SU2C-Dutch Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Dream Team: Molecular Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer (MEDOCC)
Victor E. Velculescu, MD, PhD
Co-director of Cancer Biology and Professor of Oncology
Johns Hopkins University Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
Gerrit A. Meijer, MD, PhD
Group leader, Translational Gastrointestinal Oncology
Netherlands Cancer Institute
Research
Screening is the most effective strategy against colorectal cancer. Although the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is the standard approach, urgent improvements are needed as many cancers and precancerous lesions are missed. The goal of the Dream Team is to develop, validate, and evaluate the diagnostic performance and cost-effectiveness of molecular biomarkers and to translate these assays into clinical applications for CRC. The Dream Team’s first aim is to improve the current FIT screening test by looking for more specific tumor-related molecules in stool samples. Their second aim is to develop a molecular blood test to help identify patients who can benefit from chemotherapy after surgery.
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