A high throughput mass spectrometry-based screening test for early-stage colon cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer-related cause of death in Canada. This high mortality rate
is largely due to the lack of a cost-effective, patient-accepted and sensitive screening tool. Metabolomic Technologies
Inc. (MTI) has developed a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based urinary diagnostic test for detecting colonic
polyps (PolypDx™). Identification of adenomatous polyps can reduce colorectal cancer by 95%. PolypDx™ has a
sensitivity of 71% for detection of precancerous colonic polyps which is a significant improvement over the currently
available guaiac fecal-based tests with a sensitivity of 3-19%. With an NMR-based test, MTI’s market is limited to
facilities that have access to NMR. Developing a mass spectrometry (MS)-based test will expand the user market to
diagnostic laboratories. Through this application we propose to modify and adapt the NMR-based diagnostic tests to a
MS-based platform that will be high throughput, sensitive, and specific, and cost effective ($25-30/sample end-user
price).

Faculty Supervisor:

David S. Wishart;David S Wishart

Student:

Partner:

Metabolomic Technologies Inc

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Alberta

Program: