Trials Underway of DNA Test That Screens for Colon Cancer

Two U.S. trials are currently underway of a new test that may be able to screen for colon cancer by detecting cancer-indicating mutations in human DNA extracted from a stool sample.

The PreGen-Plus, developed by Exact Sciences Corp. of Maynard, MA, appears able based on early studies to detect cancer 65 percent to 70 percent of the time, according to company president Don Hardison.

This compares with colorectal cancer detection sensitivity of about 90 percent for a colonoscopy, 50 percent sensitivity for sigmoidoscopy and around 30 percent for a single fecal occult blood test, according to Anthony Shuber, chief technology officer at Exact.

The big advantage would be that unlike a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, the PreGen-Plus requires no dietary changes and causes no discomfort. A person simply would mail a stool sample to the laboratory in a sealed container.

Results of the first large trial of 5,000 participants are due in the second half of 2003.

Other Sources: Exact Sciences, AP