Consortium aims to advance CRC screening

A collaboration aimed at enhancing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening methods is using Surfix Diagnostics' photonic diagnostic platform and biomarkers to target molecularly-defined high risk precursor lesions and cancer discovered by the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI).

Globally, colorectal cancer impacts 1.9 million people each year, standing as a leading cause of cancer mortality. While current screening initiatives employ the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) to identify blood in stool samples through hemoglobin detection, approximately 25-30% of cancers and 70% of advanced adenomas go undetected, underscoring the need for more refined screening methods

The PHOBICCS project, supported by a PPP grant from the TKI-program Life Sciences & Health of Health~Holland, is centred on the multitargetFIT test(1), developed by researchers at NKI in partnership with NKI spin-off CRCbioscreen and aimed at the detection of three protein biomarkers with a specific molecular profile that makes them prone to progress to cancer.  

Jos Lunenberg, CEO of Surfix Diagnostics, said: "In this project, we will contribute with our innovative photonic diagnostics platform and that fills us with pride and promises to become a great showcase of the power of our platform in early cancer detection."

Dr. Beatriz Carvalho from the NKI's Department of Pathology commented: "With our collective expertise, innovative drive and technological capabilities, we are on track to develop a new screening method that can be further validated through the use of clinical samples available at our institute.”

Dr. Henri Theunissen, CEO of CRCbioscreen, added: "We are thrilled to contribute to this consortium. This project aligns with our mission to enhance CRC patient outcomes, bringing our biomarkers one step closer to making a life-saving difference."

More information online

1 Presented in Lancet Oncology.