New DNA Test for Colorectal Cancer

A new DNA-based colorectal cancer test is not a predictive test but a test to detect the presence of actual disease in people with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). People with HNPCC have an 80% lifetime risk of developing the disease.

The test, a stool-sample test called PreGen-26, is based on proprietary genomics technology of Exact Sciences Corp. (Maynard, MA, USA) and is being commercialized by Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp, Burlington, NC, USA). In active colorectal cancer, DNA from tumors is shed into the colon and carried out of the body in stool. Patients will collect stool samples and send them to LabCorp. After using the test to analyze stool samples, the company will send the test results to the patient's doctor for use in determining future monitoring and treatment.

"LabCorp's offering of PreGen-26 reaffirms our commitment to apply today's knowledge of genetics to yield improved clinical information for physicians and patients,” said Thomas P. MacMahon, chairman and CEO of LabCorp.





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Exact Sciences
LabCorp