Blood test shows 83% accuracy for detecting colorectal cancer, study finds
In a clinical research, a blood test designed to identify colorectal cancer demonstrated promising results, marking a breakthrough in the expansion of screening options for the potentially fatal illness.
published in the Journal of Medicine in New England According to the study, which was released on Wednesday, 83% of individuals who were proven to have colorectal cancer but were at average risk and exhibiting no symptoms had their test properly identify the illness. Ten percent of patients had erroneous indications that they might have colon cancer even if a colonoscopy revealed nothing.
In a news release, corresponding author Dr. William M. Grady, a gastroenterologist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, stated, “The results of the study are a promising step toward developing more convenient tools to detect colorectal cancer early while it is more easily treated.” “The test, which has an accuracy rate for colon cancer detection similar to stool tests used for early detection of cancer, could offer an alternative for patients who may otherwise decline current screening options.”
This could help bring in a replacement for the screening tests that are now used, including as colonoscopies, stool tests for blood, and stool tests for genetic material, according to Dr. Jon LaPook, chief medical reporter for CBS News and a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health.
“A blood test is attractive because it’s relatively easy to do and there’s no ‘ick factor’ that can keep people from doing home stool testing,” he stated. “In the New England Journal study, the cell-free DNA blood test detected 83% of colon cancers but only 65% (11 of 17) of those in stage 1, which are statistically the most curable, and I await further research to help determine its role in colon cancer screening.”
Although the Food and Drug Administration has not approved the test and most insurance do not cover it, the Associated Press reports that the test is presently available for purchase in the United States for $895. According to the site, Guardant Health, the company that produced the test, expects an FDA ruling this year.
The results of a multisite clinical research including around 8,000 participants between the ages of 45 and 84, which was led and funded by Guardant Health, evaluate the efficacy of Guardant’s Shield blood test against colonoscopy, the current gold standard for colorectal cancer screening.
“The gold standard for colon cancer screening is colonoscopy because it can detect colon cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages and it can find and remove precancerous polyps before they have a chance to turn into cancer,” LaPook stated.
Although colorectal cancer is a common disease that can be prevented with screening, Grady said that only between 50% and 60% of those who qualify for screening actually get the tests done.
“Getting people to be screened for cancer works best when we offer them screening options and then let them choose what works best for them” he stated.
The study is being released at a time when colon cancer is striking Americans at younger ages.
According to a research released earlier this year, colorectal cancer, which was previously the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths for individuals under 50, has risen to the top of the list, placing second for women and first for men.
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent disease to be diagnosed in the country in both men and women. In 2024, the group projects 106,590 new cases of colon cancer.