Novel multiplex stool-based assay for the detection of early-stage colon cancer in a Chinese population

Figure 1 Flow diagram of the study design. Candidate methylation biomarkers were selected by targeted bisulfite sequencing and then validated using pyrosequencing. At last, a diagnostic model was constructed and evaluated. CSG: Cancer sample group; HSG: Healthy sample group; DMRs: Differentially methylated regions; DMSs: Differentially methylated sites; ROC: Receiver operating characteristic; sDNA: Stool DNA; FIT: Fecal immunochemical test; PAX8: Paired box 8; RASSF1: Ras-association domain family 1; SFRP2: Secreted frizzled-related protein 2; CpG: Cytosine-guanine; ECC: Early-stage colon cancer.