Research & Teaching

Current diagnostic methods for endometriosis are invasive and often delayed. cfmiRs offer a non-invasive liquid biopsy (i.e. blood test) alternative, with studies already showing their ability to differentiate endometriosis patients from controls with high accuracy. Blood-based cfmiR panels could allow earlier detection and reduce the reliance on surgery to make a diagnosis or at least point towards those who are most likely to benefit from surgical diagnosis and excision. Because cfmiRs reflect disease-specific molecular changes, their use could standardize early, non-invasive screening strategies.  

Of the 20 miRNAs detected in endometriosis tissues by our assay, eight have been previously shown as potential cfmiRs for endometriosis.  Thus, we are adding to the current knowledge base and further exploring the accuracy (ROC curve sensitivity and specificity) of potential for blood testing. 

Endometriosis recurrence after surgery or treatment is all too common and may be related to the quality of surgery or the aggressiveness of endometriosis in an individual, or both.  Unfortunately, current follow-up methods are limited. cfmiR signatures may serve as dynamic indicators of residual disease or recurrence, similar to their utility in oncology for tracking tumor relapse.  By serially measuring cfmiR levels, clinicians could personalize follow-up intervals and intervene earlier if recurrence risk is detected.

Beyond detection, cfmiRs may reveal pathways driving disease persistence and therapy resistance. Certain cfmiRs are already linked to angiogenesis, inflammation, and hormonal signaling—key mechanisms in endometriosis. Their expression patterns could help stratify patients for different therapies, predict treatment response, or guide novel therapeutic targets. Similar cfmiR-driven strategies have been used in cancer and central nervous system (CNS) disease models.