Characterisation of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the urine and stools of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, their first degree relatives and co-habitors

Project summary:

To determine to what extent colorectal cancer is due to genetic predisposition and environmental factors (nature vs nurture). This will be done by analysing the pattern of volatile organic compounds found in the urine and stool specimens of confirmed colorectal cancer patients and their spouse/partner and a first degree relative. This analysis will be carried out using the Electronic nose (E nose) and FAIMS (Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometry) technologies. This will help to further our understanding of the pathogenesis of sporadic colorectal cancer.

Dr Michael McFarlane of the Department of Gastroenterology at UHCW, Coventry applied for funding to help with meeting the costs of consumables for the project. 

Progress so far:

The project so far is still in the recruitment phase. The retrospective arm of the cohort – that is those with known CRC who were already recruited as part of the FAMISHED study, are being approached to gain their consent not only for use of their urine and stool specimens previously provided to be used in this project, but also to approach a first degree relative and/or a co-habitor (spouse/partner) to seek their consent to enrol in the project. Once the team have recruited as many as are willing from this cohort they will proceed to the prospective arm and recruit new CRC patients from clinic.

The generous MSLRF bursary has so far provided support for the cost of the consumables involved in contacting the known CRC patients.