Bloodspot DX – EV-based screening for ​ colorectal cancer​

Colorectal cancer screening using a blood sample​

Today, around six in ten people participate in colorectal cancer screening, which requires them to submit a stool sample. This project aims to develop a blood-based screening test that could make it easier for more people to participate. At the same time, the aim is to improve the accuracy of screening, so that more cases of cancer are detected and fewer people without cancer are referred for unnecessary examinations.

Clinical need​

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Denmark and is associated with high mortality. The effectiveness of systematic cancer screening programmes depends to a large extent on participation rates, which is why there is a need to increase participation from the current level of 60%.

Research indicates that participation may increase if blood-based testing is offered instead of stool-based testing, as collecting a stool sample can be a barrier to participation for many people. In addition, the current test produces many false-positive results that require follow-up examinations such as colonoscopy. This leads to unnecessary costs for the healthcare system and anxiety among citizens.

Solution

The solution is a blood spot-based screening test that is expected to increase participation rates, as blood is generally more acceptable as a sample material than stool.

The blood spot-based screening test is also expected to improve the effectiveness of the analysis, thereby identifying more people with cancer while correctly ruling out cancer in more people without the disease. The project also aims to investigate whether colorectal cancer can generally be detected earlier than with the current method, potentially reducing treatment costs.

Idea originators​

Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg University Hospital; Department of Clinical Biochemistry; and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Aalborg University Hospital.