What We Do
We're trying to optimize noninvasive prescreen methodologies for colon cancer. Currently, the only existing prescreen tests for colorectal cancer count the amount of blood in the stool and make a diagnosis solely based on that metric. The fecal immunochemical test (FIT), the guiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT), and other such blood count tests approved by the FDA are too generalized and therefore diagnose GI illnesses, but not always colorectal cancer itself.
The Way We Do It
CounteractIO uses ensemble methods to maintain high levels of accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity on a prescreen test for colorectal cancer. The mechanism works through ensemble methods in which the FIT result, age, BMI, presence of diabetes, smoking occurrence, and history of polyps/lesions are inputs. The classification algorithms were selected based on their optimized ability to handle a broad range of inter-related inputs with a high accuracy and equally high, if not higher, sensitivity.
Our results have turned out stunningly well. Here's an ROC Curve:
Metrics:
Specificity: 0.92
Sensitivity: 0.89
Precision: 0.90
AUC: 0.95
F1: 0.88
Current Tests:
| Test | Description |
|---|---|
| Fecal Immunochemical Test | Sensitivity: 74%
Specificity: 96% Cost: $15 OTC 5 minutes to get results Too generalized - positive results don't necessarily mean CRC |
| Stool DNA Test | Sensitivity: 92%
Specificity: 89% Cost: $640 Prescription-only Two weeks to get results Not for people with a history of lesions/polyps |
| Virtual CT Scan | Sensitivity: 84%
Specificity: 88% Cost: $400 - not covered by most insurance |
| CounteractIO | Sensitivity: 89%
Specificity: 92% Cost: $10 No dietary restrictions |