VIAMED INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED SURGICAL ONCOLOGY


Non-invasive early diagnosis of colon cancer

Stool diagnosis of colon cancer and polyps, an alternative to colonoscopy

At IVOQA we have early diagnosis tests that detect the possibility of suffering from colon cancer up to 10 or 15 years before the first symptom.

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of death from cancer worldwide. Detecting this disease in its early stages is crucial to improving survival rates. Our colon cancer test offers an innovative, non-invasive solution for early detection.

How does it work?

The Mirnax stool sample test uses specific genetic biomarkers present in stool to identify polyps and adenomas with a high potential to develop into cancer.

This method allows colon cancer to be detected up to 10-15 years before the first symptoms appear.

This test, therefore, identifies the presence of colon tumors but also detects even the presence of small polyps in the colon.

Benefits of the test

Early diagnosis

Detects colon cancer in its early stages, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment.

Non-invasive

Unlike colonoscopy, our test does not require invasive procedures or bowel preparation.

Fast and accurate

Provides fast and reliable results within a week to ten days, allowing for early intervention if necessary.

Mirnax Method

Mirnax Biosens, a Spanish biotechnology company focused on molecular diagnostics, has developed a test that can identify the possibility of suffering from this cancer many years in advance, with the aim of preventing patients from entering more advanced stages and implementing a prevention plan as early as possible.

This type of cancer usually begins with the formation of polyps in the colon, which are accumulations of cells in the epithelial lining that initially do not cause any symptoms. Although most of these polyps are harmless, a small percentage may progress to invasive cancer if not detected early. A thorough understanding of polyps and their relationship to CRC is crucial to develop effective prevention and screening strategies, which in turn can improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients.

Polyps in the colon develop due to a failure of the apoptosis mechanism, which is the natural process of programmed cell death.

This failure causes uncontrolled cell growth that can lead to the formation of malignant tumors.

Although it is estimated that only 5% of polyps develop into malignant tumors, they account for more than 95% of cases of cancer in the large intestine.

Since progression from polyp to CRC is a gradual process involving multiple steps with genetic and epigenetic alterations that affect the regulation of genes responsible for essential cellular processes, the method developed by MiRNAX Biosens identifies the operators that are activated as cells undergo mutations and transform from normal cells to cancer cells.

MIRNAX sensitivity:

The predictive value certified by the British notifying body UKAS for the sample volume specified in the IFU is 97%, with a specificity of over 99%. In other words, they have been certified by the British Notified Body (UKAS) to comply with the requirements set by the different governing bodies registered in the United States and endorsing that the biomarkers detected in each case have a minimum predictive value of 97% under routine conditions.

 

Colonoscopy Sensitivity:

Sensitivity for adenomas or colorectal cancer (CRC) of 10 mm or larger detected by colonoscopy is 84%, with a specificity of 85%. For adenomas 6 mm or larger, the sensitivity is 70%, with a specificity of 86%. –> REF: Johnson CD, et al. Accuracy of CT colonography for detection of large adenomas and cancers. N. Engl. J. Med. 2008;359:1207-1217. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa0800996.

At this time, insurers do not cover the test.

Yes, one of the indications for this test is for people with a family history of colon cancer. As a high-risk patient, this test can help avoid the need for an annual or biannual colonoscopy, as long as no polyps or tumors are detected.

No preparation of any kind is required.

After a consultation with our specialists, who will determine if the test is appropriate for your case, you can purchase it at IVOQA. You can bring the sample when you have it or, by means of a QR code, we can arrange for it to be picked up at your home. You can make an appointment here.

The test should not be compared with colonoscopy, as the latter is neither a screening tool nor a tool for hyper-early diagnosis. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for the visual detection of colorectal cancer, as it not only identifies polyps and lesions, but also allows biopsies and, above all, removal of polyps during the same procedure.

Therefore, if the Mirnax test is positive, it will be necessary to consult with the physician or primary care nurse to assess the indication for a confirmatory test by means of a screening colonoscopy. 

The result of the colonoscopy will determine the periodicity with which subsequent follow-up colonoscopies should be performed or the moment of re-entry into the program by means of a new test, applying an interval of 6 to 24 months for the screening to be effective.

Do not hesitate to request an appointment with our specialists

Dr. Rosa María Morera

Radiation Oncology

  • Specialist in Radiation Oncology.
  • Degree in Medicine and Surgery.  Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid (2-8-1990).
  • Head of the Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid.
  • Expert with university micro-credential mention in Physics, Technology and Protontherapy. King Juan Carlos University.
  • Higher University Course in Design and Management of Proton Therapy Centres. King Juan Carlos University.
  • XIX Programme of Senior Management in Health Institutions. IESE Business School. University of Navarra.
  • Master in Administration and Management of Health Services XXIV Edition (2013-2014). Pompeu Fabra University.
  • Doctoral Thesis Reading: ‘Radical thoracic irradiation and pulmonary functional study in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Systematic review and prospective case series’ . Qualification of outstanding ‘cum laude’.
  • Doctorate courses: Complutense University of Madrid (1995-1997).
  • She is a researcher in numerous clinical trials, publishing several national and international scientific articles.

Dr. Jose María Oliver

Breast radiology

  • Breast radiologist and specialist in cryoblation of breast lesions in the IVOQA Breast Unit.
  • Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Navarra (1983-1989). Specialisation via MIR in Radiology. Number 289.
  • Specialist in radiology in several renowned hospitals, international reference and pioneer in the application of cryoablation to breast pathology in Spain.
  • Head of the Breast Radiology Section at the Hospital Universitario La Paz.
  • Member of the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology (SERAM) and the Spanish Society of Diagnostic Imaging (SEDIM).

Dr. Jesús Cañete Gómez

General and Digestive Surgery. Oncological Surgery

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Seville (2000- 2006).
  • Specialist in colon and rectal cancer surgery using a minimally invasive approach.
  • Training in transanal rectal cancer treatment (TAMIS and TaTME).
    Training in minimally invasive surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital (Miami).
  • Specialist in General Surgery at Viamed Fatima Hospital, Seville (currently).
  • Doctor of Medicine from the University of Seville (‘cum laude’).
  • Associate Professor at the University of Seville Founder of the surgical team Laparoscopic Surgery Seville – MISS (Minimally Invasive Surgical Solutions) – minimally invasive surgical techniques in scheduled and emergency surgery.
  • He has written numerous publications in journals and books and is a member of the Spanish Society of Obesity Surgery (SECO), as well as the Spanish Association of Surgeons (AEC) and the Andalusian Association of Surgeons (ASAC).

Dr. Juan José Segura Sampedro

General and digestive surgery. Oncological Surgery

  • Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Seville. 2003-2009.
  • Specialist in peritoneal carinomatosis.
  • Doctor of Medicine from the University of Seville (‘cum laude’).
  • Oncological Surgeon in the Section of Peritoneal, Retroperitoneal and Soft Parts Oncological Surgery, Department of General and Digestive System Surgery, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid.
  • Associate Professor of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca.
  • 3IP in the Research Group in Advanced Oncological Surgery, m-Health and Innovation in Surgical Technology, Institute for Health Research of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca.
  • He has written numerous publications in journals and books and is a member of the Spanish Society of Surgical Oncology (SEOQ), the Spanish Society of Coloproctology (AECP), the Spanish Association of Surgeons (AEC), the European Society of Oncological Surgery (ESSO) and the Spanish Group of Peritoneal Oncological Surgery (GECOP).

Pablo Soto

Specialist in sports training for oncology patients

  • Higher Degree in Dietetics (2020-2022)
  • Treatment and rehabilitation of cancer patients

Dr. Gonzalez Larriba

Medical oncology

  • Professor of Medical Oncology at the Complutense University of Madrid
  • Head of the Medical Oncology Section of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos in possession of the European Certificate in Oncology
  • Recognition of 6 six-year research periods + 1 six-year period of knowledge transfer
  • Master in Oncology Services Management by the University of Alcala de Henares
  • Visiting Professor of Oncology at the University of Palermo (Italy)
  • Multiple stays in international centres (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Gustave Roussy Institute, University of Lyon, Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, University of Pittsburgh)
  • Maximum recognition of the Professional Career by the Regional Ministry of Health of the Community of Madrid
  • Director of the Master’s Degree in Genitourinary Tumours at the Complutense University of Madrid
  • Founder and member of the Board of Directors of the Spanish Lung Cancer Group, Spanish Genitourinary Tumour Group and Spanish Melanoma Group
  • Member of the Board of Directors of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology
  • Miembro de la European Society of Medical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, International Association for the Study od Lung Cancer, etc.
  • Author of more than 300 scientific articles, 400 conference papers and 60 scientific books, as well as speaker in more than 400 conference papers

Francisco Flores

Physiotherapy

  • Graduate in physiotherapy. UEM.
  • Master’s degree in respiratory physiotherapy. UNIVERSITAT
  • ROVIRA i VIRGILI.
  • MASTER specialist in conservative and invasive physiotherapy of myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. UAH.
  • SPIROMETRIST by the ERS-SEPAR for the performance and interpretation of SPIROMETRY.
  • MASTER Specialist in intratissue percutaneous electrolysis treatments EPI.
  • Specialist in the use and application of the INDIBA ACTIV system.
  • MASTER Specialist in Biomechanical Analysis, Intervention and Treatment “Check yourMOtion”.
  • NATIONAL CLASSIFIER for athletes with cerebral palsy.
  • NATIONAL CLASSIFIER of athletics for people with physical disabilities.
  • RESEARCH PROJECT: “Respiratory physiotherapy as a treatment for ARVC in high performance athletes”.

Dr. Javier Heras Aznar

BREAST UNIT

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery from Universidad Autonoma de Madrid 1992.
  • Specialist via MIR in Family Medicine at Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal 1994-1996.
  • Specialist via MIR in OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY at Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina in Madrid 1997-2001.
  • Specialized in the last 27 years in Gynecological Oncology and Breast Pathology, both malignant and benign, with experience in Oncoplastic Surgery.
  • Specialization Course in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery 2015.
  • Coordinator of the Breast Unit and the Breast Tumors and Gynecology Oncology Committee in Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía.
  • Main Author of the Breast Unit Accreditation Project (Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía) 2019-2020.

Dr. Beatriz García-Conde

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM MEDICINE

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery.
  • MIR specialisation in Digestive System Medicine, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital in Majadahonda. Currently working at the 12 de Octubre University Hospital.
  • Specialist in capsule endoscopy and in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy: chromoendoscopy, colon cancer screening, digestive dilatations, PEG placement, endoluminal vacuum therapy (fistulas/leaks), polypectomy/mucosectomy.
  • She also a general digestive consultant with a Master’s Degree in Neurogastroenterology.

Dr. Micaela Riat Castro Zocchi

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM MEDICINE

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery.
  • MIR specialisation in Digestive System Medicine, Princesa Hospital (Madrid).
  • Clinical consultation. Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy: Chromoendoscopy, Colon Cancer Screening, Placement of digestive prosthesis (oesophagus, colon), Digestive dilatations, PEG Placement, Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy (fistulas/leaks), Polypectomy/mucosectomy. Experience in Bariatric Endoscopy: Intragastric balloon.

Dr. Diana Fresneda Cuesta

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM MEDICINE

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery.
  • MIR specialisation in Digestive System Medicine, Jiménez Díaz Foundation. (Madrid)
  • Clinical consultation. Specialist in Endoscopic Capsule and in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy: Chromoendoscopy, Colon Cancer Screening, Ligation of Oesophagus Varices, Placement of digestive prosthesis (oesophagus, colon), Digestive dilatations, PEG Placement, Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy (fistulas/leaks), Polypectomy/mucosectomy. Experience in bariatric endoscopy: intragastric balloon, POSE method and Endo-sleeve with POSE system, etc.

Dr. Teresa Valdés Lacasa

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM MEDICINE

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery
  • MIR specialisation in Digestive System Medicine, 12 de Octubre University Hospital (Madrid). Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship (ERCP and digestive prostheses) at Ninewells Hospital (United Kingdom). 2020-2021.
  • Clinical consultation and abdominal ultrasound.
  • Specialist in pancreatico-biliary conditions and therapeutic endoscopy: ERCP, placement of digestive prostheses (oesophagus, duodenum, colon, biliary), digestive dilatations, placement of PEGs, endoluminal vacuum therapy (fistulas/leaks), polypectomy/mucosectomy.

Dr. Andrés J. del Pozo García, MD. PhD.

DUAL SPECIALISATION IN DIGESTIVE SYSTEM MEDICINE / FAMILY AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery.
  • Dual specialised training (MIR) at the Princesa University Hospital (Madrid).
  • Specialist in Digestive System Medicine and Specialised in Family and Community Medicine
  • PhD in Medicine from the Autonomous University of Madrid. Cum Laude. 2020.
  • Member of S.E.P.D, S.E.E.D., A.E.G, E.S.G.E, AESPANC, Board Member of GETTEMO; Consultant of Apollo Endosurgery in 2021.

Dr. José María Abadal Villayandre

SPECIALIST IN VASCULAR INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery from Navarra University.
  • MIR specialisation in Radiology, Radiodiagnosis at Gregorio Marañón University Hospital.
  • PhD in Radiodiagnosis from the Complutense University of Madrid. Cum Laude Doctoral Thesis.
  • Specialist in Vascular Interventional Radiology, accreditation from the Spanish Society of Interventional Radiology.
  • European Board Interventional Radiology (EBIR) Health Sciences) at Alfonso X el Sabio University. 2010-2014.
  • Medical Director of the “Centro de Radiología y Diagnóstico por Imagen”.
  • Scientific and research activity with numerous publications and research studies.
  • Director and professor of Interventional Vascular Radiology at the I-XI Endo-school. Teaching activity.
  • Member of SERAM (Spanish Society of Medical Radiology), CIRSE (Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology Society Europe), and Secretary of SERVEI (Spanish Society of Interventional Vascular Radiology).

Belén Pérez Peiro. Psychologist

SPECIALIST IN PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY

  • Graduate in Psychology
  • Clinical psychologist, Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, Psycho-oncology, Gynaecological Psychology, Neuropsychology, Detoxification and Out-patient Hospital, inflammatory bowel disease and teenagers.
  • Clinical activity at the Niño Jesús Children’s University Hospital, Psychiatric and Eating Disorder Units.
  • Expert qualification in Psychosomatic Medicine and Health Psychology.
  • Expert qualification in Psychopathology and Psychiatry from the Spanish Society of Psychosomatic Medicine and Medical Psychology.
  • Specialist qualification in Psychotherapy and projective techniques, both of which are recognised by the Madrid Official Association of Psychologists.

Dr. Ana María Moreno

SPECIALIST IN INTERNAL MEDICINE AND NUTRITIONAL PREHABILITATION

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery. 1986– 1992.
  • Extraordinary Graduation Award. 1992.
  • MIR specialisation in Internal Medicine. Number 283.
  • Master’s Degree in Palliative Care from Valladolid University. 2011.
  • University Master’s Degree in Advanced Chronic Nursing and palliative care from Antonio de Nebrija University. 2017.
  • PhD Courses 1993.
  • Extensive professional career in many renowned hospitals.
  • Head of Internal Medicine Services at Viamed Santa Elena (Madrid). September 2021 – Present.
  • Teaching and research work.
  • Numerous publications and papers. Participation in courses and seminars.