scholarly journals Using fecal immunochemical tubes for the analysis of the gut microbiome has the potential to improve colorectal cancer screening

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kertu Liis Krigul ◽  
Oliver Aasmets ◽  
Kreete Lüll ◽  
Tõnis Org ◽  
Elin Org
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Occult Blood ◽  
Fecal Occult Blood ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Crc Screening ◽  
Fresh Frozen ◽  
The Impact

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is a challenging public health problem which successful treatment depends on the stage at diagnosis. Recently, CRC-specific microbiome signatures have been proposed as a marker for CRC detection. Since many countries have initiated CRC screening programs, it would be useful to analyze the microbiome in the samples collected in fecal immunochemical test (FIT) tubes for fecal occult blood testing. Therefore, we investigated the impact of FIT tubes and stabilization buffer on the microbial community structure evaluated in stool samples from 30 volunteers and compared the detected communities to those of fresh-frozen samples, highlighting previously published cancer-specific communities. Altogether, 214 samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, including positive and negative controls. Our results indicated that the variation between individuals was greater than the differences introduced by the collection strategy. The vast majority of the genera were stable for up to 7 days. None of the changes observed between fresh-frozen samples and FIT tube specimens were related to previously identified CRC-specific bacteria. Overall, we show that FIT tubes can be used for profiling the microbiota in CRC screening programs. This circumvents the need to collect additional samples and can possibly improve the sensitivity of CRC detection.

scholarly journals Using fecal immunochemical tubes for the analysis of gut microbiome has potential to improve colorectal cancer screening

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kertu Liis Krigul ◽  
Oliver Aasmets ◽  
Kreete Lull ◽  
Tonis Org ◽  
Elin Org
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Screening ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Fecal Occult Blood ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Fresh Frozen ◽  
The Impact

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important and challenging public health problem which successful treatment depends on the early detection of the disease. Recently, colorectal cancer specific microbiome signatures have been proposed as an additional marker for CRC detection. A desirable aim would be the possibility to analyze microbiome from the fecal samples collected during CRC screening programs into FIT tubes for fecal occult blood testing. Methods: We investigated the impact of Fecal Immunohistochemical Test (FIT) and stabilization buffer on the microbial community structure in stool samples from 30 volunteers and compared their communities to fresh-frozen samples highlighting also the previously published cancer-specific communities. Altogether 214 samples were analyzed including positive and negative controls using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: The variation between individuals is greater than differences introduced by collection strategy. The vast majority of the genera are stable up to 7 days. None of the changes observed between fresh frozen samples and FIT tubes are related to previously shown colorectal cancer specific bacteria. Conclusions: Overall, our results show that FIT tubes can be used for profiling the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer screening programs as the community is similar to fresh frozen samples and stable at least for 7 days. Impact: Sample material from FIT tubes could be used in addition to fecal immunochemical tests for future investigations into the role of gut microbiota in colorectal cancer screening programs circumventing the need to collect additional samples and possibly improving the sensitivity of FIT.

scholarly journals The Roadmap of Colorectal Cancer Screening

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1101
Author(s):  
Enea Ferlizza ◽  
Rossella Solmi ◽  
Michela Sgarzi ◽  
Luigi Ricciardiello ◽  
Mattia Lauriola
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Occult Blood ◽  
Fecal Microbiota ◽  
Fecal Occult Blood ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Crc Screening ◽  
Fecal Occult ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Improving Accuracy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common form of cancer in terms of incidence and the second in terms of mortality worldwide. CRC develops over several years, thus highlighting the importance of early diagnosis. National screening programs based on fecal occult blood tests and subsequent colonoscopy have reduced the incidence and mortality, however improvements are needed since the participation rate remains low and the tests present a high number of false positive results. This review provides an overview of the CRC screening globally and the state of the art in approaches aimed at improving accuracy and participation in CRC screening, also considering the need for gender and age differentiation. New fecal tests and biomarkers such as DNA methylation, mutation or integrity, proteins and microRNAs are explored, including recent investigations into fecal microbiota. Liquid biopsy approaches, involving novel biomarkers and panels, such as circulating mRNA, micro- and long-non-coding RNA, DNA, proteins and extracellular vesicles are discussed. The approaches reported are based on quantitative PCR methods that could be easily applied to routine screening, or arrays and sequencing assays that should be better exploited to describe and identify candidate biomarkers in blood samples.

scholarly journals Colorectal Cancer Screening: Have We Addressed Concerns and Needs of the Target Population?

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 173-203
Author(s):  
Thuy Ngan Tran ◽  
Allegra Ferrari ◽  
Sarah Hoeck ◽  
Marc Peeters ◽  
Guido Van Van Hal
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Blood Test ◽  
Occult Blood ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Fecal Occult Blood ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Crc Screening ◽  
Fecal Occult ◽  
Experience Education

Despite the recognized benefits of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, uptake is still suboptimal in many countries. In addressing this issue, one important element that has not received sufficient attention is population preference. Our review provides a comprehensive summary of the up-to-date evidence relative to this topic. Four OVID databases were searched: Ovid MEDLINE® ALL, Biological Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, and Global Health. Among the 742 articles generated, 154 full texts were selected for a more thorough evaluation based on predefined inclusion criteria. Finally, 83 studies were included in our review. The general population preferred either colonoscopy as the most accurate test, or fecal occult blood test (FOBT) as the least invasive for CRC screening. The emerging blood test (SEPT9) and capsule colonoscopy (nanopill), with the potential to overcome the pitfalls of the available techniques, were also favored. Gender, age, race, screening experience, education and beliefs, the perceived risk of CRC, insurance, and health status influence one’s test preference. To improve uptake, CRC screening programs should consider offering test alternatives and tailoring the content and delivery of screening information to the public’s preferences. Other logistical measures in terms of the types of bowel preparation, gender of endoscopist, stool collection device, and reward for participants can also be useful.

scholarly journals Immunochemical Fecal Occult Blood Test for Detection of Advanced Colonic Adenomas and Colorectal Cancer: Comparison with Colonoscopy Results

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca Rosa Viana Freitas ◽  
Cristiane Kibune Nagasako ◽  
Celia Regina Pavan ◽  
Sônia Letícia Silva Lorena ◽  
Fabio Guerrazzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Occult Blood ◽  
Fecal Occult Blood ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Fecal Occult ◽  
Colonic Adenomas ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Advanced Adenomas

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.

scholarly journals The impact of Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy on adenoma detection in an organized screening program

2018 ◽  
Vol 06 (04) ◽  
pp. E437-E442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Cavallaro ◽  
Cesare Hassan ◽  
Pierenrico Lecis ◽  
Ermenegildo Galliani ◽  
Elisabetta Dal Pont ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Detection Rate ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Occult Blood ◽  
Adenoma Detection Rate ◽  
Advanced Adenoma ◽  
Fecal Occult Blood ◽  
Crc Screening ◽  
Adenoma Detection ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background and study aims Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with biennial fecal occult blood test has been shown to reduce CRC mortality. For the effectiveness of the CRC screening program is crucial that a high-quality colonoscopy with a high adenoma detection rate (ADR) be performed. To improve ADR, various endoscopic devices have been developed. Endocuff, an endoscopic cap with finger-like projections, has been shown to improve ADR. The aim of this study was to compare in an organized CRC screening program ADR, advanced adenoma detection rate (AADR) and mean number of adenomas per patient (MAP) using standard colonoscopy (SC) and Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy (EAC). Patients and methods We compared performance of SC (in 2014) and EAC (in 2015) in consecutive participants in an organized CRC screening program. Results SC and EAC were performed in 546 (284 males) and 519 (293 males) subjects, respectively (mean age 60 years). Cecal intubation rate was 97.4 % for SC and 97.1 % for EAC and not significantly different (P = 0.7). ADR was 47 % for SC and 52 % for EAC, P = 0.1. MAP in SC and EAC were 0.87 (range: 0 – 7) and 1.11 (range: 0 – 13) respectively, P = 0.02. AADR rate was 25 % and 23 % for SC and EAC, respectively, P = 0.5. Conclusion Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy does not improve the number of patients with at least one adenoma but it may increase the number of detected adenomas per procedure.

scholarly journals The Colonoscopy Satisfaction and Safety Questionnaire (CSSQP) for Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Development and Validation Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicia Brotons ◽  
Mercedes Guilabert ◽  
Francisco Lacueva ◽  
José Mira ◽  
Blanca Lumbreras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Screening ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Occult Blood ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Screening Colonoscopy ◽  
Fecal Occult Blood ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
Screening Programs

Colonoscopy services working in colorectal cancer screening programs must perform periodic controls to improve the quality based on patients’ experiences. However, there are no validated instruments in this setting that include the two core dimensions for optimal care: satisfaction and safety. The aim of this study was to design and validate a specific questionnaire for patients undergoing screening colonoscopy after a positive fecal occult blood test, the Colonoscopy Satisfaction and Safety Questionnaire based on patients’ experience (CSSQP). The design included a review of available evidence and used focus groups to identify the relevant dimensions to produce the instrument (content validity). Face validity was analyzed involving 15 patients. Reliability and construct and empirical validity were calculated. Validation involved patients from the colorectal cancer screening program at two referral hospitals in Spain. The CSSQP version 1 consisted of 15 items. The principal components analysis of the satisfaction items isolated three factors with saturation of elements above 0.52 and with high internal consistency and split-half readability: Information, Care, and Service and Facilities features. The analysis of the safety items isolated two factors with element saturations above 0.58: Information Gaps and Safety Incidents. The CSSQP is a new valid and reliable tool for measuring patient’ experiences, including satisfaction and safety perception, after a colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy.

scholarly journals Detection of Colorectal Cancer and Advanced Adenoma by Liquid Biopsy (Decalib Study): The ddPCR Challenge

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audelaure Junca ◽  
Gaëlle Tachon ◽  
Camille Evrard ◽  
Claire Villalva ◽  
Eric Frouin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Liquid Biopsy ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Occult Blood ◽  
Digital Pcr ◽  
Colorectal Carcinogenesis ◽  
Advanced Adenoma ◽  
Fecal Occult Blood ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity

Background: In most countries, participation in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs with the immunological fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) is low. Mutations of RAS and BRAF occur early in colorectal carcinogenesis and “liquid biopsy” allows detection of mutated circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). This prospective study aims to evaluate the performance of RAS and BRAF-mutated ctDNA in detecting CRC and advanced adenomas (AA). Methods: One hundred and thirty patients who underwent colonoscopy for suspicion of colorectal lesion were included and divided into four groups: 20 CRC, 39 AA, 31 non-advanced adenoma and/or hyperplastic polyp(s) (NAA) and 40 with no lesion. Mutated ctDNA was analyzed by droplet digital PCR. Results: ctDNA was detected in 45.0% of CRC, in 2.6% of AA and none of the NAA and “no-lesion” groups. All patients with stage II to IV mutated CRC had detectable ctDNA (n = 8/8). Among the mutated AA, only one patient had detectable ctDNA (4.3%), maybe due to limited technical sensitivity or to a low rate of ctDNA or even the absence ctDNA in plasma. Specificity and sensitivity of KRAS- and BRAF-mutated ctDNA for the detection of all CRC and AA were 100% and 16.9%, respectively. Conclusions: ctDNA had high sensitivity in detection of advanced mutated CRC but was unable to sensitively detect AA. ctDNA analysis was easy to perform and readily accepted by the population but requires combination with other circulating biomarkers before replacing iFOBT.

Ways to use interventions to increase participation in mail-out bowel cancer screening: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 384-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry Myers ◽  
Belinda Goodwin ◽  
Sonja March ◽  
Jeff Dunn
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Collaboration ◽  
Occult Blood ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Fecal Occult Blood ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Fecal Occult ◽  
Uptake Rates ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Combined Interventions

Abstract The impact of colorectal cancer can be reduced through nationwide fecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening. Unfortunately, participation in screening programs are low with interventions only increasing participation modestly. This meta-analysis explores if intervention effectiveness can be increased by targeting specific subpopulations with specific interventions or by combining interventions. Six databases were searched for studies aiming to increase participation in mail-out FOBT screening. To investigate if interventions are more effective for certain subpopulations, the difference in (log) Risk Ratios (RRs) between alternate subpopulations (male vs. female; low vs. high Socioeconomic Status (SES); <65 vs. ≥65 years) was assessed. To investigate if interventions should be combined, uptake rates for single interventions were compared to uptake rates for combined interventions. Cochrane Collaboration tools were used to assess the risk of bias. Searches found 3,436 articles, with 32 meeting the inclusion criteria. These contained 30 trials that reported uptake rates within subpopulations and 17 trials that combined interventions. Most differences in intervention effects between subpopulations were nonsignificant. Combining interventions led to greater participation, RR = 1.06, confidence interval [1.03; 1.10]. As interventions rarely affect subpopulations differently, targeting them at specific subpopulations may be an ineffective strategy. While individual interventions show modest effects, these results indicate that future programs might overcome this by combining interventions together. Care is needed when selecting interventions to combine as adding some interventions (e.g., additional print materials) can reduce the effectiveness of a combined strategy. Future research should examine methods for effectively combining interventions in nationwide programs to maximize participation.

scholarly journals Minor compositional alterations in faecal microbiota after five weeks and five months storage at room temperature on filter papers

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian von Huth ◽  
Louise Bruun Thingholm ◽  
Corinna Bang ◽  
Malte C. Rühlemann ◽  
Andre Franke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Room Temperature ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Occult Blood ◽  
Faecal Occult Blood Test ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Fresh Frozen ◽  
Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Filter Papers

AbstractThe gut microbiota is recognized as having major impact in health and disease. Sample storage is an important aspect to obtain reliable results. Mostly recommended is immediate freezing, however, this is not always feasible. Faecal occult blood test (FOBT) papers are an appealing solution in such situations, and most studies find these to be applicable, showing no major changes within 7 days storage at room temperature (RT). As fieldwork often requires RT storage for longer periods, evaluation of this is warranted. We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 19 paired faecal samples immediately frozen or kept five weeks and five months at RT on FOBT papers. Alpha-diversity evaluation revealed no effect of FOBT storage, and evaluation of beta-diversity showed that host explained 65% of community variation, while storage method explained 5%. Evaluation of community dispersion and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio revealed a larger effect of storage time for fresh-frozen samples. Single taxa evaluation (order-to-genus level) showed significant alterations of four (of 37) genera after five weeks and five genera after five months. When comparing the two timepoints, alterations were only detectable for fresh-frozen samples. Our findings reveal that long term storage on FOBT papers is an applicable approach for microbiota research.

scholarly journals Development and Validation of Three Regional Microsimulation Models for Predicting Colorectal Cancer Screening Benefits in Europe

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 238146832098497
Author(s):  
Andrea Gini ◽  
Maaike Buskermolen ◽  
Carlo Senore ◽  
Ahti Anttila ◽  
Dominika Novak Mlakar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Occult Blood ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Fecal Occult Blood ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Additional Tool ◽  
Crc Screening ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Microsimulation Models

Background. Validated microsimulation models have been shown to be useful tools in providing support for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening decisions. Aiming to assist European countries in reducing CRC mortality, we developed and validated three regional models for evaluating CRC screening in Europe. Methods. Microsimulation Screening Analysis–Colon (MISCAN-Colon) model versions for Italy, Slovenia, and Finland were quantified using data from different national institutions. These models were validated against the best available evidence for the effectiveness of screening from their region (when available): the Screening for COlon REctum (SCORE) trial and the Florentine fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening study for Italy; the Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Prevention (NORCCAP) trial and the guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) Finnish population-based study for Finland. When published evidence was not available (Slovenia), the model was validated using cancer registry data. Results. Our three models reproduced age-specific CRC incidence rates and stage distributions in the prescreening period. Moreover, the Italian and Finnish models replicated CRC mortality reductions (reasonably) well against the best available evidence. CRC mortality reductions were predicted slightly larger than those observed (except for the Florentine FIT study), but consistently within the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Conclusions. Our findings corroborate the MISCAN-Colon reliability in supporting decision making on CRC screening. Furthermore, our study provides the model structure for an additional tool (EU-TOPIA CRC evaluation tool: http://miscan.eu-topia.org ) that aims to help policymakers and researchers monitoring or improving CRC screening in Europe.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document