Two multitarget stool tests currently in development show promise for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in average-risk individuals, as indicated by two new studies:
- RNA Test (mt-sRNA; Colosense, Geneoscopy): In a study involving 8289 adults, the mt-sRNA test was compared with colonoscopy for detecting advanced adenomas and CRC in individuals aged 45 and older. The test had:
- 100% sensitivity for early, stage I cancers.
- 45% overall sensitivity for advanced adenomas, which increased to 51% for adenomas ≥ 2 cm.
- 87% specificity for patients with negative findings for hyperplastic polyps or lesions.
- Notably, the mt-sRNA test showed significant improvements in sensitivity when compared with the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) results alone.
- DNA Test (mt-sDNA; Cologuard, Exact Sciences): This test was evaluated for CRC screening in adults aged 40 and older. The study details for this test were not fully provided in the content.
Both studies were presented at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting. David Lieberman, MD, highlighted the significance of the RNA test, noting its consistent performance across all age groups and potential advantages over DNA biomarker tests.