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05/02/2015
Scientists Develop £20 Bowel Cancer Test
A new £20 blood test for bowel cancer has been developed by researchers, which could save thousands of lives by detecting the disease at its earliest stages.
The collaboration, between researchers from the Biomedical Diagnostics Institute (BDI) at Dublin City University and Irish biotech firm Randox Laboratories, pledges that the new test will be a significant breakthrough in the diagnosis of bowel cancer and could be available for widespread use by the end of next year.
Studies show that the identification of these very specific biomarkers will allow for a test which is more sensitive and accurate than existing screening.
Professor Richard O'Kennedy, Scientific Director of BDI, said: "Typically patients who experience the symptoms of bowel cancer may visit their doctor.
"This new, quick and non-invasive test will help in identifying patients with bowel cancer earlier, so they are sent for colonoscopy and thus treated more effectively.
"Survival rates from bowel cancer are closely associated with the stage at diagnosis. More than half of people with bowel cancer are diagnosed in the later stages, requiring more complex treatment, with a poorer chance of survival.
"The aim of this new test is to find the cancer at the earliest possible stage, when it is easier to treat, improving outcomes for patients."
The new test will be implemented on Randox's proprietary Biochip Array Technology detection platform.
(CD/JP)
The collaboration, between researchers from the Biomedical Diagnostics Institute (BDI) at Dublin City University and Irish biotech firm Randox Laboratories, pledges that the new test will be a significant breakthrough in the diagnosis of bowel cancer and could be available for widespread use by the end of next year.
Studies show that the identification of these very specific biomarkers will allow for a test which is more sensitive and accurate than existing screening.
Professor Richard O'Kennedy, Scientific Director of BDI, said: "Typically patients who experience the symptoms of bowel cancer may visit their doctor.
"This new, quick and non-invasive test will help in identifying patients with bowel cancer earlier, so they are sent for colonoscopy and thus treated more effectively.
"Survival rates from bowel cancer are closely associated with the stage at diagnosis. More than half of people with bowel cancer are diagnosed in the later stages, requiring more complex treatment, with a poorer chance of survival.
"The aim of this new test is to find the cancer at the earliest possible stage, when it is easier to treat, improving outcomes for patients."
The new test will be implemented on Randox's proprietary Biochip Array Technology detection platform.
(CD/JP)
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