The CancerenD24: A Novel Blood Test That Can Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops over years, offering a window for early detection.
• Colonoscopy is the current standard for detecting precancerous lesions like polyps but is invasive and costly.
• There is a need for noninvasive, accessible screening methods for CRC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate CancerenD24, a blood-based assay measuring cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24) expression, for its ability to differentiate healthy individuals from those with adenomas or CRC.
• To assess the correlation of CD24 levels with polyp size and histology.

Main Methods:

• A total of 652 participants were enrolled, including healthy controls, individuals with hyperplastic polyps, adenomatous polyps, and CRC.
• Cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24) expression was measured in leukocytes using flow cytometry.
• Data were integrated into the Pan-cancer Screening Probability Index.

Main Results:

• Mean CancerenD24 scores were significantly lower in healthy individuals (0.11 ± 0.01) compared to those with adenomas (0.26 ± 0.04) or CRC (0.45 ± 0.03).
• CD24 levels correlated with polyp size and histology.
• No gender-based differences were observed.

Conclusions:

• Cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24) levels increase early in colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis, detectable even in adenomas >5 mm.
• CancerenD24 shows potential as a noninvasive screening tool to aid clinicians in identifying at-risk individuals.
• This assay may help reduce reliance on invasive colonoscopies for CRC screening.