Developing a Blood Test for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer

A convenient diagnostic test that’s easier than a colonoscopy or a stool test and will help save lives

Developing a Blood Test for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the western world. The longer it takes to detect the cancer, the more complicated, toxic and expensive it is to treat and the more deadly it becomes. The gold standard test is a colonoscopy but it’s invasive, expensive and difficult to perform for large groups of people. Another way to check for CRC is with a stool test, called a fecal immunohistochemical test (or, FIT). But fewer than 40 per cent of people will do the FIT test because it’s unpleasant and inconvenient.

BME researchers have developed a blood test to diagnose CRC. In collaboration with Med-Life Discoveries and Innovate Calgary, interdisciplinary researchers are refining the test and developing software to enhance how the results are analyzed. They are also checking the test with blood samples from 3,500 people who have had screening colonoscopies before performing clinical trials. This new diagnostic test will provide a more convenient and comfortable screening tool to detect colorectal cancer earlier leading to faster treatment and improved patient outcomes.

Partners

Med-Life Discoveries
Innovate Calgary