Rhythm Biosciences Ltd has officially launched its enhanced geneType TM Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Risk Assessment clinical test, a notable development aimed at improving the early detection of colorectal cancer. The updated test, made public on January 14, 2026, includes additional clinical and lifestyle risk factors alongside the established 140-SNP polygenic risk score (PRS). This multi-faceted approach increases predictive accuracy for individuals across different genders and age groups, promoting earlier intervention strategies.
The upgraded geneType TM CRC test is particularly designed to identify individuals at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. By enabling targeted screening pathways, it complements the existing ColoSTAT® blood-based CRC detection test developed by Rhythm. Validation results for this new model have been published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE, showcasing its enhanced predictive performance when compared to traditional methods.
Research indicates that nearly 50% of colorectal cancer cases could potentially be averted through healthy lifestyle changes. By integrating these lifestyle risk factors into the testing process, the geneType TM CRC test aims to uncover a broader range of at-risk individuals who would benefit from more proactive monitoring and intervention.
Key Clinical Applications
The enhanced geneType TM CRC Risk Assessment test presents several key applications in clinical settings. It improves risk stratification for both genders, offering significant advantages for identifying higher-risk women. Additionally, it facilitates the identification of younger adults who are at risk for early-onset colorectal cancer, supporting timely screening interventions.
Another vital aspect of the test is its potential to increase participation in bowel cancer screening programs. In Australia, compliance with recommended screening remains below 50%, indicating a critical need for personalized risk insights to encourage greater involvement. Those identified as higher risk through the geneType TM CRC test may be recommended for closer clinical monitoring through various methods, including colonoscopy, FIT testing, or Rhythm’s own blood-based CRC detection test, ColoSTAT®.
Dr. Erika Spaeth, Director of Clinical Affairs at Rhythm, emphasized the significance of the enhanced test, stating, “The enhanced geneType TM CRC test strengthens our ability to identify individuals at elevated risk earlier, supporting more targeted screening and complementing ColoSTAT’s® role in colorectal cancer detection.”
About Rhythm Biosciences
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, Rhythm Biosciences Ltd (ASX: RHY) is dedicated to developing innovative medical diagnostics solutions. The company focuses on delivering simple and affordable blood tests that facilitate the accurate and early detection of cancers. Rhythm is committed to enhancing patient outcomes by enabling detection at the earliest stages of disease, ultimately aiming to reduce the global burden of cancer and save lives.
For more information about Rhythm Biosciences and their initiatives, visit their official website at rhythmbio.com. The company is also active on social media platforms like LinkedIn and X, where they share updates on their progress and innovations.
