Markers for Early Detection of Colon Cancer

By conducting large-scale genomic screening of all major human tumors, researchers have identified more than 200 methlylation markers for colon cancer in tissue and serum. Methylation patterns indicate the on and off signals for genes. These can be used to create a digitized readout, or Digital Phenotype, for each tissue, according to Epigenomics, Inc. (Berlin, Germany).

The company's facility in Seattle (Oregon, USA) conducted the research that led to the identification of the methylation markers. The comparison of healthy and sick tissue can provide an exact diagnosis of disease at a very early stage and can reveal new therapeutic opportunities. Epigenomics expects to develop validated panels of informative DNA methylation positions for various types of cancer diagnostics, including differential diagnostics, monitoring tests, and serum-based early screening tests.

Epigenomics is focused exclusively on DNA methylation. "We will be able to offer partners in diagnostics a wealth of unique markers unprecedented in molecular diagnostics,” said Gary Schweikhardt, CEO of Epigenomics.




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