Fecal DNA analysis for colorectal cancer screening

BlueCross BlueShield Association
Record ID 32014001437
English
Authors' objectives: To evaluate fecal DNA testing as a strategy for colorectal cancer screening. It should be noted that the specific test reviewed in this Special Report combines both fecal DNA markers and an immunochemical hemoglobin assay. This Report specifically addresses the test assessed by Imperiale et al1 and discusses: the current context of colorectal cancer screening, including current published recommendations, and other emerging screening tests; the molecular basis for fecal DNA screening; the results of the study by Imperiale et al,1 with an evaluation of study quality; decision modeling techniques for evaluating different methods of colorectal cancer screening, as they relate to translating study results into possible conclusions about the efficacy of reducing colorectal cancer mortality.
Authors' recommendations: The recent study evaluating a fecal DNA test showed higher sensitivity but lower specificity than FIT. The diagnostic characteristics of the test are consistent with reduced colorectal cancer mortality if used in a longitudinal screening program. However, it remains to be determined how effective the test would be when used at a particular frequency within a screening program, and thus its efficacy and impact on resource use compared with established methods are unknown.
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2014
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: United States
MeSH Terms
  • Colorectal Neoplasms
  • DNA, Neoplasm
  • Feces
  • Genetic Testing
Contact
Organisation Name: BlueCross BlueShield Association
Contact Address: BlueCross BlueShield Association, Technology Evaluation Center, 225 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Tel: 888 832 4321
Contact Name: tec@bcbsa.com
Contact Email: tec@bcbsa.com
Copyright: BlueCross BlueShield Association (BCBS)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.