Authors' recommendations: In summary, the evidence does not support the use of CTC in generalized screening protocols for colorectal cancer. There is a growing acceptance for using CTC as a diagnostic tool in symptomatic patients who are unable to undergo complete colonoscopy. Several key issues need to be addressed before incorporating CTC into routine screening protocols, including:Defining what constitutes a clinically important polyp regarding size and morphology detected by CTC that will require a follow-up colonoscopy;Determining the diagnostic characteristics of CTC in an average risk screening population;Determining the appropriate frequency of CTC in a healthy screening population;Improving bowel preparation techniques that may increase patient compliance and detection rates;Estimating the number of colonoscopies that could be avoided by using CTC;Estimating cost-effectiveness. Evaluations of CTC must be made in the context of a rapidly evolving field in which improvements in colon evaluation are being made. It is likely that the organization of service delivery of CTC in relation to colonoscopy or DCBE for screening polyps will require the greatest consideration.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www4.va.gov/VATAP/docs/CTColonography2007tagm.pdf

Year Published: 2007

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: VA Technology Assessment Program

Contact Address: Liz Adams, VA Technology Assessment Program, Office of Patient Care Services (11T), VA Boston Healthcare System Room 4D-142, 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130 USA Tel: +1 617 278 4469; Fax: +1 617 264 6587;

Contact Name: elizabeth.adams@med.va.gov

Contact Email: elizabeth.adams@med.va.gov

Copyright: VA Technology Assessment Program (VATAP)