Diagnostic Performance of Plasma microRNA Panel for Colorectal Cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Diagnostic Performance of a Plasma microRNA Panel for Colorectal Cancer-A Proof-of-Concept Case–Control Study
IRAS ID
363663
Contact name
Albasheer Hamadalnile
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Univeristy of Chester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
Colorectal cancer (bowel cancer) is one of the most common cancers in the UK. Earlier diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes and survival. Current tests used to investigate bowel cancer, such as colonoscopy and stool-based tests including the faecal immunochemical test (FIT), are important diagnostic tools but may not detect all cancers at an early stage and can sometimes be invasive, uncomfortable, or resource-intensive. Researchers are increasingly investigating whether blood-based biomarkers could help support future bowel cancer diagnosis. This study aims to investigate whether a group of small molecules found naturally in blood, called microRNAs (miRNAs), can help distinguish patients with colorectal cancer from patients with non-cancerous bowel conditions. MicroRNAs are involved in regulating how cells function, and their levels in blood may change in the presence of cancer.
The study will recruit adult participants attending Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust who either have confirmed colorectal cancer or benign findings following bowel investigations. Participants who agree to take part will provide a blood sample of approximately 5 mL (around one teaspoon) and allow the research team to collect relevant information from their medical records. Some participants undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer may also be invited to provide an optional second blood sample after surgery. Blood samples will be processed at Wirral University Teaching Hospital and analysed at the University of Chester Biomedical Sciences Laboratory.
This is a proof-of-concept case–control research study and participation is expected to involve a single study visit. Taking part will not affect participants’ treatment or clinical care, and study results will not be used for clinical decision-making. The study is sponsored by the University of Chester as part of an MRes research project. The findings may help support future research into less invasive approaches for bowel cancer detection.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/EM/0116
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion