A Cell-free DNA Blood-Based Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths worldwide. Early detection significantly improves survival, but a large proportion of the screening eligible population does not undergo timely screening. This study assessed the performance of a cell free DNA (cfDNA) blood-based test as an alternative to colonoscopy. In a validation cohort of 7,861 participants, the cfDNA test demonstrated a sensitivity of 83.1% for detecting colorectal cancer and 87.5% for stage I–III cancers. Specificity for advanced neoplasia was 89.6%, and sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions was 13.2%. These results indicate that cfDNA testing may serve as a less invasive option to improve screening adherence and facilitate earlier cancer detection, though limitations remain in detecting precancerous lesions.

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths worldwide. Early detection significantly improves survival, but a large proportion of the screening eligible population does not undergo timely screening. This study assessed the performance of a cell free DNA (cfDNA) blood-based test as an alternative to colonoscopy. In a validation cohort of 7,861 participants, the cfDNA test demonstrated a sensitivity of 83.1% for detecting colorectal cancer and 87.5% for stage I–III cancers. Specificity for advanced neoplasia was 89.6%, and sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions was 13.2%. These results indicate that cfDNA testing may serve as a less invasive option to improve screening adherence and facilitate earlier cancer detection, though limitations remain in detecting precancerous lesions.