Researchers suggest an investigational DNA methylation test could possibly help in the detection of colorectal cancer, according to a study published in Gastroenterology.
The test is a noninvasive stool DNA test that does not involve any diet or medication restrictions, unpleasant bowel preparation and any lost work time because it can be done from home. Researchers say positive test results would be followed up with a colonoscopy.
The test, which is not yet approved by the FDA, detects tumor-specific DNA alterations in cells that are shed into the stool from precancerous or cancerous lesions. In a clinical validation study that included 1,100 patients, researchers detected 64 percent of precancerous adenomas greater than 1 cm and 85 percent of cancer. Cancer and precancerous adenomas were also detected equally well on both sides of the colon.
Other results from the clinical trial show the colorectal cancer detection rate was 87 percent for cancers in stages I-III, which are the most curable stages. The detection rate for stage IV, the most advanced stage, was 69 percent. Researchers will conduct additional clinical trials next year.
Read the abstract about the DNA methylation test for colorectal cancer.
Read other coverage about colorectal cancer:
- OU Cancer Institute Utilizes Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery for CRC
- Four out of Five Providers Fail to Follow All CRC Screening Guidelines
- Cowden Syndrome Patients Should Be Screened for Colorectal Cancer in Their 30s
The test is a noninvasive stool DNA test that does not involve any diet or medication restrictions, unpleasant bowel preparation and any lost work time because it can be done from home. Researchers say positive test results would be followed up with a colonoscopy.
The test, which is not yet approved by the FDA, detects tumor-specific DNA alterations in cells that are shed into the stool from precancerous or cancerous lesions. In a clinical validation study that included 1,100 patients, researchers detected 64 percent of precancerous adenomas greater than 1 cm and 85 percent of cancer. Cancer and precancerous adenomas were also detected equally well on both sides of the colon.
Other results from the clinical trial show the colorectal cancer detection rate was 87 percent for cancers in stages I-III, which are the most curable stages. The detection rate for stage IV, the most advanced stage, was 69 percent. Researchers will conduct additional clinical trials next year.
Read the abstract about the DNA methylation test for colorectal cancer.
Read other coverage about colorectal cancer:
- OU Cancer Institute Utilizes Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery for CRC
- Four out of Five Providers Fail to Follow All CRC Screening Guidelines
- Cowden Syndrome Patients Should Be Screened for Colorectal Cancer in Their 30s