Summary
A new test from Vollier could change colorectal cancer screening.
Analysis
Colon cancer is responsible for approximately 57,000 deaths in the US each year and account for 9% of all cancer deaths. Due to the invasive nature of colonoscopy and the required preparatory procedures, adults over 50 often forego screening for this preventable cancer. A non-invasive molecular diagnostic test for colon cancer could significantly increase the 90MM US adults over 50 that should participate in colorectal cancer screening.
Several companies plan to develop such tests. These include Rosetta Genomic's (NAS:ROSG), Genomic Health(NASDAQ:GHDX) (NAS:GHDX), GeneNews (TSX: GEN)and others. Molecular diagnostic tests may also be able to help identify flat lesions missed by conventional colonoscopy procedures, which are estimated to account for 15% of colorectal cancer cases.
Daily developments in the field of molecular diagnostics highlight the pace of this fast moving, high growth market segment. According to a recent report from a leading healthcare market research group, the worldwide market for molecular diagnostics was $18 billion in 2006 and is forecasted to grow to over $92 billion in the next ten years. The US is forecasted to account for approximately half of this revenue, or $46 million.
For detailed information on the companies mentioned above and the high growth molecular diagnostics market; please contact your GLG representative to schedule an individual consult.
