How Does eDNA Work?

The convenient, minimally invasive eDNA (exfoliated DNA) test is designed to quickly and reliably inform a clinician of the likelihood that a symptomatic patient has colorectal cancer (CRC) or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

eDNA is set to simplify and transform the diagnostic methodologies and patient pathways employed for investigating patients with suspected colorectal disease.

At the initial presentation of symptomatic patients, serious colorectal disease (CRC and IBD) can be difficult to distinguish from the less serious ailments, as they present similar symptoms. According to current practice, such patients typically attend secondary care to undergo one of the following structural investigations:

Colonoscopy

A camera is inserted into the rectum and manoeuvred through the colon; giving the clinician the opportunity to see the entire colon and rectum and look for evidence of disease. The patient ingests a bowel cleansing preparation before the examination, and is usually sedated during the procedure.

Sigmoidoscopy (rigid or flexible)

Similar to colonoscopy, however this investigation only examines the rectum and lower third of the colon (where the majority of lower gastrointestinal cancers occur).

Virtual Colonoscopy

Images of the large intestine are taken using computerised tomography (CT) or, less often, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A computer puts the images together to generate images of the inside of the large intestine. Whilst this method may provide a reasonable indication of disease, it is not generally as accurate as a colonoscopy.  Where there is an indication of disease presented by the scan, it would be quite normal for a follow up colonoscopy to be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

These methods are generally time consuming, expensive, uncomfortable and risk associated.  A large proportion of symptomatic patients with suspected cancer who undergo these investigations are found not to have CRC.

eDNA is set to provide clinicians with a new method for determining the likelihood of serious colorectal disease being present in symptomatic patients. The test will be performed without the need for bowel preparation or sedation, and could be conducted at either Primary or Secondary care.

The results produced by the eDNA test will help the clinician to decide upon the best course of action for the patient – often eliminating the need for more invasive investigations.