Researchers at the University of Malta have developed a new process for testing for colorectal cancer which would shave off two days from normal testing procedures. 

Spear heading the research program is Dr. Byron Baron who for the past six years has been developing this new process. 

Baron explained that the usual procedure of detecting cancer cells in the bowel, colon and intestine area involves the process of a biopsy were part of the infected area is removed from the patient and it is sent for testing on a genetic level.

“This process requires a large area of the infected cells and it causes great discomfort to the patient. Through this process, a smaller part of the infected area can be extracted and it would give an indication of where things stand.” 

The new process as Baron explained takes a different approach from the usual genetic DNA tests. He explained that in the colorectal region, cancer cells seep themselves down to the proteins present in the cells. 

“This means that with a smaller biopsy we can separate the proteins from the cells and examine them. This process takes four hours rather than two to three days for normal genetic testing.” 

The research presented by Baron still has two years till completion but he exclaimed that the process was picking up its pace. Baron and his team started this research in 2015 and through public funds for research they are aiming to get their research and processes certified in the next two years. 

Present at the visit was Minister for Equality, Research and Innovation Owen Bonnici who spoke about the funds Malta provides to various research programmes in order to find solutions to everyday problems. He stated that “the research and innovation conducted in Malta is not only beneficial to the Maltese but to the whole world.”