Preventing Cancer with
LifeKit™ Prevent
- Earlier detection
- Higher accuracy
- Non-invasive
- Cost-effective
5-Year Survival Rate by Stage of 1st Detection
- Pre-Cancer 100%
- Stage 1 94%
- Stage 2 82%
- Stage 3 62%
- Stage 4 8%
Early Detection Saves Lives
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable yet least prevented cancers. Screening programs designed for early detection of cancer as well as prevention by polyp removal followed by surveillance have demonstrated an impact on colon cancer mortality, but unfortunately, 47% of American’s do not comply with current public health screening recommendations. Colonoscopy is very accurate but is invasive and expensive and still does not address the high rate of interval cancers, i.e. cancers that develop after a negative colonoscopy. Fecal occult stool testing is simple, but compliance rates are low and FOBTs are not accurate for pre-cancerous polyps. Therefore, there is a significant need for a simple, non-invasive test that can be used to identify patients who have colon cancer or are at risk for developing cancer because they have pre-cancerous polyps.
Higher Accuracy
Our non-invasive screening test can detect colon polyps and early stage colorectal cancer by detecting microbial biomarkers that are a functional link between bacterial dysbiosis and carcinogenesis. In other words, we can identify disruption of the microbiome that is associated with inflammation, polyps, and colorectal cancer by sequencing the microbial DNA from rectal swabs and stool samples in order to detect adenomas and adenocarcinomas.
Microbiome biomarkers are the best predictors of the presence of colon polyps and CRC because the microbiome is extraordinarily sensitive to changes associated with the presence of adenomas and carcinomas in the GI tract. Our test takes advantage of the fact that more than 60% of the genetic material in stool is microbial in origin.
Non-Invasive
One of the most important goals of an effective colon polyp and colorectal cancer screening strategy is to increase patient participation rates. It has been demonstrated that a truly non-invasive test could increase screening program adherence and increase survival. We have been working with leading gastroenterologists and molecular biologists to develop optimal stool sampling methodology. We have developed stool sampling kits that preserve the genetic material in the stool and can be shipped through the mail without refrigeration. We have undertaken a comprehensive analysis of the best methods for preserving the genetic material in stool, and we have identified preferred suppliers of sampling kit components and preservatives.