We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




New Stool Test for Detecting Colorectal Cancer Could Reduce Unnecessary Colonoscopies

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 13 Feb 2024

Globally, around 1. More...

9 million people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, resulting in approximately 935,000 deaths. Early detection is key, as colorectal cancer can be cured if found early. However, symptoms like weight loss or blood in the stool often emerge too late for effective intervention. Consequently, many countries have initiated population-based screening programs. These programs commonly utilize the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which detects the blood protein hemoglobin in stool samples. Colorectal cancer screening programs have been effective in diagnosing the disease at earlier stages and reducing mortality rates. Despite the current test’s effectiveness, there is a need for improvement, particularly in detecting larger premalignant polyps before they become invasive. Early detection would allow for these polyps to be removed during a colonoscopy instead of requiring surgery.

Researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute (Amsterdam, the Netherlandsl) have been developing a new test, the multitargetFIT-test (mtFIT), which measures hemoglobin and two additional proteins. An earlier retrospective study showed promising results. Now, a much larger, prospective study that compared the mtFIT to the current FIT in over 13,000 participants of the Dutch national population-based screening program has found that the new test yielded more positive results than the current test. This increase in positive results led to more colonoscopies being performed.

With the new mtFIT test, doctors found abnormalities in 299 individuals, compared to 159 individuals with the current FIT test. Most notably, the mtFIT identified a higher number of individuals with high-risk precursors to colon cancer (216 versus 114). The potential number of colorectal cancer cases that could be prevented using this new test varies, depending on how the current FIT test is implemented in different countries. For participants, the new test is as user-friendly as the existing one. Integrating mtFIT into existing FIT-based screening programs should be easy, as both tests require similar screening logistics.

“The new test can detect cancer precursors more effectively,” said Gerrit Meijer, Principal Investigator at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. “Our results predict that the test can reduce the number of new cases of colorectal cancer and mortality resulting from it. The new test detects more larger polyps without a significant increase in 'false-positive' results and thus unnecessary colonoscopies.”

Related Links:
Netherlands Cancer Institute


New
Gold Member
Latex Test
SLE-Latex Test
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Whole Blood Control
Lyphochek Whole Blood Control
New
STI Test
REALQUALITY RQ-SevenSTI
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The tip optofluidic immunoassay platform enables rapid, multiplexed antibody profiling using only 1 μL of fingertip blood (Photo courtesy of hLife, DOI:10.1016/j.hlife.2025.04.005)

POC Diagnostic Platform Performs Immune Analysis Using One Drop of Fingertip Blood

As new COVID-19 variants continue to emerge and individuals accumulate complex histories of vaccination and infection, there is an urgent need for diagnostic tools that can quickly and accurately assess... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The new technology combines a rapid hemoglobin test with a smartphone app (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Smartphone-Based Rapid Hemoglobin Test Accurately Detects Colorectal Cancer

Despite the availability of colorectal cancer screening programs, participation remains low, especially for fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), a non-invasive method to detect hidden blood in the stool.... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The machine learning-based method delivers near-perfect survival estimates for PAC patients (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

AI Method Predicts Overall Survival Rate of Prostate Cancer Patients

Prostate adenocarcinoma (PAC) accounts for 99% of prostate cancer diagnoses and is the second most common cancer in men globally after skin cancer. With more than 3.3 million men in the United States diagnosed... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.