Multi-Omics CRC Early Detection

Despite progress in screening, 58% of CRC cases in Saudi Arabia are diagnosed at advanced stages, and over 25% occur in individuals under 45 years. This project proposes an integrative multi-omics approach (proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, genomics) to develop a validated blood-based biomarker panel for early CRC detection. The study will proceed in three phases:

1. Discovery cohort (N=300): identify biomarkers distinguishing healthy, precancerous, and early-stage CRC.

2. Internal validation (N=300): confirm reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy.

3. External validation (~1,000): conducted with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to ensure global generalizability.

This project directly aligns with Saudi Vision 2035 by reducing non-communicable disease burden and positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in precision cancer prevention.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC); Surgical Oncology & Gastroenterology, molecular oncology, cell therapy & immunology, center for genomic medicine at KFSHRC.