City of Hope Develops Blood Test to Detect Colorectal Cancer in Younger Adults
Event summary
- City of Hope is developing a blood test for early detection of colorectal cancer in people under 50, aiming to make it part of annual exams.
- Colorectal cancer rates in people under 50 have increased 2.9% annually from 2013 to 2022, with younger patients often misdiagnosed due to symptom overlap with other conditions.
- City of Hope is advancing treatment approaches, including a Phase 2 study combining chemotherapy with immunotherapies for early-stage rectal cancer.
- A $18.5 million Cancer Moonshot project is focused on understanding colorectal cancer in Hispanic and Latino communities.
The big picture
City of Hope's development of a blood test for early detection of colorectal cancer addresses a critical gap in current screening guidelines, which begin at age 45. The rise in colorectal cancer rates among younger adults underscores the need for age-specific diagnostic tools and treatments. The institution's focus on personalized medicine and advanced immunotherapies positions it at the forefront of combating this growing health crisis.
What we're watching
- Diagnostic Adoption
- The pace at which the blood test gains regulatory approval and becomes integrated into standard screening practices.
- Treatment Efficacy
- The success of Phase 2 trials combining chemotherapy with immunotherapies for early-stage rectal cancer.
- Genomic Research
- The insights derived from the Cancer Moonshot project on colorectal cancer in Hispanic and Latino communities.
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