Colorectal Cancer Screening: Q&A with Geneoscopy’s Dr. Erica Barnell on RNA-Based Technology
Q&A with Dr. Erica Barnell :
Today, we sat down with Geneoscopy’s Chief Science and Medical Officer, Dr. Erica Barnell, to recognize Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and learn more about ColoSense®, the company’s RNA-based non-invasive colon cancer screening product.
Q: What was the inspiration for starting Geneoscopy?
A: My interest in gastrointestinal health and translational medicine began as a research assistant in a microbiome lab, where I developed a technique to noninvasively isolate RNA biomarkers from stool samples. Our goal was to improve the lives of children in Africa affected by environmental enteropathy. By analyzing stool collected from diapers, we identified at-risk children and delivered targeted interventions to alleviate malnutrition-induced growth deficits.
While earning my MD/PhD at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, I encountered a woman during clinical rotations who had stage IV colorectal cancer. She had never completed a colonoscopy because she couldn’t take time off work for the procedure. Her story inspired me to use my research experience to create a noninvasive diagnostic platform to assess gastrointestinal health using RNA biomarkers in stool samples.
Q: Why did you choose to use RNA as a biomarker?
A: RNA holds significant promise as a diagnostic tool, but its inherent instability has limited its widespread application. At Geneoscopy, we have developed a robust method for stabilizing stool-derived RNA during transport, enabling the reliable analysis of these informative biomarkers to build accurate, noninvasive diagnostic tests. This technology is the foundation for our lead colorectal cancer screening assay, ColoSense.
ColoSense is the first noninvasive colorectal cancer screening test to leverage multi-target stool RNA (mt-sRNA) biomarkers. Unlike some other biomarkers, these RNA markers are not affected by age-related factors that can impact test performance. This distinction is especially critical given the alarming rise in colorectal cancer among individuals under 50, who now represent 20% of new diagnoses and face the highest mortality in their age group.
In clinical trials, ColoSense demonstrated 93% sensitivity for colorectal cancer and 45% sensitivity for advanced adenomas in average-risk individuals. Notably, among patients aged 45–49, a key demographic for early intervention, the test showed 100% sensitivity for colorectal cancer and 44% for advanced adenomas. By offering an accurate, convenient, at-home screening option, Geneoscopy is addressing a significant gap in healthcare access. ColoSense enhances choice, improves compliance, and expands early detection, ultimately advancing equity and outcomes in colorectal cancer prevention.
Q: What is the most urgent issue now that Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is ending?
A: Access and awareness. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, and its incidence is rising among younger adults. In response, organizations such as the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) have lowered the recommended screening age from 50 to 45, with ongoing discussions to reduce it even further. Yet despite the proven benefits of early detection and prevention, over 44 million average-risk Americans remain unscreened. The regulatory hurdles that new screening technologies face on the path to commercialization compound the problem. To improve outcomes, we must expand access to innovative, accurate, and convenient screening options that detect disease earlier and provide actionable insights for personalized care.
Education is equally critical. People must understand the importance of screening and be informed about their options. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When colorectal cancer is detected early, before it has spread, the five-year relative survival rate is approximately 90%.
Q: Have you noticed changes in patient-provider interactions that could impact screening technologies or bridge the healthcare divide?
A: In today’s world of convenience and instant gratification, healthcare is no exception. Just as consumers expect one- to two-day delivery from online retailers, patients now expect health screenings to be simple, noninvasive, and hassle-free. Imagine coming home to find a test kit waiting at your doorstep and, once completed, scheduling a pickup from that same doorstep, all without leaving the comfort of your home. As traditional healthcare increasingly shifts away from the doctor’s office as the central point of care, the industry must adapt to meet patients where they are, prioritizing accessibility and ease of use at every step. By removing barriers to access and simplifying the user experience, we can begin to bridge the healthcare divide. There’s no need to take time off work, schedule an appointment, or navigate unfamiliar or unwelcoming healthcare environments. Geneoscopy is committed to ensuring patients can access ColoSense and receive the support they need to navigate the next steps following a positive result.
Q: Looking beyond colorectal cancer, can Geneoscopy’s RNA platform be used for other applications? Absolutely! We are actively leveraging our technology to develop noninvasive tests for individuals with other gastrointestinal conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Geneoscopy is collaborating with pharmaceutical partners to create diagnostic tools that can predict therapeutic response and monitor mucosal healing throughout treatment. These innovations aim to support the more than 1.6 million Americans living with IBD, including those affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.