A recent medical study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that it is possible to rely on a blood test to diagnose colon cancer instead of traditional methods that patients refrain from in many cases, such as endoscopic and stool examinations.
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Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and while the death rate has been observed to decrease in older adults, it has increased in people under 55 years of age.
The medical study indicated the importance of conducting blood tests for patients periodically, as colon cancers and large polyps, which are masses of cells found on the lining of the colon, sometimes turn into cancers secrete fragments of DNA into the blood.
The study reported that the diagnostic test developed by the American company Guardant Health to detect cases of colon cancer, which analyzes parts of DNA found in the blood, known as Shield, revealed that 87 percent of cancer cases were at an early stage and could be cured. The false positive classification rate was only 10 percent.
How Accurate is Colon Cancer Detection Through a Blood Test?
Commenting on the production of the first test based on a blood test to diagnose colon cancer, Dr. May, who works as a consultant for the American company Exact Sciences, specializing in detecting cancer in its early stages, and manufacturer of the Cologuard stool test, said: “This will be a great event”.
But Dr. John M. Carrithers, vice chancellor of the University of California Health Sciences, cautioned against the new test, saying:
While it does detect cancer, it fails to detect most large polyps, finding only 13 percent of them. In contrast, a stool test detects 43 percent, and a colonoscopy detects 94 percent.
He added:
Although benign tumors are usually harmless, a few of them can turn into malignant masses, so doctors want to find and remove them all to prevent cancer from forming.
Blood Screening Test is the Ideal Option for Young People in Their Third Decade of Life
According to the study, doctors must provide all the information regarding the blood screening test to the patient so that he becomes completely certain that this type of examination can diagnose cancer but does not prevent it.
It also cannot detect benign masses accumulated on the colon in advance of infection.
Researchers hope that the blood test will become the most widespread method among all other types of tests due to its ease, to encourage the largest number of people, especially adults in their thirties, to undergo early testing.
Dr. Carithers said:
If the blood test means that more people will be screened, the result will certainly be fewer deaths from colon cancer.
Will The Cost of The Blood Screening Test Be Affordable?
Guardant spokesman Matt Burns reported that the company had applied to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval to market the test. The company currently sells it as a “lab test” that does not require FDA approval. It is also still not included under health insurance cover.
For those who want to purchase it at their own expense, the price will be $895, Burns added. Noting that the company is currently negotiating with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies to “finalize pricing.” If it is officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
The doctors supervising the study believe that the blood screening test will be the best among all other tests. Because it moves from the stage of prevention to early detection.
Source: New York Times
