Blood-based protein biomarkers show promise for early colorectal cancer detection

Researchers have identified blood-based protein biomarkers that show significant potential for the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC). Studies utilizing the Olink high-throughput proximity extension assay platform have identified specific protein signatures that can distinguish advanced neoplasia from non-neoplastic findings.

In one study conducted as part of the Horizon Europe-funded DIOPTRA project, a 12-protein signature achieved 98.1% sensitivity for CRC detection and 100% sensitivity for Stage I and Stage II disease in simulated scenarios. An expanded 17-protein signature was further validated in a multicentre cohort, maintaining a 94.4% sensitivity for Stage I CRC.

Additional research involving three prospective cohorts identified 12 proteins with significant differences between CRC cases and controls, often years before clinical diagnosis. The findings highlight that protein differences are distinct between colon and rectal cancer, suggesting that future biomarker discovery should focus on site-specific signatures to improve diagnostic accuracy.