Mainz Biomed's Groundbreaking Study Results Mark A Big Advancement In The Battle Against Colorectal Cancer

Mainz Biomed N.V. MYNZ, a molecular genetics diagnostic company specializing in the early detection of cancer,  was scheduled to present the groundbreaking results from its CRC study at the 4th International Conference on Gastroenterology in Paris, but the event was postponed from October to December. However, Mainz Biomed released the eagerly anticipated ColoFuture results according to the original conference schedule.

The ColoFuture Study

The study that Mainz Biomed conducted is a multi-center international clinical trial that took place across Germany and Norway to assess the potential of integrating mRNA biomarkers into ColoAlert®, the company’s flagship product which is a highly accurate, non-invasive and easy-to-use CRC screening test. 

Mainz Biomed presented impressive results which showed sensitivity for detection of CRC to be as high as 94.4% with a specificity of 97.5%, while precursor lesions that include advanced adenoma that can progress to CRC were detected with 80% sensitivity and 95.2% specificity.

The Scary Facts Of Colorectal Cancer

This type of cancer is the third most common cancer in the world. It is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths across the globe In 2020, World Cancer Research Fund International reported more than 1.9 million new cases.  The American Cancer Society estimated that there will be more than 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer in the U.S. this year.

Although the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that non-invasive tests such as the one offered by Mainz Biomed should be conducted once every three years after one turns 45, about one-third of US residents between the ages of 50 and 75 have never been screened for colon cancer. Unfortunately, the incidence of this life-threatening condition is particularly rising among younger demographics. Early detection of polyps and lesions is crucial to both prevent the development of colorectal cancer as well as to improve the outcome of the treatment of CRC. But as colonoscopy is not a popular screening method, there is a great need for developing non-invasive screening methods and other alternatives. Mainz Biomed responded to this need by applying state-of-the-art PCR based DNA and mRNA-based screening in combination with FIT and a ML/AI driven algorithm.

Novel Approaches Are Undoubtedly Redefining And Improving Cancer Treatments

Mainz Biomed is only one of the many companies developing market-ready molecular genetic diagnostic solutions for life-threatening conditions but the world needs more of these solutions on this front as for example, immunotherapy like the one Pfizer Inc PFE is developing isn’t always effective in cases of colon cancer. Yet, immune-oncology that Pfizer is heavily betting on is simply an attempt to avoid the debilitating side of traditional cancer-fighting approaches such as chemotherapy and radiation. The concept itself that Pfizer bases its science on is a good one as it is built on using science to teach a patient’s immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells. But, when it comes to this vicious disease, this is easier said than done. Fortunately for Pfizer, there are many approaches within the field of immuno-oncology and the answer seems to lie in combined therapies, such as the one Moderna Inc MRNA and Merck & Co Inc MRK developed. Back in July, Moderna and Merck kicked off a phase 3 trial of Moderna's personalized vaccine against malignant melanoma in combination with Merck's immunotherapy drug, Keytruda. This combined skin cancer treatment that Moderna and Merck developed has been found to lower the risk of recurrence or death from this most deadly form of cancer by as much as 44% compared to using only the immunotherapy drug Keytruda. But with Keytruda, Merck today received the approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its expanded use in treating non-small cell lung cancer in patients who can get their tumors removed surgically. This immunotherapy drug that Merck developed is now allowed for use in combination with chemotherapy to shrink the size of the tumor before surgery as well as a follow-up treatment after surgery. Although Keytruda is a blockbuster product for Merck, its potential for good is amplified with the mRNA vaccine from Moderna that is tailored for each patient to generate the body’s immune response to the specific signature of a tumor.

Personalizing Treatments Seems To Be The Next Important Step In The Cancer Battle 

Although more research is needed, Medical News Today emphasized that doctors need to be supported to deliver this kind of a more personalized therapy to cancer patients. During the annual conference of the United European Gastroenterology, UEG Week 2023, research was presented that shows that lower gut diversity is linked with precancerous polyps. However, it is still unclear why certain individuals have bad microbes in the gut, but it is proven that high fat diets may alter gut bacteria and increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Therefore, these findings could help point the way to preventing colorectal cancer with prebiotics and probiotics as well as to creating microbiome-targeted therapies. 

All in all, with the scientific advancement described above, the world is certainly improving its odds in winning the battle against this vicious life-threatening disease.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as investing advice.