A study, led by researchers from PADO, has identified ACISOGA, a molecule found in the blood that could help more accurately identify people at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. The research, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, analyzed samples from more than 500 individuals with different levels of risk and found that ACISOGA levels increase as colorectal lesions progress. The findings were later confirmed in an independent European cohort of more than 1,100 participants. In addition, genetic analyses showed that people predisposed to having higher levels of ACISOGA are at greater risk of developing the disease. Although further research is needed before this biomarker can be incorporated into clinical practice, the discovery opens new opportunities to improve prevention, early detection, and the development of more personalized strategies against colorectal cancer.