Improved Population-Based Colorectal Cancer Detection through Advanced Cancer Screening

A groundbreaking study conducted by the Netherlands Cancer Institute has brought about a major development in colorectal cancer screening. The research found that a new stool test, known as the multitargetFIT-test (mtFIT), outperforms the current standard fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in detecting colorectal cancer precursors. This discovery has the potential to greatly decrease the number of new cases and fatalities associated with the disease.

Colorectal cancer is a significant global health issue, claiming the lives of nearly 935,000 individuals each year and resulting in approximately 1.9 million new diagnoses annually worldwide. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, yet symptoms often appear at advanced stages, emphasizing the importance of screening efforts.

The current screening method, FIT, detects the presence of hemoglobin in stool samples but has limitations in identifying precancerous growths in their early stages. Dr. Gerrit Meijer, the principal investigator at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, stresses the importance of detecting tumors before they become invasive, a task at which the mtFIT test excels.

The mtFIT test not only measures hemoglobin but also analyzes two additional proteins, which enhances its accuracy in identifying cancer precursors. In a large-scale study involving over 13,000 participants, the mtFIT test demonstrated superior performance compared to FIT. Dr.

Meijer emphasizes the potential impact of the new test in reducing colorectal cancer cases and mortality rates. Despite producing more positive results and requiring additional colonoscopies, the mtFIT test detected a significantly higher number of individuals with high-risk precursors of colon cancer. Implementing the mtFIT test in existing screening programs could have profound implications.

Dr. Meijer suggests that in countries like the Netherlands where FIT cutoff values are relatively high, the new test could lead to a substantial decrease in both new cases and mortalities associated with colorectal cancer. However, widespread adoption of the mtFIT test will require adherence to strict diagnostic guidelines and large-scale production.

Dr. Meijer's team has taken a proactive approach by establishing CRCbioscreen, a company aimed at facilitating the manufacturing and distribution of the mtFIT test. In conclusion, the emergence of the mtFIT test signifies a significant advancement in colorectal cancer screening.

Its ability to detect precursors with greater accuracy brings hope for reducing the global burden of colorectal cancer, highlighting the importance of ongoing research and innovation in cancer detection and prevention.