The Catalan biotechnology company GoodGut, part of the HIPRA group and a member of CataloniaBio & HealthTech, has developed a solution to improve the detection of alterations in the intestinal microbiota. It has published the results of a clinical study demonstrating that the use of its test in colorectal cancer screening reduces false positives by 20%. This would contribute to a better optimization of the available resources in the healthcare system, as it would reduce the number of unnecessary colonoscopies and avoid the discomfort of undergoing this procedure if it is not strictly necessary.
The study, which has received funding from the CDTI (Ministry of Science and Innovation), involved 2,481 adults over 55 years of age and was carried out in collaboration with the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). Its objective was to evaluate the ability of the GoodGut test to reduce the false positive rate during colorectal cancer screening for the population at moderate risk for this disease. The results show that the GoodGut test reduces false positives in the current colorectal cancer screening test by 20%. Therefore, its implementation as an additional criterion in current colorectal cancer screening programs would lead to greater efficiency.
"These results highlight the research carried out by institutions and showcase our commitment as a company to contribute to a healthcare system that integrates cutting-edge technology accessible to everyone. In addition, they demonstrate that the incorporation of the test would improve the specificity in disease screening; increase efficiency in the management of healthcare and economic resources, and consequently, provide the option to expand the coverage of screening programs," according to comments from GoodGut's Director, Mariona Serra.
GoodGut's innovative test uses fecal bacterial markers to complement the current fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in colorectal cancer screening programs. The study reproduces the same diagnostic capacity obtained in a previous clinical study in which 516 people with a positive FIT were evaluated in the detection program in Catalonia. Patients indicate that fear of the procedure, logistics, and discomfort associated with colonoscopy are the main barriers to participating in screening programs. Reducing false positives before colonoscopy would improve the diagnostic process and optimize the available resources in the healthcare system, increasing both healthcare and economic efficiency.
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