Discover Guardant Health’s Shield test, revolutionizing early detection of Colorectal Cancer in Korea through blood-based screening methods. Learn how circulating tumor DNA analysis enhances timely identification for better outcomes.
Guardant Health, a pioneering precision oncology company based in California, has unveiled its groundbreaking blood-based colorectal cancer screening test, Shield, in partnership with Samsung Medical Center in Korea.
The Shield test by Guardant Health utilizes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis, enabling the early detection of colorectal cancer by detecting genetic material shed by tumors into the bloodstream.
In the extensive Eclipse study involving over 20,000 patients, the Shield test demonstrated an 83 percent sensitivity in detecting colorectal cancer among average-risk adults in the U.S., boasting a specificity of 90 percent.
The significance of early detection in reducing colorectal cancer mortality cannot be overstated. While colonoscopies and fecal tests are conventional for early detection, their utilization rates have stagnated since 2014 due to low compliance rates among individuals.
Factors contributing to the reluctance to adhere to CRC screening recommendations include the absence of symptoms, time constraints associated with colonoscopy preparations, and fear of invasive procedures.
Since its introduction in May 2022, the lab-developed Shield test has exhibited an impressive patient adherence rate of approximately 90 percent. This emphasizes the potential of blood-based tests in ensuring timely colorectal cancer screenings.
The Health Promotion Center of Samsung Medical Center highlighted the importance of early detection, stating, “Colorectal cancer often manifests without symptoms in its initial stages, emphasizing the critical role of screening tests.” They added, “The Shield blood test expands screening options, catering to both patient and healthcare provider needs, ultimately enhancing screening compliance.”
Simranjit Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Guardant Health Asia, Middle East & Africa, expressed optimism, stating, “We’re pleased to introduce the Shield test at Samsung Medical Center to combat the high incidence of colorectal cancer in South Korea. This innovative screening method facilitates early detection, ensuring optimal treatment possibilities through a simple blood draw.”
According to the National Cancer Information Center (NCIC) and Statistics Korea, colorectal cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers in South Korea, standing as the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country.
Source: Guardant Health launches blood test for colorectal cancer in Korea
