The lack of methylation detected in wbc DNA for some of these genes, notably IKZF1, IRF4, BCAT1, and very low levels for others, e.g. COL4A2, DLX5, SOX21 and GRASP, suggest that these represent good candidates for further development, either as individual biomarkers or as components of panels that might provide increased sensitivity and specificity of early detection of CRC. This evidence concerns the gene IRF4 and colorectal carcinoma.