Citation BlueCross BlueShield Association. Special report: fecal DNA analysis for colon cancer screening. Chicago: BlueCross BlueShield Association (BCBS). TEC Assessment 21(6). 2006 Authors' objectives <p>This Special Report will provide information relevant to the evaluation of fecal DNA screening for colon cancer in asymptomatic patients at average risk. This report will summarize: 1. the current context of existing and emerging screening tests for colorectal cancer, including current published recommendations;</p>
<p>2. the molecular basis for fecal DNA screening and the commercially available fecal DNA screening test, PreGen-Plus.;</p>
<p>3. direct and indirect evidence comparing the performance of PreGen-Plus. testing to other methods of colon cancer screening;</p>
<p>4. evidence regarding the likelihood of compliance with fecal DNA screening; and</p>
<p>5. available cost-effectiveness analyses of fecal DNA screening.</p>
Authors' conclusions Fecal DNA testing is a noninvasive colorectal cancer screening technology that may eventually offer sensitivity for cancer closer to that of colonoscopy than that of conventional, guaiac-based FOBTs. Although the impact of fecal DNA screening on cancer morbidity and mortality has not yet been studied, it seems reasonable to assume that attaining sensitivities equal to or better than that of FOBT would result in similar or improved outcomes. However, several questions remain before fecal DNA screening can be widely recommended:
- Can sensitivity for large adenoma be significantly increased compared to FOBT?
- Can false-positive rates be maintained appropriately low for a screening program?
- What is the final configuration of the PreGen-Plus. test and what are its published performance characteristics in an average-risk screening population?
- What is the optimal screening interval?
- Which patients should not be screened with fecal DNA testing?
- Does the test improve compliance with colorectal cancer screening?
- Is the test cost-effective?
Timeliness warning This report has been archived and may contain outdated information. To request a copy of the report please contact the organisation directly. Indexing Status Subject indexing assigned by CRD MeSH Colorectal Neoplasms /diagnosis; DNA Mutational Analysis; Feces; Mass Screening Country of organisation England English summary An English language summary is available. Address for correspondence BlueCross BlueShield Association, Technology Evaluation Center, 225 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Tel: 888 832 4321 Email: tec@bcbsa.com AccessionNumber 32006000917 Date bibliographic record published 13/09/2006 Date abstract record published 13/09/2006 |
