Cancer detection by analysing non-invasively collected colorectal mucus

Background and study aims
Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer, is the third most common cancer. It is a global healthcare problem, causing almost 700,000 deaths worldwide every year. This disease usually affects people over the age of 50 and does not produce symptoms at its early stages. Very often CRC is detected too late to be successfully treated. Early detection of this cancer, especially through population screening, saves lives, but the existing tests used for this purpose are not sensitive enough or too expensive. DiagNodus Ltd has recently developed a new technique for collecting samples of colorectal mucus which can be used to measure the levels of chemicals called biomarkers and detect inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). As it is well known that CRC also produces dramatic changes in colorectal mucus, it is highly likely that CRC biomarkers can be found in this material as well. The aim of this study is to examine if the new approach devised by DiagNodus Ltd is suitable for detecting CRC.
Who can participate?
Patients aged over 45 with confirmed colorectal cancer, and tumour-free patients for comparison
What does the study involve?
Participants have their diagnoses confirmed by colonoscopy, a test where the doctor looks at the inner lining of the colon using a thin, flexible tube. Participants are then provided with a kit for sample collection and are instructed to collect two samples of colorectal mucus 3-5 days after colonoscopy (CRC patients usually have surgery at least two weeks after colonoscopy). Sample collection is performed by the participants at home. Once samples are collected, they are sent to the laboratory of DiagNodus Ltd, where all planned laboratory tests are carried out. The results of the tests are matched to diagnostic information (colonoscopy) at the end of the study.