press release: Mayo Clinic study identifies optimal gene targets for new colon cancer test

Blogger's Note: see other posting today on non-invasive testing for those at average risk/including link to the clinical trial

Mayo Clinic study identifies optimal gene targets for new colon cancer test

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- A study presented today by Mayo Clinic researchers at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2012 in Chicago identified two genes that are optimal targets to be analyzed in a new noninvasive test for colorectal cancer developed by Mayo Clinic, in collaboration with Exact Sciences Corporation. The test uses a small sample of a patient's stool to check for specific DNA changes, known as gene methylation, that occur as cancer develops. The test can quickly detect both early stage cancer and precancerous polyps.