#South Korea #Yongin #Colorectal Cancer #GC Genome #ai-CANCERCH

GC Genome's Pioneering Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening

In a groundbreaking move, GC Genome, a prominent company specializing in clinical genomics and liquid biopsy, has recently published a pivotal study in the prestigious American Journal of Gastroenterology. This study, conducted in collaboration with Professor Byeon, Jeong-Sik's team at Asan Medical Center, sheds light on the potential of an innovative blood-based test designed for the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenomas.

GC Genome leveraged its proprietary AI-powered fragmentomics technology in developing this test, known as ai-CANCERCH. This new approach presents a convenient alternative to traditional methods, such as colonoscopy and fecal tests, making it easier to detect colorectal cancer at earlier stages, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Study Overview

The study involved a robust sample size of 1,677 participants, which included:

• - 302 individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer
• - 108 participants with advanced adenomas
• - 1,267 healthy controls with normal colonoscopy results

The study utilized cfDNA (cell-free DNA) fragmentomic signatures analyzed via low-coverage whole-genome sequencing (Lc-WGS) combined with an advanced AI algorithm. This cutting-edge technology facilitates the highly sensitive detection of early-stage diseases.

Key Findings

The results of the study revealed impressive metrics, including:

• - A 90.4% sensitivity for detecting colorectal cancer.
• - A specificity rate of 94.7% in participants with normal colonoscopy results.
• - Sensitivity across various stages of colorectal cancer:

- 84.2% at stage I
- 85.0% at stage II
- 94.4% at stage III
- 100.0% at stage IV

• - Notably, for T1N0 lesions, which are eligible for endoscopic resection, the sensitivity was 90.0%.
• - Furthermore, the sensitivity for advanced adenomas stood at 58.3%.

These findings were shown to be consistent irrespective of the location of colorectal cancer within the colonic region (left vs. right), the age of the CRC patients (under 60 vs. 60 and above), and the positioning of advanced adenomas. This consistency underscores the test's reliability as a cfDNA-based blood screening option for colorectal cancer and its preventative potential.

A representative from GC Genome highlighted the significance of their findings, stating, "Detecting colorectal cancer alongside precancerous lesions marks a significant step forward in prevention. With our fragmentomics technology now validated through a key publication in gastroenterology, GC Genome is poised to expand its global clinical collaborations and broaden the applications of its screening methods."

About ai-CANCERCH

Launched in September 2023, the ai-CANCERCH test is designed for multi-cancer early detection (MCED). By obtaining a mere 10 mL of blood, the test analyzes signals associated with multiple types of cancers. An upcoming upgrade scheduled for January 2026 will broaden the detectable cancers from six to ten, including colorectal, lung, esophageal, liver, ovarian, pancreatic, biliary, breast, gastric, and head-and-neck cancers.

About GC Genome

Founded in 2013, GC Genome is dedicated to bridging the gap between healthcare and technological advancement in diagnostics. The company focuses on offering genetic diagnosis services across various medical areas including oncology, rare diseases, and pre-neonatal health check-ups while advocating personalized treatment methods for healthy and extended lives. With a CAP-accredited laboratory and a commitment to research and development, GC Genome has established substantial global partnerships, reflecting its impressive growth trajectory in the field of genetic testing.

For further inquiries or information about GC Genome and its innovative technologies, media representatives can reach out to the following contacts:

• - Sohee Kim
• - Yelin Jun
• - Yoonjae Na

GC Genome continues to lead the charge in redefining cancer detection methodologies, promising a brighter future for early cancer diagnosis and prevention.