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Cancer research

Computed Tomography Colonography More Effective and Cost-Effective for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Computed tomography colonography (CTC) is a safe and minimally invasive method for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening that is both clinically effective and cost-effective, according to a study published in Radiology. Researchers compared CTC with multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA) testing and found that CTC is more effective at preventing and detecting cancer, while also being more cost-effective. The study used a Markov model to analyze data from a hypothetical 10,000-person cohort and found that CTC strategies reduced the cumulative incidence of CRC by 70-75%, compared to 59% with mt-sDNA testing. The estimated programmatic costs were significantly lower for CTC strategies, making them a more cost-effective option.

Key Takeaways:

  • Computed tomography colonography (CTC) is a safe and minimally invasive method for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening that is both clinically effective and cost-effective.
  • A study published in Radiology compared CTC with multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA) testing and found that CTC is more effective at preventing and detecting cancer, while also being more cost-effective.
  • The cumulative incidence of CRC was reduced by 70-75% with CTC strategies, compared to 59% with mt-sDNA testing.
  • The estimated programmatic costs were significantly lower for CTC strategies, making them a more cost-effective option.
  • The CTCsurv strategy, which involves three-year CTC follow-up for small polyps measuring 6-9 mm and polypectomy for polyps ≥10 mm, is more cost-effective than the CTCconv strategy, which involves immediate polypectomy for all polyps measuring at least 6 mm every five years.
  • The study authors disclosed ties to the biotechnology and medical technology industries, including a partial funding from Bracco Diagnostics.

Statistics:

  • 7.5% cumulative incidence of CRC without screening.
  • 59% reduction in cumulative incidence of CRC with mt-sDNA testing.
  • 70-75% reduction in cumulative incidence of CRC with CTC strategies.
  • $4,955: estimated programmatic costs for no screening.
  • $6,011: estimated programmatic costs for mt-sDNA testing.
  • $4,422: estimated programmatic costs for CTCconv.
  • $3,913: estimated programmatic costs for CTCsurv.
  • $8,878: estimated cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained with mt-sDNA testing.

Sources:

  • Perry J. Pickhardt, M.D., from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health in Madison, and colleagues. "Computed Tomography Colonography for Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis." Radiology, online June 10, 2025.
  • Bracco Diagnostics, a biotechnology company that partially funded the study.
  • Radiology. "Computed Tomography Colonography for Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis." Abstract/Full Text.

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