User: Roche Diagnostics
This study aims to improve treatment for patients with advanced colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. About half of colorectal cancer patients develop liver tumors, and surgery is the only option for long-term survival. After surgery, additional chemotherapy is often given, but not all patients need it, and it can cause serious side effects.
The team is developing a simple blood test that detects circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)—tiny fragments of cancer DNA in the bloodstream. Their earlier work showed that ctDNA can spot cancer returning months before scans and reveal the tumor’s genetic makeup. Using advanced digital PCR technology, they aim to make this test faster, more affordable, and easier to use in clinics, including in rural and low-resource areas.
If successful, this test will guide more personalized treatment, reduce unnecessary chemotherapy, and help bring precision cancer care to patients across Quebec.