Development and Validation fo an Exosome-Based and Machine Learning Powered Liquid Biopsy for the Detection of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer
City of Hope Medical Center
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) once predominantly affected older individuals, but in recent years has witnessed a progressive increase in incidence among young adults. Once rare, early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC, that is, a CRC diagnosed before the age of 50) now constitutes 10-15% of all newly diagnosed CRC cases and it stands as the first cause of cancer-related death in young men and the second for young women. This study aims to detect EOCRC with a non-invasive test, using a blood-based molecular assay based on microRNA (ribonucleic acid)
Description
The rising incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is a pressing clinical issue unique to our times, and it is expected to grow with an anticipated further 90% increase in incidence by the decade's end. Challenges persist even after reducing the CRC screening age to 45: under-45s lack routine screening and compliance in the 45-50 age group remains low, partly due to invasiveness and discomfort of standard screening methods. Urgent action is warranted to develop affordable, sensitive, and feasible screening for timely detection and improved participation. A non-invasive, patient-frie…