Exact Sciences and Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic identified new biomarkers that spot colorectal cancer with a higher degree of accuracy than the markers Exact currently uses.
The entities presented their findings at ACG 2019, Oct. 25-30 in San Antonio. The study attempted to find biomarkers that would increase the specificity of Exact's Cologuard, while maintaining its sensitivity.
Researchers tested the new markers alongside Cologuard's existing markers on 725 stool samples, of which 117 had CRC, 120 had advanced adenomas, 161 had non-advanced adenomas and 327 were controls.
The new markers touted 92 percent sensitivity for CRC and 65 percent sensitivity for advanced adenomas at a 92 percent specificity, surpassing the performance of Cologuard's current markers.
To build on these results, Exact launched a 10,000-patient, multicenter study which will examine how the markers perform in a real-word setting.
"While further studies will establish the clinical performance of these new markers, we are encouraged by the strong results presented today," said Paul Limburg, MD, Exact's CMO.