Bowel cancer test rolls out in Blue Mountains

Clinical Genomics has launched a regional pilot trial of its new blood test for bowel cancer in the Blue Mountains.

The aim of the pilot project is to determine the logistics of collecting samples, collating feedback from GPs and monitoring the participation of local residents.

A Clinical Genomics spokesperson said there are no concerns about safety or efficacy, as these have all been covered in a main trial.

But the spokesperson said that the company’s main future research focus will be on head-to-head detection rate comparisons between the blood and stool tests. Results from the research should be available late this year.

As part of the pilot rollout, regional health insurer Westfund Health has agreed to reimburse the cost of the test to eligible members.

The test was developed based on collaborative research between Clinical Genomics, the CSIRO and Adelaide’s Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer. It is designed to detect the presence of BCAT1 and IKZF1, two genes that ‘leak’ into the blood.

Clinical Genomics CEO Dr Larry LaPointe stressed that the blood test is not designed to replace the standard stool sample test. “[Our] test is primarily intended for people who cannot, or will not, carry out recommended screening with a faecal immunochemical test,” he said.

But he added that with studies suggesting that the blood test can detect 65% of bowel cancer cases - and 73% of cases rated Stage II or higher - it serves as a good fallback for this population.