Colon cancer screening in peripheral blood arrives to Spain

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The new test commercialized by the laboratory, CGC Genetics (CircaGen), is carried out from a blood sample and identifies 75% of colon tumors at early stage.
Moncloa Hospital implemented the first test with sensitive detection of colorectal cancer in peripheral blood. It is the first hospital in Spain to incorporate this screening test, which is already used in Germany and Italy.

The test is designed for colon cancer screening in people older than 50 years and identifies more than 75% of tumors at an early stage, with a degree of specificity and sensitivity higher than the current screening techniques.
The test detects the expression of the gene Septin 9 (SEPT9), present in more than 90% of colorectal cancers.
 

"The possibility of having a (colon cancer) screening test for blood helps to increase the level of acceptance of the population to screen for the disease" said Juan Jose Fernandez Ramos, general manager of Hospital Moncloa. "The aim is to increase the percentage of detection in the early stages without the need to use uncomfortable tests, such as the detection of occult blood in feces, reaching higher levels of prevention."
An accessible test, more convenient and secure.

As explained by Sagrario Mayoral, Deputy Director of the Hospital Moncloa, a test performed from a blood sample avoids patient intervention and a second visit for sample delivery, as required for the detection of occult blood in feces.
The analysis does not require preparation and can be accomplished without the need for the patient to fast. The test is cost effective can be integrated into an analytical monitoring program, complemented with other factors. The results can be provided within 15 days.

Maria Orera, Medical Director of CGC Genetics (CircaGen), noted "a positive test result means that if the presence of tumor marker (SEPT9) was detected in plasma, it would be necessary to perform a colonoscopy or other similar techniques for the diagnosis of an actual tumor.” If the result is negative with no symptoms, the test should be repeated once a year."

The incidence of colon cancer in Spain surpasses 25,000 new cases each year and is the second leading cause of death by cancer, with a similar incidence in men and women.
However, it is also a type of cancer with high possibility of early detection and better response to treatment at early stages. It is of great importance to screen the population at risk, such as people older than 50 years of age.