Significant Advances in the Detection of Colon Cancer
In a revolutionary step towards a more effective detection of colon cancer, researchers at Hospital del Mar in Barcelona have successfully validated an innovative liquid biopsy test in blood.
Through the analysis of several markers, this methodology improves the sensitivity in the detection of circulating tumor DNA, especially in the early stages of the tumor when it is scarce in blood samples.
Performance Comparable to Conventional Methods
The work, published in the prestigious journal ‘Annals of Oncology’, presents promising results. With 623 blood samples analyzed, it compared favorably with current diagnostic options, claiming comparable performance.
Among the samples, 318 came from people who, between 2017 and 2018, underwent a colonoscopy after testing positive for fecal occult blood in the colon cancer screening program.
Expanding the Spectrum of Markers
Liquid biopsy uses several strategies simultaneously: detection of DNA mutations, methylations and fragmentation, thereby increasing the range of possible tumor-associated markers.
This methodology demonstrates a sensitivity comparable to the faecal occult blood test, an already established test, both in the detection of cancer and in lesions prior to tumors.
Future Perspectives and Citizen Participation
With more than 80% effectiveness in detecting cases, this new type of test can be key to increasing citizen participation in screening programs.
