DNA test could significantly change current screening methods

Media advisory: news conference/video and audio feed

Mayo Clinic researchers have identified a new, non-invasive test that was 91 percent sensitive for detecting cancer throughout the colon, according to a study released today in the journal Gastroenterology. Requiring a stool specimen, the new detection method involves analyzing DNA that�s shed from the surface of colorectal tumors and excreted in the stool. Although about two years away from becoming widely available for public use, Mayo Clinic researchers believe this new method could significantly change the way screening for colorectal cancer is done. Most importantly, they think this new detection method may save thousands of lives annually.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2000, at 2 p.m. CDT

Where: Baldwin Building Conference Room; 221 Fourth Avenue, SW; Rochester, Minn.

Possibilities for Broadcast and News Media Include:

• Audio and video satellite feed of entire news conference.
• Camera-ready illustration of DNA cells shed from polyp.
• Video soundbites from study�s principle investigator, Dr. David Ahlquist, and from a patient involved in the study, along with associated b-roll.
• Animation of the natural shedding of DNA cells to be captured in the stool and passed through the body.

Feed Details: The video, including soundbites and animation, will be fed via video and audio feed during the news conference. Additional information for journalists on the Mayo Clinic Journalists� Website at http://www.mayo.edu/news. Additional information includes audio soundbites for radio and illustration for print medium.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:
Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2000
DNA Colorectal Cancer Test

Test: 14:45-15:00 (Eastern); 13:45-14:00 (Central)
Program: 15:00-15:45 (Eastern); 14:00-14:45 (Central)

Satellite Coordinates
Ku-Band C-Band
Satellite: Galaxy 11 Galaxy 4R
Transponder: 12 (V) 21 (H)
Channel: 12 21
Downlink Frequency: 11940 MHz 4120 MHz
Audio: 6.2 or 6.8 MHz 6.2 or 6.8 MHz
Longitude: 91� W 99� W

Technical Questions Prior to Broadcast ONLY: 507-284-5964 (Mayo Clinic Video Communications)
Satellite Technical Difficulties: (800) 608-3663 (Strategic Television)
To Call in Questions during the News Conference, Please call: 1-800-362-8351 This number is NOT to be used in conjunction with any broadcast story

Audio Broadcast Information:

For "Listen Only" Access to News Conference, call: 1-888-422-7105, Participant code: 238410
Audio Broadcast Technical Difficulties: 1-800-232-1234 (AT&T)
Audio Questions Prior to Broadcast: 507-284-5964 (Mayo Clinic Video Communications)