Luminex Licensed Technologies Partner Spotlight: EDP Biotech
Early detection makes a real difference in outcomes for cancer patients. But for cases of colorectal cancer, detecting tumors in the earliest stages has been virtually impossible. The team at EDP Biotech is committed to changing that by developing a simple, accurate, blood-based diagnostic test for biomarkers of colorectal cancer. They’ve chosen to build this assay on xMAP® Technology due to its multiplexing capabilities and minimal sample requirements. We spoke with CEO Eric Mayer and Lead Scientist Jason Liggett to learn more about EDP Biotech and their exciting new assay…
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and divide in the colon or rectum forming a mass called a tumor. Colorectal cancer usually starts from polyps, an abnormal growth. If the colorectal cancer can be caught at this early stage, small cancerous growths or tumors are easy to remove. If the tumors go undetected for a period of time they grow and will eventually spread to other parts of the body (called metastasis). Once colorectal cancer spreads to other organs or metastasizes, a complete cure of the cancer is unlikely.
Why would a patient need an annual test with ColoMarker®?
- Colorectal cancers are the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.
- Approximately 75% of colorectal cancer occurs in people with no known risk factors.
- Symptoms may not be present until years after the start of colorectal cancer.
- Over half of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with routine screening.
- When diagnosed early enough, the 5-year survival rate for patients with colorectal cancer is greater than 90%.
Stages of Colorectal Cancer
Stage 0– Abnormal cells are found in the innermost lining of the colon.
Stage I – Abnormal cells have become cancerous and spread from the innermost tissue layer of the colon to the middle layer of the colon wall.
Stage II -Cancer has spread beyond the middle layer of the colon wall to nearby tissues or organs.
Stage III – Cancer has spread to the outer layer of the colon wall to nearby tissues or organs and to 3 or more lymph nodes.
Stage IV– Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and has spread to other parts of the body such as the liver or lungs.
