FDA approves first DNA-based test for colon cancer

The Tribune -- San Louis Obispo ^ | Aug 11, 2014 | MATTHEW PERRONE

[Innovative]

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the first screening test for colon cancer that uses patients' DNA to help spot potentially deadly tumors and growths.

The Cologuard test from Exact Sciences detects irregular mutations in stool samples that can be an early warning sign of cancer. Patients who test positive for the mutations should undergo a colonoscopy to confirm the results.

Doctors have long used stool tests to look for hidden blood that can be a warning sign of tumors and precancerous polyps.

But company studies of Cologuard showed that it was more accurate at detecting cancerous tumors and worrisome polyps than traditional stool blood tests. Cologuard detected 92 percent of colon cancers and 42 percent of advanced polyps in a study of 10,000 patients, while traditional blood screening only detected 74 percent of cancers and 24 percent of advanced polyps.

[Innovative]

Great discovery -- it helps detects cancers early -- without the need for colonoscopy.

[Innovative]

Ping for your list

[Ken H]

Let's see... horrific diarrhea, followed by insertion of a tube into you nether regions, followed my more diarrhea vs. a blood sample.

I just can't decide.

[Innovative]

Actually a stool sample — but your point is right on the mark.

I think this will help catch colon cancer much earlier, since I am sure many people don’t go in for colonoscopy, precisely because of the gruesome prep requirements and procedure itself.

[Tired of Taxes]

Thanks for the ping, Innovative.

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[metmom]

Great discovery -- it helps detects cancers early -- without the need for colonoscopy.

That's a giant step forward in medical prevention.

[ex91B10]

Until you’re tested at birth and now have a “preexisting condition”. Kiss health care coverage goodbye.

[the OlLine Rebel]

The procedure is nothing. It is all about the prep. Although my GE has been toning down the prep over the years, so it is not that bad. However, for surgery on my colon I was made to use the old awful prep by the surgeon. God awful. Wanted to puke.

[the OlLine Rebel]

It does say a colonscopy should follow for verification. I don’t think one can avoid it if one needs surgery.