Scientists have developed two new blood tests which they claim will make detection of gastrointe -stinal cancers simpler, cost-effective and more acceptable to patients than the existing methods.

In the first research, a team led by Joost Louwagie of Beligium-based OncoMethylome Sciences collected blood samples before surgery from 193 patients having colorectal cancer, and from 688 controls undergoing colonoscopy for cancer screening.

DNA was extracted from the blood plasma and tested for the presence of DNA methylation -- that's linked to initiation and progression of tumours -- of specific genes.

The scientists then evaluated the best-performing methylated genes in blood samples, with the ultimate goal of providing a sensitive, specific and patient-friendly option for colorectal cancer screening.

"This test has potential to provide a better balance of performance, cost-effectiveness and patient compliance than options currently available for colorectal cancer screening.