Blog icon

Worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths. Currently, the immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) is the most widely used non-invasive test for diagnosis of CRC. The iFOBT detects the presence of haemoglobin or blood in stool, but it is not ideal due to its low specificity and sensitivity for CRC detection, and its limited ability to detect pre-cancerous lesions or adenomas. Furthermore, the iFOBT is inconvenient as it involves sampling of faeces, leading to low compliance and participation rates.

Picture of blood cells

Of those undergoing follow-up colonoscopy, 60 per cent had no adenoma or cancer present, representing a high false positive rate and significant burden on the healthcare system due to unnecessary colonoscopies performed and exposing a significant proportion of participants to inherent risks associated with colonoscopy. Over 700,000 colonoscopies were performed in 2012 in Australia, contributing to major health costs.

Non-invasive biomarkers for early detection of CRC that are clinically and economically acceptable for population-based screening are needed to save lives and significantly reduce the health and economic burden associated with this disease.

Colorectal Cancer Disease Detection

A: Protein Multiplex Panels

Working with partners, we’ve identified a panel of protein biomarkers in blood that can detect the likelihood of colorectal cancer at 73 per cent sensitivity at 95 per cent specificity for people at risk of the disease.

We are working with Australian med-tech start-up, Rhythm Biosciences to further commercialise the technology.

B: Epigenetic/DNA Biomarkers

We’ve developed a highly sensitive and specific blood-based test for the recurrence of colorectal cancer called Colvera™. This breakthrough was based on the development and use by CSIRO of unique technologies for genome-wide analysis to discover molecular changes that occur with high frequency in colorectal cancer.

Worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths. Currently, the immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) is the most widely used non-invasive test for diagnosis of CRC. The iFOBT detects the presence of haemoglobin or blood in stool, but it is not ideal due to its low specificity and sensitivity for CRC detection, and its limited ability to detect pre-cancerous lesions or adenomas. Furthermore, the iFOBT is inconvenient as it involves sampling of faeces, leading to low compliance and participation rates.

The immunochemical faecal occult blood test is the most widely used non-invasive test for diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Of those undergoing follow-up colonoscopy, 60 per cent had no adenoma or cancer present, representing a high false positive rate and significant burden on the healthcare system due to unnecessary colonoscopies performed and exposing a significant proportion of participants to inherent risks associated with colonoscopy. Over 700,000 colonoscopies were performed in 2012 in Australia, contributing to major health costs.

Non-invasive biomarkers for early detection of CRC that are clinically and economically acceptable for population-based screening are needed to save lives and significantly reduce the health and economic burden associated with this disease.

Colorectal Cancer Disease Detection

A: Protein Multiplex Panels

Working with partners, we’ve identified a panel of protein biomarkers in blood that can detect the likelihood of colorectal cancer at 73 per cent sensitivity at 95 per cent specificity for people at risk of the disease.

We are working with Australian med-tech start-up, Rhythm Biosciences to further commercialise the technology.

B: Epigenetic/DNA Biomarkers

We’ve developed a highly sensitive and specific blood-based test for the recurrence of colorectal cancer called Colvera™. This breakthrough was based on the development and use by CSIRO of unique technologies for genome-wide analysis to discover molecular changes that occur with high frequency in colorectal cancer.

Contact us

Find out how we can help you and your business. Get in touch using the form below and our experts will get in contact soon!

CSIRO will handle your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and our Privacy Policy.


This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google

Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

First name must be filled in

Surname must be filled in

I am representing *

Please choose an option

Please provide a subject for the enquriy

0 / 100

We'll need to know what you want to contact us about so we can give you an answer

0 / 1900

You shouldn't be able to see this field. Please try again and leave the field blank.