We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

PCR-Based CRC Early Detection Stool Test Fills Important Gap Between FIT and Colonoscopy

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 12 Dec 2022
Print article
Image: ColoAlert is the only CE-IVD DNA based test available in Europe (Photo courtesy of Mainz Biomed)
Image: ColoAlert is the only CE-IVD DNA based test available in Europe (Photo courtesy of Mainz Biomed)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most lethal cancer in the U.S. and Europe, but also the most preventable, with early detection providing survival rates above 90%. Annual testing costs per patient are minimal, especially when compared to late-stage treatments of CRC. One of the main reasons for the large number of late diagnoses is the mostly symptom-free development of CRC. Symptoms are rare in early stages, which is why patients often do not see a doctor until the disease has already progressed. The usual screening procedures are two colonoscopies at a 10-year interval or fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) performed annually or biannually, depending on the country. However, both services involve disadvantages: even though colonoscopies are very precise, they are rarely used, mainly due to the unpleasant procedure and lengthy intestinal cleansing. While occult blood tests are more widely accepted, they can only provide indirect evidence of disease and often only in later, bleeding stages.

Now, a simple-to-administer test detects CRC with a sensitivity and specificity nearly as high as the invasive colonoscopy. The test utilizes proprietary methods to analyze cell DNA for specific tumor markers combined with the FIT. It is designed to detect tumor DNA and CRC cases in their earliest stages. Mainz Biomed N.V.’s (Mainz, Germany) ColoAlert is a highly efficacious, and easy-to-use detection test for CRC that detects bleeding and non-bleeding tumors through tumor DNA analysis and thus offers a better early detection than fecal occult blood (FOB) tests. The ColoAlert stool test was developed to detect changes in the bowel as accurately and early as possible.

Colorectal cancer originates from the genetic mutation of intestinal cells. These are continuously excreted through the stool and can be examined for tumor DNA using modern genetic diagnostic methods. ColoAlert analyses samples for the following tumor makers: KRAS-mutation, BRAF-mutation, total amount of human DNA, and occult blood. These tumor markers can be associated with the occurrence of cancer. By analyzing tumor DNA, ColoAlert detects 85% of CRC cases and often in very early stages of the disease.

Clinical studies also confirm the advantages of tumor DNA analysis. In a multi-centric study, a total of 566 patients were examined simultaneously using the occult blood test, M2-PK test and ColoAlert. All methods were also compared with the colonoscopy. With a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 92%, ColoAlert showed the most accurate test results among the non-invasive screening methods. ColoAlert is the only CE-IVD DNA based test available in Europe and fills the important gap between FIT and colonoscopy.

Related Links:
Mainz Biomed N.V.

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
New
Gold Member
Plasma Control
Plasma Control Level 1

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.