Next-generation stool DNA test may improve sensitivity for colorectal cancer detection: NEJM

Written By : Jacinthlyn Sylvia |Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Published On 2024-03-25T22:00:03+05:30 | Updated On 27 March 2024 1:05 PM IST

Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, highlighting the crucial need for effective screening strategies. A recent study unveiled the next-generation multitarget stool DNA test which is more effective in colorectal cancer screening. This innovative screening tool combines assessments of DNA molecular markers and hemoglobin levels to enhance specificity and accuracy in detecting colorectal cancer.

This research was conducted by Thomas Imperiale and colleagues on asymptomatic adults aged 40 and above who were undergoing screening colonoscopy and evaluated the performance of the new DNA test. The results revealed positive outcomes, with the test expressing a sensitivity of 93.9% for colorectal cancer and a specificity of 90.6% for advanced neoplasia, which includes colorectal cancer and advanced precancerous lesions.

Also, the next-generation DNA test demonstrated a sensitivity of 43.4% for advanced precancerous lesions by surpassing the performance of commercially available fecal immunochemical tests (FIT). While the FIT showed a sensitivity of 67.3% for colorectal cancer and 23.3% for advanced precancerous lesions, the new DNA test expressed superior performance in detecting both.

Despite the enhanced sensitivity, this next-generation DNA test showed a lower specificity for advanced neoplasia compared to FIT. However, no adverse events were reported during the study, underscoring the safety and feasibility of this innovative screening approach.

This study emphasized the significance of the outcomes in advancing colorectal cancer screening efforts. By highlighting the potential of next-generation DNA testing, there is improvement in early detection of colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions which ultimately saves lives through timely intervention.

Reference:

Imperiale, T. F., Porter, K., Zella, J., Gagrat, Z. D., Olson, M. C., Statz, S., Garces, J., Lavin, P. T., Aguilar, H., Brinberg, D., Berkelhammer, C., Kisiel, J. B., & Limburg, P. J. (2024). Next-Generation Multitarget Stool DNA Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening. In New England Journal of Medicine (Vol. 390, Issue 11, pp. 984–993). Massachusetts Medical Society. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2310336

colorectal cancer screeningmultitarget stool DNA testThe New England Journal of Medicine

Source : New England Journal of Medicine

Jacinthlyn Sylvia

Neuroscience Masters graduate

Jacinthlyn Sylvia, a Neuroscience Master's graduate from Chennai has worked extensively in deciphering the neurobiology of cognition and motor control in aging. She also has spread-out exposure to Neurosurgery from her Bachelor’s. She is currently involved in active Neuro-Oncology research. She is an upcoming neuroscientist with a fiery passion for writing. Her news cover at Medical Dialogues feature recent discoveries and updates from the healthcare and biomedical research fields. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in

Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli-MBBS, DTCD- a chest specialist with more than 30 years of practice and a flair for writing clinical articles, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli joined Medical Dialogues as a Chief Editor of Medical News. Besides writing articles, as an editor, he proofreads and verifies all the medical content published on Medical Dialogues including those coming from journals, studies,medical conferences,guidelines etc. Email: drkohli@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751