SCREENING
Blood-based DNA tests show promise for colorectal cancer screening — Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of blood-based circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) tests for detecting advanced colorectal neoplasia in asymptomatic, average-risk populations. The analysis examined how well these minimally invasive blood tests can identify advanced adenomas and colorectal cancer compared to traditional screening methods like colonoscopy and stool-based tests.
What this means
Blood-based screening tests could offer a convenient alternative to colonoscopy or stool tests for people at average risk. While still being validated, these tests may increase screening participation by providing a simple blood draw option, though their ability to detect precancerous polyps needs further study.