CRC monitoring, also known as colorectal cancer monitoring is the monitoring of colorectal patients during their treatment period, as well as after their successful treatment. With all cancers, even colorectal cancer, there is always a chance of cancer cells returning in the colon. While some patients may never experience this, it is still essential for all colorectal cancer patients to regularly to be tested and monitored for early detection if cancer cells have returned to the colon. CRC monitoring also helps monitor the progress and chance of recovery of a CRC patient during their treatment.

Many blood tests are being tested through clinical trials for CRC monitoring. The two tests that are commonly used in CRC monitoring today are the CEA blood test and the Onko-Sure blood test. The CEA blood test, tests the presence of CEA, or carcinoembryonic antigen, which is commonly associated with colorectal cancer. Onko-Sure is a non-invasive blood bio-marker test that flows freely in the blood, while monitoring FDP levels in the blood serum. FDP or Fibrin/Fibrinogen Degradation Products is present in colorectal cancer patients when there are cancer cells in the colon.

Both the CEA blood tests and the Onko-Sure blood test are helpful in CRC monitoring because they can allow doctors to see the progress of the colorectal cancer treatment, as well as the return of cancer in CRC patients. CRC monitoring may take place regularly for up to five years after the colorectal cancer patient has been treated successfully to ensure that the cancer will never return.

• CRC Monitoring Using CEA & Onko-Sure