Study summary
A blood test for a tumor marker, miR-371, picked up hidden active cancer accurately
97%of negative test results correctly ruled out active cancer (specificity)
What was tested
A pooled look at studies measuring a microRNA called miR-371a-3p in blood before surgery to remove lymph nodes at the back of the abdomen (RPLND).
What they found
- The test correctly identified 76% of people with active cancer in their lymph nodes.
- It rarely flagged cancer that was not there: specificity was 97%.
- It cannot detect teratoma, a slow-growing type that needs surgery.
- Testing is not yet standardized between labs.
What it means
A promising way to spare some men surgery or chemotherapy. It is not yet part of standard guidelines.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team.
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