Malaysian study further validates GeneNews’ ColonSentry

A 210-patient Malaysian study entitled “Blood-based Seven-gene Biomarker Panel for Colorectal Cancer: Validation in Malaysia” has been presented at the 2010 National Committee for Clinical Research conference in Kuala Lumpur.

GeneNews (TSX:GEN) said the seven-gene biomarker panel forms the basis of its lead ColonSentry product, the world’s first blood test for colorectal cancer.  The abstract reported on the application of the seven-gene biomarker panel to 99 colorectal cancer patients and 111 controls.

The abstract said results “independently confirmed and validated the study previously conducted in North America and demonstrate the performance of the seven-gene biomarker panel to discriminate between colorectal cancer and control blood samples in Malaysia.”

ColonSentry provides a blood-based testing option that can be easily incorporated into a routine physical examination.  “We believe that widespread adoption of this practice would encourage more patients to be tested and enhance the effectiveness of colonoscopy, leading to earlier detection, improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs,” president and COO Gailina Liew said in a statement.