Qiagen, Clinical Genomics team up on colorectal cancer liquid biopsy

Diagnostics giant Qiagen has integrated its circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) blood-collection tubes in Clinical Genomics’ liquid biopsy test for the recurrence of colorectal cancer.

Clinical Genomics’ Colvera blood test is designed to detect the recurrence of colorectal cancer by spotting fragments of DNA that escape from a tumor into the bloodstream. The liquid biopsy may be able to catch colorectal cancer recurrence earlier than other tests, the company says.

The PCR-based assay has been shown to detect more than twice the number of colorectal cancer recurrence cases than the currently recommended blood test, Clinical Genomics said in a statement.

RELATED: Clinical Genomics brings home $15M for two-gene colorectal cancer test

The PAXgene Blood ccfDNA tube was developed by PreAnalytiX, a joint venture between Qiagen and Becton Dickinson. The PAXgene system allows whole blood samples to be stored for up to seven days before they are processed and tested. Samples for the Colavera test will be shipped to Clinical Genomics' lab in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

“The Colvera test represents a unique opportunity for convenient, noninvasive monitoring of colorectal cancer patients by detecting methylated circulating tumor DNA that may indicate recurrence of a cancer,” said Thierry Bernard, molecular diagnostics chief and a senior vice president at Qiagen, in the statement.

RELATED: 'Capsule colonoscope' could pave the way for more colorectal cancer screenings

“We are excited to roll out the PAXgene System as the front-end solution to allow physicians to provide Colvera testing to CRC patients as conveniently as possible,” said Clinical Genomics CEO Lawrence LaPointe, Ph.D., in the statement. “PAXgene allows a simple blood collection at the physician’s office, with no on-site processing required, which is a great step forward from our alternative sample collection methods.”