New Publication | Novel Epigenetic Test Dramatically Reduces Diagnostic Costs for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and Unnecessary Invasive Procedures

London, April 13, 2026 – A cost-minimisation analysis published in Value in Health shows that using a novel methylation biomarker test as a first-line screening tool for abnormal uterine bleeding can significantly reduce healthcare costs and unnecessary invasive procedures compared to traditional transvaginal ultrasound.

I. Key Research Findings

This study, based on data from the EPI-SURE prospective study, revealed the following key findings:

· Substantial reduction in invasive procedures: Using the novel methylation test as a primary screening tool, only 12% of patients required subsequent invasive procedures (such as hysteroscopy or biopsy), compared to 57% under the traditional ultrasound pathway.

· Significant economic benefits: At a test price of £150, an average saving of £152 per patient could be achieved.

· Breakthrough price point: The study calculated a break-even price of £302 for the test, meaning cost savings are achieved at any price below this threshold.

II. Outstanding Clinical Value

Lead author Dr. Tristan M. Snowsill from the University of Exeter Medical School noted: "Abnormal uterine bleeding is a 'red flag' symptom for endometrial cancer, but 97% of cases have benign causes. Current diagnostic pathways relying on ultrasound lack specificity, leading to large numbers of patients undergoing unnecessary and uncomfortable procedures." By analyzing specific DNA methylation levels in cervicovaginal samples, this test maintains the same sensitivity as ultrasound (both detect all cancers) while improving specificity from 79.1% to 92.1%, enabling more accurate differentiation between benign and malignant lesions.

III. Greater Benefits for Special Populations

The study showed that non-white women and obese women (BMI≥35 kg/m²) benefit even more: the break-even price for non-white women reached £331, and the ultrasound failure rate for obese women was 43%, compared to only 7% for the novel test, demonstrating superior technical feasibility.

IV. Addressing Healthcare System Pain Points

Between 2013 and 2023, urgent gynecologic oncology referrals in the UK doubled, and non-urgent gynecology appointment wait times often exceeded 18 weeks. This objective molecular test requires no major equipment investment and can be performed through centralized laboratories, helping to alleviate pressure on ultrasound and hysteroscopy resources.

V. Localization Implications for China's Endometrial Cancer Prevention Strategy

China's endometrial cancer incidence is growing at an average annual rate of 8.6%, and in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, it has become the fastest-growing gynecologic malignancy. Beijing data from 2025 show that new endometrial cancer cases have for the first time surpassed cervical cancer.

Notably, the CDO1/CELF4 dual-gene methylation detection independently developed by Chinese research teams has obtained the NMPA Class III medical device registration (National Medical Device Registration No. 20243402610), achieving a sensitivity of 94.51% and specificity of 94.16% through non-invasive cervical sampling, with three major localization advantages:

1. Precisely matched to Chinese population characteristics, with detection thresholds developed based on local patient cohorts;

2. Sample collection requires no specialized equipment, making it suitable for county-level medical institutions and supporting tiered diagnosis and treatment;

3. Can integrate into national two-cancer screening programs, sharing the sampling workflow with HPV testing.

Beijing has incorporated early diagnosis and treatment of endometrial cancer into the "Healthy Beijing 2030" key action plan, with plans to establish a screening and prevention network covering 2 million high-risk individuals during 2026–2030. This study provides important evidence for optimizing existing screening pathways.

VI. Future Outlook

The research team emphasized that this cost-minimisation analysis did not yet incorporate quality-of-life improvements associated with reducing invasive procedures (such as reduced pain, anxiety, and time costs), meaning actual societal benefits may be even higher. With the development of epigenetic technology, 2026 is poised to become a pivotal turning point for China's endometrial cancer screening—transitioning from the "structural imaging era" to the "molecular diagnostics era."

Source: Snowsill TM, et al. Cost-minimisation analysis of the WID-qEC epigenetic biomarker compared to transvaginal ultrasound for triaging abnormal uterine bleeding. Value in Health. 2026.

About CISPOLY

CISPOLY · Beijing Origin-Poly

Beijing Origin-Poly Co., Ltd. is a technology enterprise driven by innovation and committed to health. As a pioneer in the field of early diagnosis of gynecologic tumors, CISPOLY has developed early detection products for cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and other gynecologic malignancies based on proprietary technologies and patent-protected biomarkers, filling gaps in this field.

As women's awareness of their own health continues to grow, the women's health market holds tremendous potential. Beyond the gynecologic tumor early screening and diagnosis product line, CISPOLY will continue to establish additional women's health-related product pipelines, striving to become a technology innovation leader in the women's health market.