Novel Biophotonics Methodology for Colon Cancer Screening

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
This is a proposal to establish a Bioengineering Research Partnership (BRP). The major objective of the BRP is to refine and provide comprehensive, definitive multi-center validation of these novel methodologies for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, thus providing a quantum leap in population screening.

Detailed Description
-----------------
Background and Significance highlights the impracticality to provide total colonic evaluation for the entire population. Risk-stratification via exploitation of the field effect is an attractive approach. However, all existing methodologies (e.g FOBT, fecal DNA, flexible sigmoidoscopy) are clearly suboptimal underscoring the need for novel tools for identifying the field effect. 1) We have developed ELF/LEBS for depth-selective (from  30 to hundreds of microns) spectroscopic assessment of living tissue. 2) We tested these novel techniques in two animal models of CRC (the AOM-treated rat and MIN-mouse) and in human subjects (n=190). We demonstrated that ELF/LEBS has the potential to detect precancerous changes in the colon at a time point that precedes the formation of adenomas and other histological/molecular markers of CRC. 3) We demonstrated that rectal ELF/LEBS can detect field effect alterations in histologically normal rectal tissue changes due to the presence of adenomas anywhere in the colon. In our pilot studies, the diagnostic accuracy of rectal ELF/LEBS far exceeded any other currently known markers of CRC. Therefore, assaying ELF/LEBS in the rectum has the potential to provide accurate risk-stratification for colon carcinogenesis without the need for bowel preparation and colonoscopy. 4) We have developed prototypes of ELF and LEBS fiber-optics probes for in vivo use.

Official Title
-----------------
Novel Biophotonics Methodology for Colon Cancer Screening

Conditions
-----------------
Colon Cancer

Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Subject is 18 years old or older and is having a colonoscopy procedure. Exclusion Criteria: Concurrent usage of anticoagulation or blood thinner medication within the last 7 days that would preclude Hx of Inflammatory Bowel Disease/Colitis/Chemotherapy.

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| No treatment<br>Those with colon cancer and with adenomatous polyp and those without a previously mentioned condition. | |

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Early cancer changes in the colon | ELF/LEBS probe used to obtain spectroscopy readings from rectal tissue | Visit 1, screening colonoscopy | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
Novel Biophotonic Methodology for Colon Cancer Screening.