Research to develop first blood test to detect bowel cancer funded by Irish Cancer Society
To mark Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (April), it was announced today that new research to develop the first blood test to detect bowel cancer earlier in patients is being funded by the Irish Cancer Society at the Biomedical Diagnostics Institute (BDI) at Dublin City University. The blood test aims to identify bowel cancer in patients who may or may not be considered at higher risk of the disease, so they can be treated sooner.
The research, being led by Dr Gregor Kijanka, has been looking at the possibility that the immune system can recognise bowel cancer cells or tumours. Initial findings show that changes in cells that lead to bowel cancer are sometimes seen by the human body, which makes antibodies against it. Antibodies are small particles in the blood which the human body normally makes to fight off bacteria or viruses. While these antibodies are not strong enough to defeat the cancer, they can help researchers detect cancer very early, before it grows large and becomes life threatening to the patient.
Cancer of the bowel (or colorectal cancer) happens when cells in the bowel change and grow much faster than usual. While bowel cancer is a very serious illness, early diagnosis leads to improved survival. If bowel cancer is found early, the growth is small and can be removed leaving the person healthy, and needing less treatment. According to Dr Gregor Kijanka, “Typically patients who experience the symptoms of bowel cancer may visit their doctor when they have a number of complaints such as a change in bowel habit; passing blood in the stool; feeling of fullness after going to the toilet; or pain in the lower abdomen. These symptoms can be confusing for the patient and they may not be alerted to their seriousness. Our goal is to use antibodies identified in patients with bowel cancer to develop a quick non-invasive blood test that would detect bowel cancer earlier in patients who may or may not be considered at higher risk, so they are treated faster and remain healthy.”
Professor John Fitzpatrick, Head of Research at the Irish Cancer Society, which is the largest voluntary funder of cancer research in Ireland, said, “Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in Ireland, with more than 2,200 people diagnosed with the disease each year, and is almost equally common in men and women. It is also the second most common cause of cancer death in the country. It is our view that a blood test for bowel cancer has the potential to improve the capability and cost-effectiveness of early detection as a viable strategy for reducing mortality from this disease. It will not replace colonoscopy, but rather influence clinical decision-making through effective stratification of patients for colonoscopy and improve early detection which will inevitably improve outcomes for patients in Ireland.”
The Irish Cancer Society has contributed more than €30 million to cancer research since 1963. Over the past 30 years, research funded by the Society has led to major advances in cancer research and more than 650 important research findings have been discovered. Currently, the Society is supporting 33 researchers as they investigate a number of potentially important discoveries in all types of cancer including breast, colorectal, ovarian, leukaemia, oesophageal, lung, prostate and metastatic cancers.
Further information
Read more about bowel cancer including symptoms and treatments.
The Irish Cancer Society’s National Cancer Helpline offers free, confidential advice, support and information on any question about cancer. Anyone concerned about bowel cancer can ring in confidence and speak to a specialist nurse on Freefone 1800 200 700 (Mon - Thurs, 9am - 7pm, Fri 9am - 5pm).
For further information on the Irish Cancer Society’s programme or to make a donation, visit www.cancer.ie/donate or contact the Irish Cancer Society on Call Save 1850 60 60 60.
The Irish Cancer Society’s Research Programme
The Irish Cancer Society is Ireland’s national cancer charity and is committed to driving the agenda for cancer research in Ireland through their substantial commitment and investment in cancer research. In 2011, the society invested a significant sum of more than €3.1 million in cancer research, making the Society the largest voluntary funder of cancer research in Ireland. This funding is in addition to the €26.3 million the society has contributed to cancer research since 1963.
The society is also committed to the next generation of cancer researchers in Ireland. Each year, the Irish Cancer Society hosts a Research Awards Ceremony that recognises and awards new funding to scientists, doctors, and other researchers who will lead the way in cancer research in Ireland in the future. Their research spans all cancer types and is contributing to the worldwide knowledge of cancer. The Irish Cancer Society is committed to improving the lives of those affected by prostate cancer by supporting world class research and survivorship programmes.
Cancer rates are expected to rise over the next eight years and it is estimated that by 2020 40,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Ireland each year. The Irish Cancer Society is reliant on donations from the general public to fulfill their vision to play a vital role in achieving world-class cancer services in Ireland, to ensure fewer people get cancer and those that do have better outcomes. The Society’s goals are focused around prevention, survival and quality of life with three programme areas to achieve them; advocacy, cancer services and research.
See www.cancer.ie/research for more.
