This technology provides a gene score system to assess the effectiveness of antifibrotic treatments on colorectal cancer (CRC). By comparing gene expressions from colorectal cancer cells under two different types of mechanical conditioning, this system identifies specific gene signatures that correlate with an increased risk of metastasis and lower survival rates. The gene score can be used to help determine whether patients with colorectal cancer should undergo additional preventative therapies to reduce the risk of metastasis. Additionally, the system involves in vitro analysis of colorectal cancer cells to develop a new gene score, called the MeCo-CRC score. This score is calculated by comparing the expression levels of genes associated with tissue stiffness, offering a novel approach to characterizing colorectal cancer and providing valuable insights into potential treatment outcomes. Background: This technology addresses the challenge of accurately predicting the risk of metastasis in colorectal cancer patients and determining the efficacy of antifibrotic treatments. Current solutions often rely on traditional biomarkers or clinical staging, which may not fully capture the complexity of tumor behavior or effectively predict treatment outcomes. As a result, patients may not receive personalized treatment plans that could prevent the progression of their disease. This gene score system is different from existing technologies because it uses mechanical conditioning of cancer cells to identify gene signatures that correlate with metastasis risk and survival rates. By providing a more precise, biologically informed method for evaluating the likelihood of metastasis, this technology offers a way to better tailor treatments to individual patients. The MeCo-CRC score provides a unique insight into gene expression patterns linked to tissue stiffness, which current methods fail to address, making it a more comprehensive tool for guiding treatment decisions. Applications:
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