Milestone Scientific's ECB Introduces Innovative Method for Non-Invasive Colorectal Cancer Detection
- Milestone Scientific is not mentioned in the content provided regarding colorectal cancer detection advancements.
- El Capitan Biosciences developed an innovative method for non-invasive colorectal cancer detection using mRNA biomarkers.
- The study shows significant improvements in CRC detection compared to traditional tests, with high sensitivity and specificity.
Innovative Biomarker Discovery Method Set to Transform Colorectal Cancer Detection
A recent peer-reviewed study published in Scientific Reports showcases a pioneering bioinformatics approach developed by El Capitan Biosciences (ECB) for the non-invasive detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenomas (AA). This research employs a two-step strategy, initially utilizing a computational screen of publicly available tissue databases to identify promising mRNA biomarkers. These biomarkers are then validated through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) on 114 clinical stool samples, which encompass 33 cases of CRC, 28 advanced adenomas, and 53 control samples. The results reveal that the multi-gene mRNA panel achieves an impressive Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.94 for CRC detection, with a sensitivity of 75.5% and specificity of 95%. In comparison, the AUC for advanced adenomas stands at 0.83, with a sensitivity of 55.8% and specificity of 92.6%. These metrics substantially outperform the traditional fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), which have a sensitivity range of only 10-40%.
Wenying Pan, CEO of El Capitan Biosciences, underlines the significance of this novel detection method in enhancing early identification of precancerous lesions, potentially enabling timely interventions and reducing cancer progression. The proprietary platform developed by ECB extracts human-host RNA from stool samples, combined with a comprehensive whole-transcriptome biomarker discovery system. This advancement is expected to provide pharmaceutical companies with valuable omics data, facilitating the discovery of new drug targets and improving the success rates of clinical trials. The study, titled "Bioinformatic screen with clinical validation for the identification of novel stool-based mRNA biomarkers for the detection of colorectal lesions including advanced adenoma," is available online, although it is crucial to note that this investigational method is not yet cleared or approved by the U.S. FDA.
El Capitan Biosciences is poised to impact the colorectal cancer detection landscape significantly. By leveraging innovative bioinformatics and clinical validation methods, the company addresses a critical need for improved screening tools. These advancements not only enhance the detection of CRC and AA but also align with the broader goals of precision medicine, whereby tailored healthcare solutions can lead to better patient outcomes. As the healthcare industry shifts toward more effective and less invasive diagnostic techniques, ECB's contributions may pave the way for transformative changes in cancer management.
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