An improved version of the non-invasive fecal DNA (fDNA) test to screen for colon cancer (CRC) was found by researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine to be more sensitive in detecting cancers of the colon. The study results demonstrating this finding has been presented at the Digestive Disease Week conference in Los Angeles last week.

Previous studies have shown that a first generation fDNA test (PV1) was effective in the detection of colon cancer but partial degradation of DNA was a limitation. Using a second-generation test, the research team, led by Dr. Steven Itzkowitz, primary goal was to determine the sensitivity (SENS) and specificity (SPEC) of the new test in patients with known CRC and those with normal colonoscopies (NL).

Compared to PV1 data, the addition of buffer and gel-capture technology, as well as new markers of colon cancer, increased test sensitivity for cancer detection to 88%.

While the old fecal DNA testing has already shown promise for non-invasive tool for colon cancer detection, the enhanced technology incorporated in the newer version of the test made it more sensitive. This will lead to better results for clinicians and patients. Greater detection is less loss of life.

Read more at EurekAlert.