Multi gene blood-based methylation tests

Summary

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in Wales and more than 2,000 people are diagnosed every year. Currently, people with symptoms of colorectal cancer are offered a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) and, if positive or if the person has high-risk symptoms, a colonoscopy is offered. Multi-gene blood-based methylation tests incorporating artificial intelligence have been developed to identify colorectal cancer biomarkers.

Health Technology Wales researchers searched for evidence on multi gene blood-based methylation tests for colorectal cancer. Single-gene tests were considered out of scope for this TER.

Based on the evidence identified, HTW’s Assessment Group concluded not to progress this topic to evidence appraisal.