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Comparing the Latest Stool- Based and Blood-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests

What do we know about the sensitivity and accuracy of the stool DNA test, including any relevant data?

Can you describe the role of blood-based tests in colorectal cancer screening and how they complement or differ from stool-based tests?

Examining Key Aspects of Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Path to Preventing Late-Stage Cancer 

 Insights page is a resource for professional video interviews with leading clinical experts and investigators across all specialties of medicine.

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Stool DNA tests, such as Cologuard, have shown high sensitivity for detecting colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas. They analyze DNA markers and hemoglobin in stool samples, offering a non-invasive screening option. Sensitivity for colorectal cancer detection is approximately 92%, with specificity around 87%. Blood-based tests, like the Epi proColon, detect circulating tumor DNA or methylated DNA markers. These tests are less invasive than colonoscopy and can be more convenient for patients. Blood-based tests generally have lower sensitivity compared to stool DNA tests but can complement them by offering an alternative screening method.

Vivek Kaul, MD, discusses the sensitivity and accuracy of the stool DNA test, providing relevant data, while also describing the role of blood-based tests in colorectal cancer screening and how they complement or differ from stool-based tests.