New DNA Stool Test for Colon Cancer
By HospiMedica staff writers
Posted on 28 Dec 2000
In a study of 61 subjects, a new noninvasive DNA test of freezer-archived stool samples identified 91% (20 of 22) of colon and rectal cancers and 73% of polyps, and produced no false-positives among 28 subjects with normal colons. The study was conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA) in collaboration with Exact Laboratories (Maynard, MA, USA), the developer of the DNA test.Posted on 28 Dec 2000
If further studies show similar results, the DNA test may replace fecal occult blood testing, which is reported to be inaccurate in 5-10% of cases. Also, unlike fecal occult blood testing, the DNA test can detect tumors and polyps that do not bleed. Furthermore, although the DNA test is expected to be more expensive, it could contribute to reduced health-care costs by eliminating many unnecessary colonoscopies. The study was reported in the November issue of Gastroenterology.
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