GC Genome Publishes Blood-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Study in International Journal

Detection of Early and Precancerous Stages
Demonstrating Preventive Value

GC Genome, a company specializing in liquid biopsy and clinical genomics analysis, announced on November 27 that it has published joint research results with Professor Byun Jeongshik’s team from Asan Medical Center in the international journal 'The American Journal of Gastroenterology'. The study verified the non-invasive colorectal cancer screening performance of GC Genome's blood-based cancer diagnostic technology.

GC Genome

This study was conducted on a total of 1,677 participants, including 302 patients with colorectal cancer and 108 patients with advanced adenoma. GC Genome applied its proprietary artificial intelligence (AI)-based Fragmentomics technology, which analyzes cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in blood, to its previously launched iCancerCH (multi-cancer blood screening test). The research focused on overcoming the discomfort of conventional colonoscopy and the low compliance of fecal occult blood testing, while aiming to improve early detection rates.

The study demonstrated an accuracy with a diagnostic sensitivity of 90.4% and specificity of 94.7% for colorectal cancer. Notably, it showed high detection rates in Stage 1 colorectal cancer (84.2%) and in early-stage cancers treatable by endoscopic resection (T1N0, 90.0%). In addition, the test detected advanced adenoma, a precancerous stage, with a sensitivity of 58.3%, marking a significant achievement in cancer prevention.

The results showed consistent accuracy regardless of cancer location (left or right side) or age group, indicating that even as a blood-based test, it has strong potential as a colorectal cancer screening method.

A GC Genome representative stated, "Expanding the detection range to include not only colorectal cancer but also precancerous lesions is highly meaningful for early prevention and management. With the international validity of our liquid biopsy and AI analysis technologies now confirmed, we plan to further enhance their use in the colorectal cancer screening market, such as in health checkups, and actively pursue global expansion."

Meanwhile, GC Genome launched its 'iCancerCH (ai-CANCERCH)' product, which applies AI algorithms to liquid biopsy technology, in the Korean cancer screening market in September 2023. iCancerCH is a Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) test that can detect multiple cancer signals using only 10 mL of blood, based on GC Genome's proprietary AI algorithm and whole genome sequencing (WGS) technology. Next year, the company plans to significantly upgrade iCancerCH, expanding its detection range from the current six cancer types to ten.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.