About

Ilico Genetics, a spin-off company of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, is developing the first methylated DNA based molecular test specifically designed for the early detection of gastric cancer, even years before Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD, gold standard). With only a blood sample, and even without symptoms, it detects a tumor in the stomach or lesions that could evolve to gastric cancer. The results are dynamic and show the cumulative presence of tumors over time. The test reduces treatment costs by ~ 90%, compared to advanced stages; provides timely results to prioritize patients at risk (“fast track”); has screening potential due to its low cost and ease of implementation; and has monitoring capacity for the dynamic follow-up of premalignant lesions (i.e., gastric intestinal metaplasia or “GIM”).