Breakthrough in Non-Invasive Colorectal Cancer Screening
A recent study conducted in Thailand has shown that multitarget stool DNA testing could be a highly effective and non-invasive approach for detecting colorectal cancer (CRC). Led by BGI Genomics in collaboration with a team from the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, this cross-sectional study involved both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention in October 2024, the study is a milestone in colorectal cancer research, suggesting stool DNA testing as a potential alternative to colonoscopy, especially in areas where traditional screening is limited or less accepted.
Researchers, including Professor Varut Lohsiriwat and Dr. Aitsariya Mongkhonsupphawan from Mahidol University, assessed the test’s performance by comparing its results against colonoscopy findings, which served as the reference standard. The multitarget stool DNA test focused on methylation in genes linked to colorectal cancer, such as SDC2, ADHFE1, and PPP2R5C, and evaluated factors like sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in detecting both CRC and advanced adenomas, known precursors to cancer.
Study Findings and Potential of DNA Methylation Test
The study included 274 Thai participants, with an average age of 62 and a predominantly female cohort. The multitarget stool DNA test demonstrated a high sensitivity of 91.5% and specificity of 90.3% for detecting CRC, making it a reliable screening option for early cancer detection. Its sensitivity held steady across various types of colon lesions, recording 92.3% for right-sided lesions and 91.2% for left-sided ones. The test also showed promise for detecting advanced colorectal neoplasms, including advanced adenomas, with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 91.9%.
BGI Genomics’ COLOTECT® stool DNA testing kits were used for the study, highlighting a non-invasive, equipment-free screening tool based on DNA methylation profiling. The multitarget stool DNA test requires no dietary restrictions and poses no invasive risks, making it a convenient option for those hesitant to undergo colonoscopy. DNA methylation-based CRC detection is becoming widely recognized, as screening guidelines increasingly incorporate this approach.
Global Collaboration for Cancer Awareness and Research
The positive results from this Thai study underscore the potential for stool DNA testing to support early colorectal cancer detection, especially in regions where colonoscopy is less accessible. In June 2024, BGI Genomics took further steps to foster global awareness by inviting Professor Lohsiriwat and Dr. Zhu Shida from BGI Genomics to review the 2024 Global State of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Report, sharing insights on CRC awareness gaps and possible interventions.
BGI Genomics has long collaborated with Mahidol University’s Professor Lohsiriwat as part of its international science education initiative, “Your Health, Our Concern.” This program, launched in 2022, aims to educate global communities about cancer prevention and treatment. With support from experts and innovative technology like the COLOTECT® Stool DNA Methylation Test, which detects abnormal methylation patterns linked to colorectal cancer, BGI Genomics hopes to reduce the global burden of CRC and contribute to more accessible cancer diagnostics worldwide.
