Guardant Health Launches Innovative Blood-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening in South Korea

Precision oncology leader Guardant Health, Inc. has officially launched its blood-based colorectal cancer screening test, Shield^TM, in partnership with Samsung Medical Center in South Korea. Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as one of the most prevalent cancers in the country, making this introduction a significant step in advancing early detection strategies.

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Innovative Shield Test for Early Colorectal Cancer Detection

Guardant Health’s Shield test is a pioneering approach to colorectal cancer screening. The test utilizes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis, detecting small genetic fragments shed into the bloodstream by tumors. In the pivotal ECLIPSE study involving over 20,000 patients, the Shield test demonstrated an impressive 83% sensitivity for detecting colorectal cancer in average-risk adults in the U.S., with a specificity of 90%. Early detection is crucial to reducing mortality rates, especially as colorectal cancer often lacks symptoms in its initial stages.

While colonoscopy and fecal tests are standard for early colorectal cancer detection, low compliance rates persist due to various factors. The Shield test, introduced in a lab-developed version in May 2022, has showcased approximately 90% adherence in real-world clinical settings. This underscores the potential of blood-based screening to enhance adherence to recommended protocols, addressing concerns such as the absence of symptoms, time constraints for colonoscopy procedures, and fears of invasiveness associated with traditional screening methods.

Aiming for Early Detection and Improved Screening Compliance

Early detection remains a critical factor in colorectal cancer outcomes, considering its asymptomatic nature in the initial phases. Guardant Health’s collaboration with Samsung Medical Center in South Korea aims to offer a high-quality blood-based screening alternative to expand choices for colorectal cancer screening. The Shield test is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting the needs of both patients and healthcare providers, fostering improved screening compliance and ultimately contributing to the early identification and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Author

Sinead Huang