnostic timing, feasibility, quality of life and healthcare use. Each positive test leads to fast confirmatory exams. The aim is to determine if liquid biopsies can safely reduce invasive procedures while maintaining effective cancer monitoring.