Blood-Based Test Demonstrates Acceptable Accuracy for Colorectal Cancer Detection
A recent study by researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research has found that a blood-based test for colorectal cancer detection shows promising results, with a sensitivity of 79.2% and specificity of 91.5% in an average-risk population. The study, which involved 27,010 participants, demonstrated the potential for higher adherence compared to endoscopy or stool-based testing. However, detection of advanced precancerous lesions remains a challenge.
Key Takeaways:
- The study found a sensitivity of 79.2% for colorectal cancer detection and a specificity of 91.5% for advanced colorectal neoplasia.
- The blood-based test demonstrated acceptable accuracy for colorectal cancer detection in an average-risk population.
- Detection of advanced precancerous lesions remains a challenge, with a sensitivity of 12.5% in the study.
- The study was conducted at 201 centers across 49 US states and the United Arab Emirates, with 55.8% of participants being women and a median age of 57.0 years.
- The research team, led by Theodore R. Levin from the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, included additional experts such as Aasma Shaukat, Peter S. Liang, and Carol A. Burke.
Statistics:
- 27,010 participants were included in the evaluable cohort.
- 79.2% sensitivity for colorectal cancer detection.
- 91.5% specificity for advanced colorectal neoplasia.
- 15.5% positive predictive value for advanced colorectal neoplasia.
- 90.8% negative predictive value for advanced colorectal neoplasia.
- 12.5% sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions.
Sources:
- NewsRx. Investigators at Kaiser Permanente Division of Research Report Findings in Colon Cancer (Clinical Validation of a Circulating Tumor Dna-based Blood Test To Screen for Colorectal Cancer). Cancer Weekly. July 1, 2025; p 397.
- JAMA. Clinical Validation of a Circulating Tumor Dna-based Blood Test To Screen for Colorectal Cancer. 2025.