Study: ColorectAlert™ Screening Test Results Are Encouraging

International Medical Innovations, Inc. of Canada reported progress in clinical testing of ColorectAlert™, a minimally invasive screening test for colorectal cancer that identifies a cancer-associated sugar in a mucous sample collected at the doctor's office.

Unlike the fecal occult blood test, currently a widely used screening test for colorectal cancer, ColorectAlert does not require any dietary restrictions by the patient and does not involve handling stool samples.

A spokesperson for IMI said that in preliminary analysis of three major studies, ColorectAlert detected cancers at all stages, particularly the early stages when the cancer is curable more than 90 per cent of the time.

"With 2,200 samples examined, including both high-risk and screening subjects, we have the confidence in ColorectAlert to begin evaluating options for regulatory submissions in jurisdictions like Canada and Europe, and to begin moving it into a major multi-site screening trial building toward FDA clearance," said Dr. Brent Norton, IMI President and CEO.

"We are exploring options for a trial of this scope, including several government-sponsored studies scheduled in 2003," Norton added.

Other Sources: IMI