DCU scientists develop blood test that will speed bowel cancer detection

A breakthrough in blood tests developed by DCU Scientists in the treatment of bowel cancer was announced this week, raising hope they could lead to improved treatment and earlier diagnosis of the disease.

 Scientists have discovered biological markers (biomarkers) – indicators of a biological state – are linked to poor survival rates for the condition.

Professor Richard O'Kennedy, scientific director at DCU's biomedical diagnostics institute said: "This new quick test will help in identifying patients with bowel cancer earlier, so they are sent for colonoscopy and thus treated more effectively. The new blood test should be available by the end of 2016.

"Survival rates from bowel cancer are closely associated with the stage at diagnosis. More than half of people with bowel cancer are diagnosed in the later stages, requiring more complex treatment, with a poorer chance of survival."

'Specific response'

 Dr Julie-Ann O'Reilly, a senior scientist at DCU, said: "The results are clear. The blood test is more sensitive and it is more likely to pick up the people who have the cancer.

"It is more specific and less likely to inaccurately diagnose. The faecal test only detects blood which could arise from other issues. Our test measures the specific response to the presence of tumour cells."

 The research is being carried out by Randox Laboratories working with scientists at Dublin City University.  Randox managing director Dr Peter Fitzgerald said: "If bowel cancer is found early, the growth is typically small and can be removed, leaving the person healthy and needing less treatment." Dr Fitzgerald said the economic benefit to catching this cancer early would also be "considerable".

 Dr Sinead Walsh of the Irish Cancer Society welcomed news of the blood test.  "This is very exciting news.  It will help us move another step forward in our strategy towards a future without cancer. The earlier bowel cancer can be detected, the better the outcome for patients."

 A patent has been granted for the blood exam and if further tests are successful, it could be used as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

 Bowel cancer occurs when the cells in the bowel grow at a faster than normal rate. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in Ireland.