Abstract
Background. Fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) have been used for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in several countries. There is lack of information concerning diagnostic performances of this method in Brazil. Methods. Patients scheduled for elective colonoscopy provided one stool sample one week before colonoscopy. The accuracy of a qualitative FIT for detection of CRC and advanced adenomas was determined. Results. Overall 302 patients completed the study. Among them, 53.5% were high risk patients referred for screening or surveillance. Nine (3%) CRCs and 11 (3.6%) advanced adenomas were detected by colonoscopy. Sensitivity and specificity for CRC were, respectively, 88.9% and 87.6%. For advanced adenomas, sensitivity was 63.6% and specificity 87.6%. Conclusion. Our results showed good sensitivity and specificity of the FIT for detecting advanced neoplasias. This method may be a valuable tool for future screening programs in Brazil.
Highlights
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide [1, 2]
The adenoma-carcinoma pathway is considered to be responsible for the majority of colorectal cancer (CRC) [5]
Considering the lack of information regarding the diagnostic accuracy of Fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) for advanced neoplasias in Brazil, the aim of the present study was to assess prospectively the sensitivity and specificity of a FIT in detecting CRC and advanced adenomas using colonoscopy as the reference test
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide [1, 2]. Recent data from a long-term follow-up study showed that removal of adenomatous polyps was associated with a 53% reduction in mortality from CRC [6]. Fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) have been used for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in several countries. The accuracy of a qualitative FIT for detection of CRC and advanced adenomas was determined. 53.5% were high risk patients referred for screening or surveillance. Nine (3%) CRCs and 11 (3.6%) advanced adenomas were detected by colonoscopy. Our results showed good sensitivity and specificity of the FIT for detecting advanced neoplasias. This method may be a valuable tool for future screening programs in Brazil
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
