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Categories: Blog
Published: 26 August 2026

SPOT-MAS CRC: Expanding Colorectal Cancer Screening Through Blood-Based Methylation Testing

SPOTMAS SPOTMAS CRC Gene Solutions Colorectal Cancer Cancer Screening Single early cancer detection

Article Summary: SPOT-MAS CRC is a non-invasive test using blood-based SEPTIN9 gene methylation detection to support screening of early-stage colorectal cancer and advanced precancerous lesions.

Achieving a sensitivity of 77.34% for CRC and 54.29% for Pre-Cancerous lesions, alongside a high specificity of 95.95%, SPOT-MAS CRC helps complement traditional screening modalities, empowering proactive cancer prevention.

1. The Burden of Colorectal Cancer & Current Screening Challenges

Disease Burden

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the third most commonly diagnosed cancer (approximately 1.93 million new cases/year) and the second leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide (approximately 935,000 deaths/year) (1). Notably, the age of onset has been shifting toward younger populations.

However, CRC is among the most preventable and treatable cancers, particularly when detected early. When diagnosed at a localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate exceeds 90% (2).

SPOTMAS SPOTMAS CRC Gene Solutions Colorectal Cancer Cancer Screening Single early cancer detection

Limitations of Current Screening Modalities

While established screening methods have saved many lives, they may still present clinical and practical barriers for some individuals.

  • Patient Discomfort & Invasiveness: Invasive procedures (like colonoscopies) require extensive bowel preparation, while imaging methods may involve radiation exposure, creating significant physical and psychological barriers for patients.
  • Low Adherence Rates: The burden of scheduling, preparing for, and undergoing multiple separate procedures for different organs leads to poor compliance, leaving many individuals unscreened until symptoms appear.

2. What is SPOT-MAS CRC?

Overview: Blood-based SEPTIN9 gene methylation detection to support screening of early-stage colorectal cancer and advanced precancerous lesions.

Workflow:

  • Step 1: Plasma DNA extraction and bisulfite conversion.
  • Step 2: Real-time PCR fluorescent probe detection (measuring SEPTIN9 methylation signals).

Clinical Performance:

  • Sensitivity: 77.34% for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) and 54.29% for Pre-Cancerous lesions (3).
  • Specificity: 95.95% in healthy individuals (3).

SPOTMAS SPOTMAS CRC Gene Solutions Colorectal Cancer Cancer Screening Single early cancer detection

Clinical Significance: In addition to detecting colorectal cancer, SPOT-MAS CRC can identify a proportion of precancerous lesions, supporting earlier referral for diagnostic colonoscopy and potential clinical intervention before malignant progression.

3. Target Population for SPOT-MAS CRC Screening

SPOT-MAS CRC is designed as an accessible, non-invasive liquid biopsy screening tool for average-risk individuals and routine preventive care.

  • Adults 45-75 years old: Individuals with no symptoms and no significant family history of colorectal cancer who require routine screening.
  • Routine health check-up programs: Suitable for annual screening in health check packages and large-scale population screening.
  • People who decline colonoscopy: Individuals who are unwilling or unable to undergo colonoscopy but still need colorectal cancer screening.

Important Clinical Note: SPOT-MAS CRC is a complementary blood-based screening test and does not replace colonoscopy for diagnostic confirmation. A positive result should be followed by timely colonoscopy to complete the screening process.

For technical documentation and clinical collaboration inquiries, please contact us.

 

Reference:

  1. Sung H, CA Cancer J Clin. 2021.
  2. American Cancer Society. Survival Rates for Colorectal Cancer. 2026.
  3. Wu Y et al., BMC Cancer. 2024.