The quest for a non-invasive endometriosis test: Insights from Mount Sinai’s Dr. Khalil
- Esther Tran-Le
- Apr 27
- 4 min read
Endometriosis diagnosis without surgery? Let’s talk about it.
Endometriosis affects millions of people worldwide yet remains notoriously difficult to diagnose. For decades, the gold standard for diagnosis has been laparoscopy, an invasive surgical procedure. But according to Dr. Susan Khalil, gynecologic surgeon and endometriosis specialist at Mount Sinai, the future may finally hold less invasive, more accessible diagnostic tools.
The following conversation has been edited from a live webinar hosted by MyAdvo in partnership with Dr. Khalil where they discuss the evolving landscape of endometriosis diagnosis — from current limitations to emerging innovations in biomarker research and AI imaging. MyAdvo members get free access to the video replay.
MyAdvo: Dr. Khalil, thank you so much for joining us. Let’s dive in — what’s exciting you the most right now in endometriosis research?
Dr. Khalil: Thank you! I’ve dedicated my career to caring for patients with complex gynecologic conditions like endometriosis. Right now, I’m really focused on three main goals:
Creating a non-invasive blood test for earlier diagnosis.
Improving imaging tools like MRI and ultrasound.
Enhancing surgical training and access so more patients can receive expert care.
MyAdvo: Why is laparoscopy still considered the gold standard for diagnosis — and what are its limitations?
Dr. Khalil: Great question. In the U.S., we rely on surgical diagnosis because our current imaging tools — ultrasound, MRI — aren’t fully reliable. Only direct tissue removal and analysis can confirm endometriosis 100%. But it’s frustrating. We live in a world where your phone can measure distance or recognize your face, and yet we still have to cut someone open to know what’s happening inside their body. That’s why we’re pushing for innovation.
Research on inflammatory biomarkers: redefining endometriosis diagnosis
MyAdvo: Your research team has been studying specific proteins associated with endometriosis. Can you tell us more?
Dr. Khalil: Yes! We’re analyzing inflammatory biomarkers — proteins that may uniquely signal the presence of endometriosis. In a pilot study with chronic pain patients and healthy control patients, we’ve already found exciting differences. To validate the test, we need a larger sample size, and that means funding. Each specimen costs about $200 — not including staff time, data collection, etc. But this blood test could eventually replace surgery as the first step in diagnosis.
MyAdvo: What’s the role of inflammation in all of this?
Dr. Khalil: There’s growing evidence that endometriosis is a systemic inflammatory disease, not just a reproductive one. That matters because it opens the door to non-hormonal treatments — like biologics used for autoimmune diseases. Reframing it this way could also help destigmatize the disease and attract more scientific attention and funding.
Future tools for diagnosing endometriosis early
MyAdvo: Speaking of innovation, we know you’re also working on imaging. What’s happening there?
Dr. Khalil: We’re using machine learning models to enhance MRI and laparoscopic image interpretation. The question I asked was, “If my iPhone can recognize my face, why can’t it find early-stage endometriosis?” We have support from the National Science Foundation to develop AI tools that can make diagnosis more accurate and more accessible — even in non-specialist settings.
MyAdvo: Are there other non-invasive tests out there patients should be excited about?
Dr. Khalil: There’s a lot in development — saliva tests in France, blood tests in Australia, stool tests in the U.S. — but none are clinically validated yet. The only one on the U.S. market is ReceptivaDx, and that’s mostly for infertility workups. I support all of these efforts. Endometriosis presents in many ways, so we may need multiple diagnostic tools tailored to different patients.
MyAdvo: How do genetics play into diagnosis?
Dr. Khalil: If you have a first-degree relative with endometriosis, you’re four to ten times more likely to have it yourself. That’s why asking your mother, aunt, or grandmother about their periods or fertility history can be revealing. Just like we screen for breast cancer based on family history, we should be thinking similarly about endometriosis.
Improving interdisciplinary endometriosis care across specialties
MyAdvo: Interdisciplinary care is a huge issue — how do we fix the fragmentation?
Dr. Khalil: That’s where models like the upcoming Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health at Mount Sinai come in. We’re creating a center where patients can access gynecologists, GI specialists, pelvic floor therapists, and nutritionists under one roof. But even outside specialized centers, the first step is finding a provider who listens to you. The best outcomes come from collaborative care.
MyAdvo: How close are we to a clinically available non-invasive diagnostic test?
Dr. Khalil: I wish I could say “this year.” If I’m being realistic, I’d say two to three years, assuming we secure enough funding and validation. But the momentum is real. We’re not just talking — we’re doing the work.
Current endometriosis treatment options without surgery
MyAdvo: What can patients do in the meantime, especially those who can’t undergo surgery?
Dr. Khalil: Currently, the evidence-based treatments include:
Hormonal medications like birth control pills
GnRH agonists/antagonists (though side effects can be intense)
Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
Unfortunately, we still need a whole new class of medications — and that’s what I hope inflammation research will eventually lead to.
MyAdvo: Lastly, how can our community support your research?
Dr. Khalil: Every bit helps — whether it’s spreading awareness, donating, or simply staying engaged. We’re doing this for the future generation of women, so they don’t have to suffer in silence or wait a decade for answers.
Support endometriosis research and find community
Make a donation to support Dr. Khalil and her team at Mount Sinai’s ongoing efforts to transform endometriosis diagnosis and care.
Explore additional resources from MyAdvo about evaluating endometriosis surgeons, preparing for surgery, and tips to advocate for yourself and the care you deserve. We hope you’ll also join the MyAdvo community to connect, share, and support others who are also navigating life with endometriosis.
Sources:
