Liquid Biopsy Improves Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates in Veterans

A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that incorporating liquid biopsy screening for colorectal cancer improved screening rates among veterans between 50 and 75. The researchers analyzed screenings with septin 9 blood tests, colonoscopies, and fecal immunochemical testing (FIT).

The study focused on veterans between 50 and 75 years who had previously declined a colonoscopy or FIT testing to screen for colorectal cancer within six months of the study’s start date.

The participant population was divided into an experimental and a control group. The experimental group received a letter or phone call offering three screening options: the septin 9 blood test, colonoscopy, and FIT testing. The control group was only provided two options: colonoscopy and FIT.

Over 350 participants were recruited for this study. Across the control group, only 9.6% of participants agreed to a colorectal cancer screening. Comparatively, 17.1% of people in the experimental group agreed to a screening, a 7.5% increase. However, the data revealed that both groups had a similar colonoscopy and FIT uptake.

“These findings indicate that a blood test is a promising method to improve colorectal cancer screening, but obtaining a timely colonoscopy after a positive noninvasive test remains a challenge,” concluded researchers in the study.

According to data collected by the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is projected to cause 52,550 deaths across the United States throughout 2023, marking a rise in cancer rates and deaths. Early diagnosis is increasingly critical since it is the third deadliest cancer across all genders in the US.

While liquid biopsies have been added to the traditional screening tools for colorectal cancer, including endoscopies, stool tests, and radiological screenings, there is still ongoing research for improved screening tools.

For example, Mohamedtaki Tejani, MD, oncologist and director of GI Oncology at Advent Health, told LifeSciencesIntelligence researchers are evaluating ctDNA testing for colorectal cancer screenings. Additionally, studies have also proposed MRI colonography as an alternative screening tool.

As diagnostic devices continue to advance, healthcare professionals must stress the importance of screenings with the available methods and follow-ups on positive screenings with colonoscopies.