Colorectal Cancer Prevention
HELIXCOLON
HELIXCOLON is an advanced molecular monitoring program designed for early prevention of colorectal cancer.
HELIXCOLON analyzes 245 hotspot regions across 14 key genes implicated in colorectal tumorigenesis, enabling periodic monitoring of somatic mutation frequencies and genomic stability—two of the most reliable early indicators of cancer development. By detecting subtle alterations in mutational burden over time, the program can reveal an increased risk of colorectal cancer long before symptoms appear or before traditional diagnostic tools can identify lesions.
This longitudinal genomic surveillance provides a proactive approach to prevention, offering a measurable advantage in identifying cancer predisposition years ahead of conventional early-diagnosis pathways.
Indications
The HELIXCOLON monitoring program is indicated for individuals who wish to assess their genomic stability over time by analyzing mutation frequencies in genes known to play a central role in colorectal tumorigenesis. Through periodic molecular evaluation, HELIXCOLON allows healthy subjects to detect early signs of genomic instability—an objective biomarker that may precede the onset of colorectal cancer long before clinical symptoms or detectable lesions appear.
HELIXCOLON is recommended for individuals who fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Adults over 45–50 years of age seeking early molecular indicators of colorectal cancer risk.
- Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps.
- Subjects with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease).
- People with lifestyle-related risk factors, including high intake of processed/red meat, low fiber diet, obesity, or sedentary lifestyle.
- Current or former smokers, given the mutational impact of tobacco carcinogens on gastrointestinal tissues.
- Individuals exposed to environmental or occupational carcinogens, such as industrial chemicals or persistent air pollution.
- Those who wish to complement conventional screening, such as the fecal occult blood test, with a genomic approach capable of detecting prodromal alterations.
- Anyone interested in a proactive strategy for Colorectal Cancer Prevention, based on annual monitoring of somatic mutation frequencies.
What the test evaluates
The HELIXCOLON test evaluates genomic instability by monitoring the frequency of somatic mutations across 14 key genes and 245 hotspot regions involved in colorectal cancer development. By quantifying these acquired mutations, the test can identify early molecular alterations that characterize the prodromal, asymptomatic phase of solid tumors—long before clinical signs or detectable lesions appear.
| 14 Genes | |
|---|---|
| AKT1 | KRAS |
| BRAF | MAP2K1 |
| CTNNB1 | NRAS |
| EGFR | PIK3CA |
| ERBB2 | SMAD4 |
| FBXW7 | TP53 |
| GNAS | APC |
| 245 HOTSPOTS | |
|---|---|
| KRAS/NRAS: | G12/G13/Q61 |
| BRAF: | V600E |
| PIK3CA: | E545K, H1047R |
| TP53: | R175H, R273H/C/L |
| APC: | Recurring pathogenic mutations (incl. p.R876*, p.Q1378*, p.R1450*) |
| SMAD: | R361C/H |
| CTNNB1: | S45F, T41A |
An innovative model
HELIXCOLON represents a modern approach to colorectal cancer prevention, based on the objective evaluation of somatic mutations rather than on subjective or family-based risk assessments. Using liquid biopsy and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), the test identifies and quantifies acquired mutations across genes involved in colorectal tumorigenesis, capturing early genomic instability—one of the earliest measurable indicators associated with the development of colorectal cancer.
Its true strength lies in its annual repetition, which allows continuous monitoring of mutation frequencies over time. By comparing molecular data year after year, HELIXCOLON provides a dynamic and precise view of genomic stability, enabling the early detection of emerging alterations and supporting a more personalized and proactive preventive strategy.
How the test is performed
Bioscience Institute offers pre-test advice and provides all useful information about the prevention program and the execution of the HELIXCOLON test.
The test involves a simple blood sample that can be performed at one of our reference centers or through your doctor.
The Bioscience Institute laboratories extract the DNA present in the sample and sequence it using the advanced Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques. The subsequent bioinformatics analysis allows the determination of the presence of any mutations in the genes under examination.
Test results are available in approximately 30 days.
