A recent study has unveiled a groundbreaking method for detecting bowel cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Funded by Cancer Research UK and conducted by scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in collaboration with St Mark’s Hospital in London, the research demonstrated over 90% accuracy in predicting the likelihood of bowel cancer developing within five years in high-risk patients.
Individuals with IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, have an elevated risk of developing bowel cancer due to chronic inflammation of the bowel lining. While not all IBD patients will develop cancer, current methods often require regular and invasive colonoscopies to monitor for pre-cancerous changes.
The new detection method could spare many from these procedures by offering a more targeted approach. Scientists found that analyzing the DNA of pre-cancerous cells from IBD patients revealed specific patterns linked to future cancer risk. Those whose cells showed multiple DNA alterations were far more likely to develop bowel cancer.
The researchers developed an algorithm to calculate cancer risk based on DNA patterns in pre-cancerous cells. This innovative approach not only demonstrated remarkable accuracy but could also pave the way for a simple blood test, potentially replacing current invasive diagnostic methods.
Professor Ailsa Hart, co-lead of the study from St Mark’s, highlighted the importance of this discovery:
“These tests are onerous and unpleasant for patients, imperfect at detecting early cancer changes, and costly to health services. Our findings offer a biomarker that can improve assessment for IBD patients, aiding in decisions about surgery or further monitoring.”
Around 500,000 people in the UK are living with IBD. The potential development of a blood test based on this research could help doctors provide more personalized care. By focusing resources on high-risk patients, health services could also reduce costs and alleviate the stress associated with frequent colonoscopies or preventative surgery.
Professor Trevor Graham, from the ICR, emphasized the importance of accurate information in helping patients make informed decisions:
“Our test and algorithm give people with IBD, and the doctors who care for them, the best possible information to manage cancer risk.”
Craig Foster, whose wife Fariba died of bowel cancer after living with ulcerative colitis for decades, expressed hope that the research would save lives:
“It gives me comfort to know that scientists are working on ways to prevent what Fariba went through.”
Experts are optimistic about the broader implications of this research. Dr. Iain Foulkes, executive director of research and innovation at Cancer Research UK, underscored the impact of technological advancements:
“Genome sequencing is now far cheaper and more widespread, changing how we understand and treat cancer. This research allows us to better target treatment for those most at risk, saving valuable time and resources.”
Sky News, BBC, and the Daily Mail contributed to this report.
