British and Irish scientists are developing a new £20 blood test for bowel cancer, which could save thousands of lives by spotting the disease at the earliest possible opportunity. The simple check will pick up on antibodies in the blood, produced as the body reacts to the onset of bowel cancer.

The collaboration between researchers from UK biotech firm Randox and Biomedical Diagnostics Institute at Dublin City University, promises that the new test will be a significant breakthrough in the diagnosis of bowel cancer and could be available for widespread use by the end of next year.

Studies show that the identification of these very specific biomarkers will allow for a test which is more sensitive and accurate than existing screening. This means it will not only save lives, through earlier, more reliable and faster diagnosis, but because it is a simple blood test, it is hoped it will encourage more people to come forward for bowel cancer screening.

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, with almost 40,000 people diagnosed each year. The NHS Bowel Screening Programme screening has been rolled out to check those between the ages of 60-69, (up to 74 in England) thought to be at high risk. This screening involves testing traces of blood found in stool samples.

Drawbacks associated with this method, known as Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBt), include low sensitivity, which means early stage disease is not detected in a rapid or reliable way. In addition, the nature of the sample required for these tests has resulted in worryingly low levels of patient uptake. The new blood test will do away with the need for FOBt and will prevent unnecessary and costly colonoscopies for people without the disease.

Professor Richard O'Kennedy, Scientific Director of BDI said:

"Typically patients who experience the symptoms of bowel cancer may visit their doctor. This new, quick test will help in identifying patients with bowel cancer earlier, so they are sent for colonoscopy and thus treated more effectively. Survival rates from bowel cancer are closely associated with the stage at diagnosis. More than half of people with bowel cancer are diagnosed in the later stages, requiring more complex treatment, with a poorer chance of survival. The aim of this new test is to find the cancer at the earliest possible stage, when it is easier to treat, improving outcomes for patients."

The new test will be implemented on Randox's proprietary Biochip Array Technology detection platform. Randox Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald said:

"The potential here is quite revolutionary, while bowel cancer is a very serious illness - early diagnosis leads to improved survival. If bowel cancer is found early, the growth is typically small and can be removed, leaving the person healthy and needing less treatment. In addition bowel cancer places considerable burden on our healthcare system and our economy. The cost of bowel cancer to the UK totals £1.6bn per year - more than prostate cancer and also more than breast cancer - if we can catch this cancer early and treat it early, then the economic benefit will be considerable."

Dr Sinéad Walsh, Acting Head of Research at the Irish Cancer Society, which is the largest voluntary funder of cancer research in Ireland said:

"We are very excited by the results of this research as it will help us move another step forward in our strategy towards a future without cancer. The earlier bowel cancer can be detected the better the outcome for patients. This coupled with the ability to personalise treatments for bowel cancer patients, will contribute to better outcomes for people with bowel cancer."

Dr. Conor Burke, Associate Director of the BDI commented,

"This project is an excellent example of the translational research agenda of the BDI and its commitment to the realisation of commercial and societal impact through innovation in diagnostics. One of our primary goals is the creation of value for indigenous Irish diagnostics companies through our research and we look forward to working with Randox on realising the significant commercial and healthcare-related potential of this screening test."

The collaboration is funded by Enterprise Ireland and Randox. Initial work was supported by Science Foundation Ireland and carried out at Dublin City University and the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and Beaumont Hospital. The inputs of Dr. Gregor Kijanka, Dr. Julie-Anne O' Reilly, Dr. Barry Byrne and Professors Elaine Kay and Dermot Kenny were vital in developing this research.