Spain, April 12, 2023.
ColoAlert is a novel non-invasive in vitro diagnostic test for the screening of colorectal cancer (CRC) in stool samples that combines a fecal immunochemical test to detect occult blood, with determinations of genetic tumor biomarkers and human DNA, for the early detection of this type of cancer and/or precancerous lesions, with high sensitivity and specificity
In collaboration with Mainz Biomed, the German company that developed the technique, the Institute of Microecology is launching ColoAlert in Spain and Portugal, a state-of-the-art test that for the first time in Europe combines a fecal immunochemical test for the detection of fecal occult blood with the analysis of KRAS and BRAF genetic tumor biomarkers and quantification of human DNA using PCR techniques. The objective of this innovative test is the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) and/or precancerous lesions, even non-bleeding, with high sensitivity (85%) and specificity (92%). CRC represents the second leading cause of death by cancer and the most frequent malignant tumor in Spain. Its prognosis depends fundamentally on its stage at the time of diagnosis; in early stages, 5-year survival rates are greater than 90%. Screening programs for early detection (general population between 50 and 69 years with average risk) recommend a fecal occult blood detection test every 2 years and a colonoscopy every 10 years. Although a high percentage of this cancer affects people who are in the range between 50 and 75 years, the number of people under 50 who are diagnosed with CRC is increasing. Also in the context of a general increase in the life expectancy of the population, having a non-invasive test for older people not included in the usual programs is a useful tool. By determining genetic mutations and quantifying human DNA, ColoAlert broadens the range of screening methods and can bridge the gap between occult blood testing and colonoscopy. The fecal occult blood test is limited to the detection of bleeding lesions, a circumstance that does not always occur and the positive result is more frequent in evolved phases of the lesions. Colonoscopy has a low participation rate due to the characteristics of the test and a positive ColoAlert result will add arguments in favor of it. ColoAlert uses proprietary methods for DNA analysis and is CE-IVD marked. The procedure is user-friendly and is already available in various EU countries and the United Arab Emirates. On April 27, the Institute for Microecology is organizing a webinar with the participation of Mainz Biomed Vice President Steve Quinn, to present the test to healthcare professionals. Link to register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XhPiwfosRD2-xyj2Lck1YA
Contact Contact name: Institute of Microecology Contact description: Institute of Microecology Contact telephone number: 918 45 98 76
