New Blood Test May Detect Early Liver Transplant Rejection: Study Suggests

The study describes how a "liquid biopsy" using circulating, cell-free methylated DNA can identify cellular injury across various compartments of the liver. The research involved analyzing DNA fragments left behind by dying cells found in the bloodstream. These fragments carry unique chemical signatures that reveal not only the type of cell but also its tissue of origin.

Currently, doctors rely on imaging or needle biopsies, which can miss affected areas and pose risks. “With needle biopsies, there’s always the potential for sampling bias, because you’re not sampling the whole liver,” said Alexander Kroemer, MD, PhD, co-author and transplant surgeon at MedStar Georgetown. This new blood test can be repeated frequently, making it a practical tool for close monitoring and early intervention.

The team is also exploring applications in other transplants, radiation therapy, and cancer treatment.

Reference: McNamara, M.E., Jain, S.S., Oza, K. et al. Circulating cell-free DNA methylation patterns indicate cellular sources of allograft injury after liver transplant. Nat Commun 16, 5310 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60507-9