GASTROClear
Gastric Cancer is Curable
if Detected Early
GASTROClear is a cancer blood test, the first of its kind in the world. Designed to detect gastric cancer in people who may not yet be experiencing any symptoms.
Gastric cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide
More than 60% of gastric cancer patients are diagnosed in the later stages.
Over 1 million people worldwide are diagnosed with gastric cancer and over 800,000 people die of the disease.
Survival rate drops to less than 20% for a patient diagnosed with stage-4 gastric cancer.
What is the Science and Evidence Behind GASTROClear?
GASTROClear looks for tiny pieces of genetic material in your body called microRNAs.
- What are microRNAs? Think of microRNAs as the smallest regulators or “dimmer switches” for your genes. Genes contain instructions for making proteins, which do most of the work in your cells. MicroRNAs don’t make proteins; instead, they attach to and break down the instructions for making specific proteins, essentially turning down or shutting off certain genes.
- Why are they important? They are crucial for making sure your cells and body function normally.
- The Disease Link: When someone has a disease like cancer, the levels of certain microRNAs can become abnormal. This creates a unique “disease signature” or pattern that can act as an early warning sign or “biomarker.” Measuring this signature can help doctors find problems when they are still small and easier to treat.
GASTROClear: The Test for Stomach Cancer by Mirxes
- How it Works? It uses a PCR-based technology, patented by Mirxes, to for a unique pattern of 12 specific microRNAs that are known to be linked to stomach cancer. It then uses a validated computer program (algorithm) to analyze these levels and determine the result.
- The Research: This test isn’t guesswork; it was developed and proven through large studies involving over 5,000 people in Singapore and Korea. In studies comparing cancer patients to healthy people: It correctly identified 81–82% of the cancer cases (sensitivity) and correctly confirmed that 88–90% of the healthy people did not have cancer (specificity). In a setting with high-risk patients (those with symptoms who needed an internal scope): It found 87% of the cancers and was right 68% of the time in identifying those who were cancer-free.
- Better than Other Tests: When compared to other current blood tests for stomach issues (like helicobacter pylori serology, serum pepsinogen, and other tumor markers), GASTROClear was found to be at least 20% more accurate in spotting stomach cancer.
How can GASTROClear help patients?
GASTROClear detects cancer-associated microRNA biomarker signatures that are present in a person’s blood before symptoms appear.
It is a minimally-invasive blood test that detects all stages of gastric cancer (stages 1–4) with close to 90% sensitivity.
The GASTROClear test gives a risk score together with actionable recommendations for physicians to manage patients who are assessed to be at high, moderate, and low risk of gastric cancer.
Do you want to learn more about gastric cancer?
Regular screening can increase the chances of detecting gastric cancer in the early stages. Find out how you can prevent and detect gastric cancer early.
Gastric cancer usually shows no signs or symptoms in the early stages. Knowing and proactively managing your risk through regular screening is the key to early detection.
Early diagnosis coupled with timely life-saving treatment can lead to good outcomes for patients with gastric cancer.
What is gastric cancer?
Gastric cancer is a disease in which malignant, or cancerous, cells form in the lining of the stomach.
What are the first signs of stomach cancer?
The first signs of gastric cancer are often vague. Specifically, the signs may be heartburn, indigestion, a change in appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
Are stomach cancer symptoms in women different than in men?
Men are at higher risk of gastric cancer than women. However, the signs and symptoms of gastric cancer are similar for men and women.
What are the early symptoms of stomach cancer?
Gastric cancer typically causes no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. As the disease advances, the symptoms are often vague and non-specific.
How can you prevent stomach cancer?
There is no sure way to prevent gastric cancer, but there are things you can do to lower your risk. These include staying at a healthy weight, maintaining a lifestyle with regular physical activity, avoiding or limiting alcohol, and keeping to a healthy diet.
Is stomach cancer curable?
Stomach cancer is curable if detected in the early stages.
What is a gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy, also known as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD), is a procedure where a tube with a light and camera on it is used to look for any physical changes on the surface of the upper digestive tract.
What is the preparation for a gastroscopy?
You are required to fast for at least 6 hours before the procedure to ensure that your stomach is completely empty.
Does the GASTROClear test need any special preparation?
No special preparation is needed for the GASTROClear test, which only requires a simple blood draw.
Can gastric cancer be diagnosed without biopsy?
No. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but a confirmed diagnosis is only possible with a biopsy.
Is there a genetic predisposition for gastric cancer?
Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) is a rare inherited condition associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. The gene most commonly associated with HDGC is called CDH1. A mutation (alteration) in the CDH1 gene gives a person an increased risk of developing gastric cancer.
The GASTROClear test is available at over 200 clinics and hospitals in Singapore.