AllQas.com
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that a blood test can accurately detect colorectal cancer (CRC), offering a potential alternative to traditional screening methods.
The detection rate of the blood test was comparable to at-home stool tests but lower than that of colonoscopy, the gold standard for CRC screening.
Dr. William Grady, a gastroenterologist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and study author, highlights the need for improved compliance with CRC screening and the preference for blood-based tests among individuals.
The blood test, developed by Guardant Health, detects cancer signals in the bloodstream by identifying circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA).
The study involved testing the blood of approximately 7,800 individuals at average risk of CRC, revealing a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 90% for the blood test.
Despite its potential as an early detection option, colonoscopy remains the preferred method for detecting and preventing CRC.
If the blood test results are positive, individuals would still need to undergo colonoscopy to confirm the presence of precancerous lesions.
The availability of a blood test for CRC screening may encourage more individuals to undergo screening, particularly those who currently forego it. However, insurance coverage for the test may be limited until FDA approval is obtained.