Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada. According to 2010 Canadian Cancer Society statistics, 22,500 Canadians will be diagnosed with CRC, and 9,100 Canadians will die from it in 2010.

Phenomenome's most advanced cancer research program is in CRC. Our researchers have discovered over 30 novel metabolites which exist in the serum of healthy people. However, a group of these unique compounds are deficient in the serum of up to 90% of CRC patients. These metabolites are related to specific vitamins but are not simple dietary components. This metabolite deficiency appears to result from an enzymatic impairment which prevents the modification and utilization of dietary components.

Additionally, our research has demonstrated that this impaired processing is not related to the presence of a tumor. This suggests that the imbalance precedes tumor development. Thus, a novel, serum-based screening test for the deficiency of these metabolites, called "gastrointestinal tract acids" (or "GTA") may represent a more reliable, less invasive and less expensive tool for assessing CRC risk. Visit our technical information page for references and our publications detailing this research.

Phenomenome has developed a specific GTA test. Our GTA test has been validated in over 1000 research samples. The studies represent a global sampling of CRC patients. Based on this exciting data, we are conducting large clinical studies in Saskatchewan and Alberta. These are completely separate trials designed to address slightly different questions, but together the results will move us closer to better understanding the utility of this test.