mRNA testing is a blood-based diagnostic technology that analyzes tumor-associated mRNA molecular markers in the bloodstream. It is used for ultra-early screening to detect whether tumor cell activity has occurred in the body. The test requires only a small amount of blood and involves no invasive procedure or radiation. Its accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity can reach approximately 93–97%.

Key Features of mRNA Testing:

• Precise and efficient: Multi-marker analysis captures tumors as small as 0.2 cm.

• Safe and convenient: Zero radiation, minimal blood draw, can be done anytime.

• Practical and flexible: Suitable for both screening and follow-up monitoring.

mRNA testing was developed by EpiGolden Biotech and has obtained patents in several countries (including Japan, Germany, Taiwan, and China). Although not yet FDA-certified, it has been widely adopted in clinical practice—similar to many common biomarker tests—and is safe and reliable for the public.

From DNA to mRNA – What’s the Connection?

Everyone’s DNA reflects their constitution and potential health risks. Traditional DNA testing indicates the probability of developing certain diseases in the future but doesn’t show one’s current health status. A high genetic risk does not necessarily mean one will develop cancer, and a low risk does not mean zero chance. The key lies in long-term risk management and regular monitoring.

Tumor marker tests (cancer markers) measure specific proteins secreted by tumors via blood sampling to help assess cancer risk, monitor treatment effectiveness, or detect recurrence. However, these proteins can be affected by inflammation, other diseases, or lifestyle factors, leading to potential false positives or false negatives. Therefore, cancer marker levels alone are insufficient for diagnosis and are mainly used for preliminary screening and follow-up.

mRNA testing, by contrast, focuses on gene activity. When cells are active—such as during tumor growth—specific mRNA molecules surge in number. By analyzing mRNA markers associated with disease and tracking their dynamic changes, mRNA testing can directly reflect whether abnormal tumor cell activity is occurring in the body.

The process only requires a small sample of venous blood. By analyzing multiple cancer-related mRNA markers, it assesses the number and activity of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). As a simple blood test, it requires no invasive surgery or high-dose radiation. Using multiple markers at once allows mRNA testing to capture core tumor signals more precisely, reducing false results and functioning as a reliable early warning system.

In the field of early cancer screening, in addition to mRNA testing, a breakthrough technology known as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing has also emerged.

ctDNA refers to DNA fragments released into the bloodstream by tumor cells during metabolism, growth, or apoptosis (cell death). These DNA fragments carry tumor-specific genetic features—such as mutations, methylation changes, or copy number variations—that directly reflect molecular-level information about the tumor.

Compared with mRNA testing, ctDNA has several key advantages:

• Greater stability: DNA is more stable and less prone to degradation than mRNA, allowing tumor genetic information to be preserved more accurately and reducing errors during sample handling.

• Clearer genetic indicators: ctDNA can directly reveal mutations, rearrangements, or methylation patterns linked to cancer, helping identify cancer types, predict treatment response, and monitor recurrence.

• Higher sensitivity: Advanced digital PCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies can detect minute traces of tumor DNA in the blood, outperforming traditional protein-based markers.

• Broader clinical applications: Beyond early screening, ctDNA testing is widely used in treatment monitoring, detection of minimal residual disease (MRD), and personalized cancer therapy.

In summary, mRNA testing focuses on the dynamic activity of tumor cells—making it excellent for early detection—while ctDNA testing provides molecular-level insights into genetic mutations with superior stability and precision. When used together, they offer comprehensive cancer management—from early risk detection to continuous disease monitoring.

How Can It Tell What Type of Tumor It Is?
Tumor cells from different organs carry distinct sets of mRNA molecular markers when entering the bloodstream. Chip-based technologies can identify these unique signatures to locate the potential origin—such as the lung or liver—guiding doctors for targeted follow-up examinations.

Does an Abnormal Result Mean I Have Cancer?
If the report shows mild abnormalities, you can start by improving your lifestyle and retest after about two months.
If results return to normal, you may resume regular checkup intervals; if the levels continue to rise, please consult your doctor as soon as possible. The numerical values themselves have no absolute meaning, so if you have any doubts, seek professional medical advice and avoid unnecessary anxiety.

Who Should Take mRNA or ctDNA Tests?

• Healthy individuals: Once a year

• High-risk individuals (family history or environmental exposure): Every six months

• Patients during or after treatment: One week after surgery or ten days after chemotherapy, with continued monitoring every six months

Human Health offers several cancer risk assessment programs available on its online store, including:

• SPOT-MAS Women 10 Types Multi-Cancer Early Detection (HCDNA01): HK$3,860 (original HK$9,650) 

• SPOT-MAS Men 8 Types Multi-Cancer Early Detection (HCDNA02): HK$3,160 (original HK$7,900)

All programs can be purchased through the Human Health eShop.
For inquiries, please call the service hotline at 2397 2111.