Blood-Based Circulating Tumor DNA Test Effective At Detecting Colorectal Cancers, Study Finds

American Journal of Managed Care (6/3, Steinzor) reports a study found that “blood-based circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test detected colorectal cancer (CRC) with 79.2% sensitivity and 91.5% specificity, according to a recent prospective study,” which suggests it “may be a viable noninvasive screening option, although its ability to detect advanced precancerous lesions remains limited.” The investigational blood-based test also “achieved a negative predictive value of 90.8% and a positive predictive value of 15.5% for advanced colorectal neoplasia.” However, the test’s “sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions was 12.5% falling short of the predefined threshold.” Researchers acknowledged “further research is needed on long-term effectiveness, patient acceptance, and optimal screening intervals.” The study was published in JAMA.