Sydney-based Clinical Genomics Pty Ltd and CSIRO have entered into a new phase in their collaboration to develop improved diagnostics for cancers of the colon and rectum (bowel cancer).

In an earlier research programme, Clinical Genomics and researchers from CSIRO's Preventative Health Flagship used advanced genomics and mathematics to identify a number of biomarker genes capable of differentiating between bowel cancer tissue, even at its very earliest stages, and normal bowel tissue. Clinical Genomics and CSIRO have filed jointly-owned patents based on these discoveries.

While this initial research is exciting, the next challenge will be to identify which of these biomarkers can be found in clinical samples, such as blood or stool, with the accuracy to improve diagnosis of bowel cancer. The new collaboration between Clinical Genomics and CSIRO is aimed at addressing this challenge with a particular emphasis on biomarkers for the early treatable stages of disease.

CSIRO has developed a suite of molecular technologies that improve detection of DNA methylation - a chemical change to the structure of DNA associated with some candidate biomarker genes.

CSIRO and Clinical Genomics will now use these proprietary technologies to research and develop a clinical test aimed at testing patient blood and stool for the early detection of bowel cancer. If this research is successful, these assays will be commercially developed and delivered by Clinical Genomics.

Clinical Genomics' CEO, Lawrence LaPointe, says the decision to extend the collaborative relationship between the company and CSIRO should reap rewards. "We believe that CSIRO offers both innovative technologies and world-class scientists in the field of DNA diagnostics for cancer," LaPointe said. "Both of these resources will be a key factor in achieving success in this project."

The leader of CSIRO's Colorectal Cancer and Gut Health Theme, Dr Trevor Lockett, says the agreement is an important strategic initiative. "It provides a strong pathway to achieving both Clinical Genomics' and CSIRO's shared goal of improving the diagnosis and prognosis of bowel cancer and thereby reducing the impact of this debilitating disease on patients in Australia and globally."