A bowel cancer breakthrough in Dunedin

An Otago University-led study could enable doctors to separate early-stage colorectal cancer patients into groups of whose disease is likely or unlikely to return.

That's through the identification of new RNA molecules.

Lead Author, Holly Pinkney says it's early-stage research -- but is hopeful the findings will be mirrored on a larger study cohort.

She says it could help ensure patients receive the right amount of treatment, and avoid unnecessary rounds of chemotherapy.