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The number of colorectal cancer cases in people under 50 is rising worldwide, especially in high-income countries. Possible causes include Western diets, obesity, lack of exercise, and the use of antibiotics, especially in early life and adolescence. However, if colorectal cancer is detected early, the chances of recovery are significantly higher. That is why Hahn-Schickard is working with project partners at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and the German Cancer Research Center to develop new methods for detecting cancer in blood samples.
A promising new approach to the early detection of colorectal cancer, or CRC for short, has now been presented in the journal Analytical Chemistry by the research team led by Dr. Peter Jülg, group leader for liquid biopsy. The article “Coupling Immunoprecipitation with Multiplexed Digital PCR for Cell-Free DNA Methylation Detection in Small Plasma Volumes of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer” describes a blood test based on the innovative combination of two established methods: immunoprecipitation and multiplex digital PCR.
“Promising markers for colorectal cancer have already been identified in blood in recent years. So the foundation has been laid,” says research associate and first author Truong-Tu Truong, who developed the test with Klara Mikloska. “However, widespread application in clinical practice is still in its infancy. By combining existing cancer markers with our novel method, we are taking a decisive step closer to clinical application, especially since we are greatly reducing practical hurdles such as the amount of blood required.”
The new method circumvents this problem through gentle, non-degrading sample preparation while still achieving high diagnostic accuracy: In a pilot study with 32 colorectal cancer patients and 29 control subjects, the test achieved a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 90% with a sample volume twenty times smaller than existing methods with similar accuracy. A mere 500 µL of blood plasma is sufficient, the equivalent to about one-fifth of a teaspoon.
Numerous further studies are needed before such a blood test can be established as part of routine diagnostics. Young scientist Judith Sum, who is further developing the procedure, would particularly like to integrate additional markers to further increase diagnostic accuracy. At the same time, the research team aims to raise awareness of the increasing risk of colorectal cancer among younger people and encourage them to take a more conscious approach to their own health.
The results are part of the OUTLIVE-CRC project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.
Dr. Peter Jülg, Head of Liquid Biopsy
Peter.Juelg@Hahn-Schickard.de
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c01361?ref=article_openPDF
https://www.outlive-crc.uni-luebeck.de/en/consortium Project website of "OUTLIVE-CRC"
The new blood test requires 20 times less blood than comparable existing tests, without any signific ...
Quelle: PR
Copyright: Hahn-Schickard
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The new blood test requires 20 times less blood than comparable existing tests, without any signific ...
Quelle: PR
Copyright: Hahn-Schickard
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