19 Mar Colorectal Cancer: New Noninvasive Stool DNA Test

MedicalResearch.com Interview Invitation with:
Dr. Thomas Imperiale MD
Professor of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine
Research Scientist, Indiana University Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research
Research Scientist, Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute, Inc.
Core Investigator, VA HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study?

Dr. Imperiale: The main findings are the performance characteristics of the multi-target test (sensitivity of 92.3%, specificity of 86.6%) and its performance as compared with the commercial FIT: more sensitive for colorectal cancer and advanced precancerous polyps, but less specific.

MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Imperiale: The new non-invasive test may be an option for colorectal cancer screening among persons who prefer initial non-invasive testing.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

1.       Determine the optimal testing frequency or interval for the test.

2.       Determine what, if anything, should be done for a positive test and “negative” colonoscopy.

Citation:

Multitarget Stool DNA Testing for Colorectal-Cancer Screening

Thomas F. Imperiale, M.D., David F. Ransohoff, M.D., Steven H. Itzkowitz, M.D., Theodore R. Levin, M.D., Philip Lavin, Ph.D., Graham P. Lidgard, Ph.D., David A. Ahlquist, M.D., and Barry M. Berger, M.D.

March 19, 2014DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1311194

Last Updated on March 19, 2014 by Marie Benz MD FAAD