MORESCREEN

Improving early detection of colorectal cancer across Europe.

The challenge

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in Europe and remains widely underdiagnosed until advanced stages, when treatment options are limited.[1] In 2020, CRC accounted for over 12% of all cancer cases and deaths in the EU. Although early detection can raise survival rates to 90%, participation in screening remains low – often under 50% – in many EU countries.[2]

Currently screening programmes for colorectal cancer are available in 20 EU member states although many have not been fully implemented and show certain limitations and inequalities within and between member states.[2] Most EU member states rely on the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), yet uptake is inconsistent and the method requires active patient involvement, which can be a barrier.[3] Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan highlights the need to modernise screening programmes to improve participation and efficiency.[4]

Liquid biopsy offers a promising alternative. As a simple, blood-based test, it eliminates the need for stool handling, potentially increasing screening uptake, especially among asymptomatic individuals.[5] It may also help reduce pressure on overloaded colonoscopy services, by identifying those who truly need further diagnostic procedures.[6]

By integrating more accessible and efficient screening technologies, CRC can be detected earlier, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the growing burden on Europe’s healthcare systems.

The solution

MORESCREEN is transforming colorectal cancer screening by introducing PreveCol®, a CE-marked, blood-based liquid biopsy developed by AMADIX (Advanced Marker Discovery, S.L.). As a non-invasive and easy-to-use test, PreveCol® offers a more acceptable alternative for patients, helping to boost participation in screening and detect cancer earlier.

Designed to work alongside current screening methods, PreveCol® can be used as a second-line test following a positive FIT result. With higher sensitivity and specificity, it helps reduce unnecessary colonoscopies, optimising healthcare resources and improving patient experience.

The MORESCREEN project will run a multi-country pilot, involving clinicians, payers, HTA experts and patient groups, to evaluate the clinical value, cost-effectiveness and implementation feasibility of PreveCol®. Importantly, the test uses widely accessible lab technology and integrates seamlessly with existing hospital systems via PreveCol®’s built-in software, minimising barriers to adoption.

In addition to validating the tool, MORESCREEN will define strategies for integration into hospital and primary care workflows, and develop a scalable business model for broader European adoption.

Expected impact

MORESCREEN is expected to deliver significant health, social, and economic benefits by improving the performance and efficiency of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes across Europe.

By validating PreveCol® as a second-line test, the project will support more accurate triaging of FIT-positive individuals, helping to prioritise diagnostic colonoscopies and reduce unnecessary procedures. The use of a non-invasive liquid biopsy is also expected to increase participation, particularly among underserved populations who are less likely to engage with current screening methods.

In the long term, MORESCREEN aims to increase early detection rates, leading to better patient outcomes, lower treatment costs, and less strain on healthcare systems. By enabling smarter resource allocation and improving access to effective screening, the project contributes to a more sustainable and equitable health economy across Europe.

External Partners

• Advanced Marker Discovery SL – AMADIX (Activity Leader)
• Fundación Cris contra el Cáncer

References

[1] European Cancer Information System (ECIS). Colorectal cancer burden in EU-27. Factsheet 01/03/2021. https://encr.eu/sites/default/files/inline-files/Colorectal_cancer_factsheet_March_2021.pdf.

[2] Helsingen, L. M. et al. NEJM Evid. 1, EVIDra2100035 (2022).

[3] Senore, C. et al. Gut 68, 1232–1244 (2019).

[4] A cancer plan for Europe – European Commission. https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/promoting-our-european-way-life/european-health-union/cancer-plan-europe_en. 

[5] Adler, A. et al. BMC Gastroenterol. 14, 183 (2014).

[6] Aziz, Z. et al. CJAMA Netw. Open 6, e2343392 (2023).