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Gerrard AD, Maeda Y, Miller J, Gunn F, Theodoratou E, Noble C, Porteous L, Glancy S, MacLean P, Pattenden R, Dunlop MG, Din FVN. Double faecal immunochemical testing in patients with symptoms suspicious of colorectal cancer. Br J Surg 2023; 110:471-480. [PMID: 36785496 PMCID: PMC10364540 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Faecal immunochemical test (FIT)-directed pathways based on a single test have been implemented for symptomatic patients. However, with a single test, the sensitivity is 87 per cent at 10 µg haemoglobin (Hb) per g faeces. This aims of this study were to define the diagnostic performance of a single FIT, compared with double FIT in symptomatic populations. METHODS Two sequential prospective patient cohorts referred with symptoms from primary care were studied. Patients in cohort 1 were sent a single FIT, and those in cohort 2 received two tests in succession before investigation. All patients were investigated, regardless of having a positive or negative test (threshold 10 µg Hb per g). RESULTS In cohort 1, 2260 patients completed one FIT and investigation. The sensitivity of single FIT was 84.1 (95 per cent c.i. 73.3 to 91.8) per cent for colorectal cancer and 67.4 (61.0 to 73.4) per cent for significant bowel pathology. In cohort 2, 3426 patients completed at least one FIT, and 2637 completed both FITs and investigation. The sensitivity of double FIT was 96.6 (90.4 to 99.3) per cent for colorectal cancer and 83.0 (77.4 to 87.8) per cent for significant bowel pathology. The second FIT resulted in a 50.0 per cent reduction in cancers missed by the first FIT, and 30.0 per cent for significant bowel pathology. Correlation between faecal Hb level was only modest (rs = 0.58), and 16.8 per cent of double tests were discordant, 11.4 per cent in patients with colorectal cancer and 18.3 per cent in those with significant bowel pathology. CONCLUSION FIT in patients with high-risk symptoms twice in succession reduces missed significant colorectal pathology and has an acceptable workload impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Gerrard
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Colorectal surgery, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Y Maeda
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - J Miller
- Department of Colorectal surgery, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - F Gunn
- Department of Colorectal surgery, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - E Theodoratou
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - C Noble
- Department of Gastroenterology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - L Porteous
- Lead GP for Cancer and Palliative Care, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Glancy
- Department of Radiology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - P MacLean
- Department of Radiology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - R Pattenden
- Department of Biochemistry, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M G Dunlop
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Colon Cancer Genetics Group, Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics & Cancer, Western General Hospital, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - F V N Din
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Colorectal surgery, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
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Booth R, Carten R, D'Souza N, Westwood M, Kleijnen J, Abulafi M. Role of the faecal immunochemical test in patients with risk-stratified suspected colorectal cancer symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis to inform the ACPGBI/BSG guidelines. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2022; 23:100518. [PMID: 36212984 PMCID: PMC9535300 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Background The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), recommended in 2017 the use of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) to guide investigations in patients presenting with NICE-defined low-risk symptoms suspicious for colorectal cancer (CRC). At that time, NICE did not recommend FIT use for high-risk symptoms. This is the first systematic review to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of FIT in NICE-defined high and low-risk symptoms and was designed to inform the joint ACPGBI/BSG guidelines. Methods We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021224674. Medline and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to 31st March 2022. We included studies recruiting adult patients presenting with suspected CRC symptoms in whom FIT was performed and diagnostic accuracy data for CRC detection could be derived at a limit of detection (LoD) and/or 10 µg haemoglobin/gram faeces threshold in four commonly used analysers. FIT performance was assessed for high-risk, low-risk and individual symptoms where possible. Bivariate meta-analysis was performed where study numbers allowed. Findings Thirty-one studies (79566 patients) met inclusion criteria. At 10 µg/g, for "all symptoms" (n = 35,945) sensitivity and specificity were 91.0% (95% CI: 88.9, 92.7) and 75.2% (95% CI: 69.6, 80.1); for "high-risk" symptoms (n = 18,264), 88.7% (95% CI: 84.4, 92.0) and 78.5% (95% CI: 73.0, 83.2); and for "low-risk" symptoms (n = 2161), 88.7% (95% CI: 78.1, 95.3) and 88.5% (95% CI: 87.1, 89.9), respectively. At LoD, for "all symptoms" (n = 26,056) sensitivity and specificity were 94.7% (95% CI: 90.5, 97.1) and 66.5% (95% CI: 58.7, 73.6); for "high-risk" symptoms (n = 16,768), 92.8% (95% CI: 86.4, 96.3) and 70.3% (95% CI: 66.5, 73.8); and for "low-risk" symptoms (n = 2082), 94.7% (95% CI: 85.4, 98.9) and 71.9% (95% CI: 69.9, 73.9), respectively. Summary estimates were similar across different analysers. Interpretation FIT sensitivity for CRC detection is maximised at the LoD; its performance is similar in high and low-risk symptoms, and across different analysers where a common threshold is used. FIT performance for CRC detection is adequate and transferrable to clinical diagnostic pathways. Funding This review was part-funded by NHS England awarded to RM Partners. RB and RC were funded by research fellowships awarded by Croydon University Hospital.
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Georgiou Delisle T, D'Souza N, Tan J, Najdawi A, Chen M, Ward H, Abulafi M. Introduction of an integrated primary care faecal immunochemical test referral pathway for patients with suspected colorectal cancer symptoms. Colorectal Dis 2022; 24:1526-1534. [PMID: 35934985 DOI: 10.1111/codi.16294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM To determine the efficacy of a new 2-week wait pathway that uses the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) in primary care to triage patients with high and low risk symptoms suspicious of colorectal cancer (CRC). This service improvement pilot follows 2017 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance, that recommended using FIT to guide referral of patients with low risk, but not high risk symptoms, which continue to be referrred on the 2-week pathway. METHOD Patients with high- and low-risk CRC symptoms were tested with FIT and those with faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) ≥9.5 μg haemoglobin/g faeces (hereafter μg/g) were referred to secondary care. Results were tracked and primary care prompted to refer if timely referral was not made. RESULTS Between December 2019 and October 2020, 5672 patients presented to primary care with high and/or low risk symptoms warranting investigations. Of these, 622 (11%) patients were referred without a FIT, of whom 36 (5.8%) had CRC. The remaining 5050 patients had a FIT, of which 4187 (83%) were processed to produce a quantitative result. Of these, 1085 patients (25.9%) had an f-Hb ≥9.5 μg/g and of those, 982 patients (90.5%) were referred and 56 (5.7%) had CRC. A total of 3102 patients (74.1%) had an f-Hb <9.5 μg/g, of which 456 (14.7%) were referred and three (0.7%) had CRC. A total of 97 cancers were diagnosed with a cancer prevalence of 1.7%. CONCLUSION A 2-week wait pathway incorporating FIT as a triage tool can be implemented successfully in primary care to identify symptomatic patients at highest risk of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theo Georgiou Delisle
- Croydon University Hospital, London, UK.,Imperial College London, London, UK.,Kingston Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nigel D'Souza
- Croydon University Hospital, London, UK.,Imperial College London, London, UK.,Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica Tan
- Croydon University Hospital, London, UK.,Imperial College London, London, UK.,East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, UK
| | - Ahmad Najdawi
- Croydon University Hospital, London, UK.,East Kent Hospitals University NHS Trust, Canterbury, UK
| | - Michelle Chen
- RM Partners, The West London Cancer Alliance, London, UK
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Lööv A, Högberg C, Lilja M, Theodorsson E, Hellström P, Metsini A, Olsson L. Diagnostic accuracy for colorectal cancer of a quantitative faecal immunochemical test in symptomatic primary care patients: a study protocol. Diagn Progn Res 2022; 6:16. [PMID: 35978403 PMCID: PMC9386911 DOI: 10.1186/s41512-022-00129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence supporting the use of faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) in patients reporting symptoms associated with colorectal cancer (CRC), but most studies until now have focused on selected subjects already referred for investigation. We therefore set out to determine the accuracy and predictive values of FIT in a primary care population. METHOD A prospective, multicentre, single-gated comparative diagnostic study on quantitative FIT in patients aged 40 years and above presenting in primary care with symptoms associated with CRC will be conducted. Patients representing the whole spectrum of severity of such symptoms met with in primary care will be eligible and identified by GPs. Participants will answer a short form on symptoms during the last month. They will provide two faecal samples from two separate days. Analyses will be performed within 5 days (QuikRead go®, Aidian Oy). The analytical working range is 10-200 μg Hb/g faeces. Reference test will be linked to the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry up to 2 years after inclusion. Accuracy, area under ROC curves, and predictive values will be calculated for one FIT compared to the highest value of two FIT and at cutoff < 10, 10-14.9, 15-19.9 and ≥ 20 μg Hb/g faeces. Subgroup analyses will be conducted for patients with anaemia and those reporting rectal bleeding. A model-based cost-effectiveness analysis based on the clinical accuracy study will be performed. Based on previous literature, we hypothesized that the sensitivity of the highest value of two FIT at cutoff 10 μg Hb/g faeces will be 95% (95% CI + / - 15%). The prevalence of CRC in the study population was estimated to be 2%, and the rate of non-responders to be 1/6. In all, 3000 patients will be invited at 30 primary care centres. DISCUSSION This study will generate important clinical real-life structured data on accuracy and predictive values of FIT in the most critical population for work-up of CRC, i.e. patients presenting with at times ambiguous symptoms in primary care. It will help establish the role of FIT in this large group. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05156307 . Registered on 14 December 2021-retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lööv
- Department of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
- Skebäck Primary Care Centre, Region Örebro län, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Cecilia Högberg
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Unit of Research, Education and Development Östersund, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mikael Lilja
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Unit of Research, Education and Development Östersund, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Elvar Theodorsson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science; Clinical Chemistry, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Hellström
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Metsini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Knowledge Management and Patient Safety Unit, Region Värmland, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Louise Olsson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Centre for Assessment of Medical Technology, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
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Monahan KJ, Davies MM, Abulafi M, Banerjea A, Nicholson BD, Arasaradnam R, Barker N, Benton S, Booth R, Burling D, Carten RV, D'Souza N, East JE, Kleijnen J, Machesney M, Pettman M, Pipe J, Saker L, Sharp L, Stephenson J, Steele RJ. Faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) in patients with signs or symptoms of suspected colorectal cancer (CRC): a joint guideline from the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) and the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG). Gut 2022; 71:gutjnl-2022-327985. [PMID: 35820780 PMCID: PMC9484376 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) has a high sensitivity for the detection of colorectal cancer (CRC). In a symptomatic population FIT may identify those patients who require colorectal investigation with the highest priority. FIT offers considerable advantages over the use of symptoms alone, as an objective measure of risk with a vastly superior positive predictive value for CRC, while conversely identifying a truly low risk cohort of patients. The aim of this guideline was to provide a clear strategy for the use of FIT in the diagnostic pathway of people with signs or symptoms of a suspected diagnosis of CRC. The guideline was jointly developed by the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland/British Society of Gastroenterology, specifically by a 21-member multidisciplinary guideline development group (GDG). A systematic review of 13 535 publications was undertaken to develop 23 evidence and expert opinion-based recommendations for the triage of people with symptoms of a suspected CRC diagnosis in primary care. In order to achieve consensus among a broad group of key stakeholders, we completed an extended Delphi of the GDG, and also 61 other individuals across the UK and Ireland, including by members of the public, charities and primary and secondary care. Seventeen research recommendations were also prioritised to inform clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Monahan
- The Wolfson Endoscopy Unit, Gastroenterology Department, St Mark's Hospital and Academic Institute, Harrow, London, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Michael M Davies
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Muti Abulafi
- Colorectal Surgery, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, Croydon, Greater London, UK
| | - Ayan Banerjea
- Nottingham Colorectal Service, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Brian D Nicholson
- Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ramesh Arasaradnam
- University of Warwick, Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Coventry, UK
- Gastroenterology Department, University Hospital Coventry, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Sally Benton
- Hub Director, NHS Bowel Cancer Screening South of England Hub, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Richard Booth
- Colorectal Surgery, Croydon University Hospital, Croydon, UK
| | - David Burling
- Radiology, St Mark's Hospital and Academic Institute, Harrow, London, UK
| | | | | | - James Edward East
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Univerity of Oxford Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford, UK
- Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic Healthcare, London, UK
| | - Jos Kleijnen
- Kleijnen Systematic Reviews Ltd, York, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Michael Machesney
- Colorectal Surgery, Whipps Cross Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Maria Pettman
- Colorectal Surgery, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Lance Saker
- General Practice, Oak Lodge Medical Centre, London, UK
| | - Linda Sharp
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Robert Jc Steele
- Surgery and Oncology Department, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Maclean W, Zahoor Z, O'Driscoll S, Piggott C, Whyte MB, Rockall T, Jourdan I, Benton SC. Comparison of the QuikRead go ® point-of-care faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin with the FOB Gold Wide ® laboratory analyser to diagnose colorectal cancer in symptomatic patients. Clin Chem Lab Med 2022; 60:101-108. [PMID: 34679264 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2021-0655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Faecal immunochemical testing for haemoglobin (FIT) is used to triage patients for colonic investigations. Point-of-care (POC) FIT devices on the market have limited data for their diagnostic accuracy for colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, a POC FIT device is compared with a laboratory-based FIT system using patient collected samples from the urgent referral pathway for suspected CRC. METHODS A prospective, observational cohort study. Patients collected two samples from the same stool. These were measured by POC QuikRead go® (Aidian Oy, Espoo, Finland) and laboratory-based FOB Gold Wide® (Sentinel Diagnostics, Italy). Faecal haemoglobin <10 μg haemoglobin/g of faeces was considered as negative. At this threshold, comparisons between the two systems were made by calculating percentage agreement and Cohen's kappa coefficient. Proportion of negative results were compared with Chi squared testing. Sensitivities for CRC were calculated. RESULTS A total of 629 included patients provided paired samples for FIT to compare the QuikRead go® and FOB Gold Wide®. The agreement around the negative threshold was 83.0% and Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.54. The QuikRead go® reported 440/629 (70.0% of samples) as negative compared to 523/629 (83.1%) for the FOB Gold Wide®, this difference was significant (p-value<0.001). Sensitivities for CRC detection by the QuikRead go® and FOB Gold Wide® were 92.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 68.5-98.7%) and 100% (CI: 78.5-100%) respectively. CONCLUSIONS Both systems were accurate in their ability to detect CRC. Whilst good agreement around the negative threshold was identified, more patients would be triaged to further colonic investigation if using the QuikRead go®.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Maclean
- Research Fellow in General Surgery at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Zahida Zahoor
- Research Assistant at the Bowel Cancer Screening Hub at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Shane O'Driscoll
- Research Assistant at the Bowel Cancer Screening Hub at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Carolyn Piggott
- Research and Development Scientist at the Bowel Cancer Screening Hub at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Martin B Whyte
- Clinical Reader in Metabolic Medicine at University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Timothy Rockall
- Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Iain Jourdan
- Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Sally C Benton
- Consultant Biochemist and Clinical Director at the Bowel Cancer Screening Hub at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
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Saw KS, Liu C, Xu W, Varghese C, Parry S, Bissett I. Faecal immunochemical test to triage patients with possible colorectal cancer symptoms: meta-analysis. Br J Surg 2021; 109:182-190. [PMID: 34907419 PMCID: PMC10364725 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review evaluated the utility of single quantitative faecal immunochemical test (FIT) as a triaging tool for patients with symptoms of possible colorectal cancer, the effect of symptoms on FIT accuracy, and the impact of triaging incorporating FIT on service provision. METHODS Five databases were searched. Meta-analyses of the extracted FIT sensitivities and specificities for detection of colorectal cancer at reported f-Hb thresholds were performed. Secondary outcomes included sensitivity and specificity of FIT for advanced colorectal neoplasia and serious bowel disease. Subgroup analysis by FIT brand and symptoms was undertaken. RESULTS Fifteen prospective cohort studies, including 28 832 symptomatic patients were included. At the most commonly reported f-Hb positivity threshold of ≥ 10 µg Hb/g faeces (n=13), the summary sensitivity was 88.7% (95% c.i. 85.2 to 91.4) and the specificity was 80.5% (95% c.i. 75.3 to 84.8) for colorectal cancer. At lower limits of detection of ≥ 2 µg Hb/g faeces, the summary sensitivity was 96.8% (95% c.i. 91.0 to 98.9) and the specificity was 65.6% (95% c.i. 59.0 to 71.6). At the upper f-Hb positivity thresholds of ≥ 100 µg Hb/g faeces and ≥ 150 µg Hb/g faeces, summary sensitivities were 68.1% (95% c.i. 59.2 to 75.9) and 66.3% (95% c.i. 52.2 to 78.0), with specificities of 93.4% (95% c.i. 91.3 to 95.1) and 95.1% (95% c.i. 93.6 to 96.3) respectively. FIT sensitivity was comparable between different assay brands. FIT sensitivity may be higher in patients reporting rectal bleeding. CONCLUSION Single quantitative FIT at lower f-Hb positivity thresholds can adequately exclude colorectal cancer in symptomatic patients and provides a data-based approach to prioritization of colonoscopy resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Sheng Saw
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - William Xu
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chris Varghese
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Susan Parry
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ian Bissett
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Faecal immunochemical test for patients with 'high-risk' bowel symptoms: a large prospective cohort study and updated literature review. Br J Cancer 2021; 126:736-743. [PMID: 34903843 PMCID: PMC8888593 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01653-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We evaluated whether faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) can rule out colorectal cancer (CRC) among patients presenting with ‘high-risk’ symptoms requiring definitive investigation. Methods Three thousand five hundred and ninety-six symptomatic patients referred to the standard urgent CRC pathway were recruited in a multi-centre observational study. They completed FIT in addition to standard investigations. CRC miss rate (percentage of CRC cases with low quantitative faecal haemoglobin [f-Hb] measurement) and specificity (percentage of patients without cancer with low f-Hb) were calculated. We also provided an updated literature review. Results Ninety patients had CRC. At f-Hb < 10 µg/g, the miss rate was 16.7% (specificity 80.1%). At f-Hb < 4 µg/g, the miss rate was 12.2% (specificity 73%), which became 3.3% if low FIT plus the absence of anaemia and abdominal pain were considered (specificity 51%). Within meta-analyses of 9 UK studies, the pooled miss rate was 7.2% (specificity 74%) for f-Hb < 4 µg/g. Discussion FIT alone as a triage tool would miss an estimated 1 in 8 cases in our study (1 in 14 from meta-analysis), while many people without CRC could avoid investigations. FIT can focus secondary care diagnostic capacity on patients most at risk of CRC, but more work on safety netting is required before incorporating FIT triage into the urgent diagnostic pathway.
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9
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Maclean W, Mackenzie P, Limb C, Zahoor Z, Whyte MB, Rockall T, Benton SC, Jourdan I. Diagnostic accuracy of point of care faecal immunochemical testing using a portable high-speed quantitative analyser for diagnosis in 2-week wait patients. Colorectal Dis 2021; 23:2376-2386. [PMID: 34157205 DOI: 10.1111/codi.15780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Laboratory-based faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is the gold standard for detecting the presence of blood in the stool. The aim was to perform a diagnostic accuracy study to confirm if a point of care (POC) analyser for FIT could be safely used as an adjunct in the triage and management of 2-week wait (TWW) colorectal patients. METHODS The Point of Care Faecal Immunochemical Testing (POC FIT) prospective observational cohort study was designed for TWW patients at a regional referral centre. Between July 2019 and March 2020, patients were invited to perform and bring a FIT sample to clinic. FIT was completed within the clinic appointment using a POC quantitative analyser that has a 2-min processing time (QuikRead go®). Patients and clinicians were blinded to results within the clinic appointment. The results were compared with subsequent diagnostic outcomes. Faecal haemoglobin of <10 µg haemoglobin/g of faeces was considered a negative result. Sensitivities for colorectal cancer (CRC) and combined serious bowel disease (SBD) were calculated using this pre-determined cut-off. RESULTS A total of 553 patients were included for analytical comparison with diagnostic outcomes. There were 14 (2.5%) patients with CRC and 52 (9.4%) with SBD. The sensitivities for CRC and SBD were 92.9% (95% CI 68.5%-98.7%) and 76.9% (95% CI 63.9%-86.3%) respectively. 379 (68.5%) patients had a negative FIT result (negative predictive value for CRC was 99.7%). CONCLUSIONS This POC FIT device is a useful adjunct to better manage TWW patients. The high observed sensitivity for CRC offers opportunities, within a single consultation, for improved triage and rationalization of investigation for those with bowel symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Maclean
- General Surgery at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Paul Mackenzie
- General Surgery at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Chris Limb
- General Surgery at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Zahida Zahoor
- Bowel Cancer Screening Hub at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Martin B Whyte
- Metabolic Medicine at University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Timothy Rockall
- General Surgery at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Sally C Benton
- Bowel Cancer Screening Hub at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Iain Jourdan
- General Surgery at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
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Maeda Y, Gray E, Figueroa JD, Hall PS, Weller D, Dunlop MG, Din FVN. Risk of missing colorectal cancer with a COVID-adapted diagnostic pathway using quantitative faecal immunochemical testing. BJS Open 2021; 5:zrab056. [PMID: 34228096 PMCID: PMC8259497 DOI: 10.1093/bjsopen/zrab056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has brought an unprecedented challenge to healthcare services. The authors' COVID-adapted pathway for suspected bowel cancer combines two quantitative faecal immunochemical tests (qFITs) with a standard CT scan with oral preparation (CT mini-prep). The aim of this study was to estimate the degree of risk mitigation and residual risk of undiagnosed colorectal cancer. METHOD Decision-tree models were developed using a combination of data from the COVID-adapted pathway (April-May 2020), a local audit of qFIT for symptomatic patients performed since 2018, relevant data (prevalence of colorectal cancer and sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tools) obtained from literature and a local cancer data set, and expert opinion for any missing data. The considered diagnostic scenarios included: single qFIT; two qFITs; single qFIT and CT mini-prep; two qFITs and CT mini-prep (enriched pathway). These were compared to the standard diagnostic pathway (colonoscopy or CT virtual colonoscopy (CTVC)). RESULTS The COVID-adapted pathway included 422 patients, whereas the audit of qFIT included more than 5000 patients. The risk of missing a colorectal cancer, if present, was estimated as high as 20.2 per cent with use of a single qFIT as a triage test. Using both a second qFIT and a CT mini-prep as add-on tests reduced the risk of missed cancer to 6.49 per cent. The trade-off was an increased rate of colonoscopy or CTVC, from 287 for a single qFIT to 418 for the double qFIT and CT mini-prep combination, per 1000 patients. CONCLUSION Triage using qFIT alone could lead to a high rate of missed cancers. This may be reduced using CT mini-prep as an add-on test for triage to colonoscopy or CTVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Maeda
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - E Gray
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - J D Figueroa
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - P S Hall
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - D Weller
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - M G Dunlop
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - F V N Din
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
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Chandrapalan S, Bosch S, Cubiella J, Guardiola J, Kimani P, Mulder C, Persaud K, de Meij TGJ, Altomare DF, Brenner H, de Boer NKH, Ricciardiello L, Arasaradnam RP. Systematic review with meta-analysis: volatile organic compound analysis to improve faecal immunochemical testing in the detection of colorectal cancer. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2021; 54:14-23. [PMID: 34004036 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is emerging as a valid test to rule-out the presence of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the accuracy of FIT is dependent on the cut-off applied. An additional low-cost test could improve further detection of CRC. AIMS To evaluate the efficacy of combined FIT and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the detection of CRC within symptomatic populations. METHODS Systematic reviews on the diagnostic accuracy of FIT and VOC, for the detection of CRC, were updated. Meta-analyses were performed adopting a bivariate model for sensitivity and specificity. Clinical utility of combined FIT and VOC was estimated using Fagan's nomogram. Post-test probability of FIT negatives was used as a pre-test probability for VOC. RESULTS The pooled sensitivity and specificity of FIT at 10 µg/g faeces, for the detection of CRC, were 0.914 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.894-0.936) and 0.783 (CI = 0.850-0.696), respectively. For VOC, the sensitivity was 0.837 (CI = 0.781-0.881) and the specificity was 0.803 (CI = 0.870-0.712). The area under the curve for FIT and VOC were 0.926 and 0.885, respectively. In a population with 5% CRC prevalence, the estimated probability of having CRC following a negative FIT was 0.5% and following both negative FIT and VOC was 0.1%. CONCLUSIONS In a FIT-negative symptomatic population, VOC can be a good test to rule-out the presence of CRC. The estimated probability reduction by 0.4% when both tests being negative offers adequate safety netting in primary care for the exclusion of CRC. The number needed to colonoscope to identify one CRC is eight if either FIT or VOC positive. Cost-effectiveness and clinical accuracy of this approach will need further evaluation.
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12
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Hicks G, D'Souza N, Georgiou Delisle T, Chen M, Benton SC, Abulafi M. Using the faecal immunochemical test in patients with rectal bleeding: evidence from the NICE FIT study. Colorectal Dis 2021; 23:1630-1638. [PMID: 33605522 DOI: 10.1111/codi.15593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this work was to investigate whether the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) could safely rule out colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with rectal bleeding (RB). METHOD This was a multicentre, double-blinded diagnostic accuracy study in 50 National Health Service hospitals. Patients referred from primary care with suspected CRC on an urgent 2-week-wait pathway were asked to perform a FIT prior to colonoscopy. The primary outcome measure was the sensitivity of the FIT for CRC in patients with RB versus nonrectal bleeding symptoms (NRB). The secondary outcome measures included the diagnostic accuracy of the FIT for CRC and other serious bowel disease. RESULTS Of 9822 patients included in the study, 3143 (32.0%) were referred with RB. CRC was present in 4.7% of patients with RB versus 2.7% of patients with NRB (p < 0.05). Faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) was detectable (>2 µg/g) in 44.1% of patients with RB and 33.9% with NRB (p < 0.05). In RB patients, CRC was present in 10.4% when f-Hb was >2 µg/g compared with 0.1% when f-Hb was not detected. Flexible sigmoidoscopy in this group would further reduce the risk of CRC to 0.03%. The sensitivity of the FIT for CRC in RB versus NRB groups was 98.6% (95% CI 95.2%-99.8%) vs 95.6% (91.5%-98.1%) for f-Hb >2 µg/g and 96.6% (92.2%-98.9%) vs 86.3 (80.4%-90.9%) for f-Hb >10 µg/g. CONCLUSION Faecal haemoglobin is not always detectable in patients with RB; 56% of patients had undetectable f-Hb (<2 µg/g) and CRC was present in 0.1%. The high sensitivity of the FIT can be used to rule out CRC in patients with RB and triage them more appropriately for investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nigel D'Souza
- Croydon University Hospital, Croydon, UK.,University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.,Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Michelle Chen
- RM Partners, The West London Cancer Alliance, London, UK
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13
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Mattar R, Marques SB, Minata MK, Silva-Etto JMKD, Sakai P, DE Moura EGH. DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF ONE SAMPLE OR TWO SAMPLES QUANTITATIVE FECAL IMMUNOCHEMICAL TESTS FOR INTESTINAL NEOPLASIA DETECTION. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2020; 57:316-322. [PMID: 32935747 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.202000000-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rectal bleeding is the most important symptom of intestinal neoplasia; thus, tests of occult blood detection in stools are widely used for pre neoplastic lesions and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the accuracy of OC-Sensor quantitative test (Eiken Chemical, Tokyo, Japan) at cut-off 10 µg Hb/g feces (50 ng/mL) in a cohort of subjects that had to undergo diagnostic colonoscopy, and if more than one sample collected in consecutive days would improve the diagnostic accuracy of the test. METHODS Patients (mean age 56.3±9.7 years) that underwent colonoscopy prospectively randomly received one (1-sample FIT, FIT 1) or two (2-sample FIT, FIT 2) collection tubes. They collected the stool sample before starting colonoscopy preparation. Samples were analyzed by the OC-Auto Micro 80 (Eiken Chemical, Tokyo, Japan). The performance of FIT 1 and FIT 2 were compared to the colonoscopy findings. RESULTS Among 289 patients, CRC was diagnosed in 14 (4.8%), advanced adenoma in 37 (12.8%), early adenoma in 71 (24.6%) and no abnormalities in 141 (48.8%). For FIT 1, the sensitivity for CRC was 83.3% (95%CI 36.5-99.1%), for advanced adenoma was 24% (95%CI 10.1-45.5%), with specificity of 86.9% (95%CI 77.3-92.9%). For FIT 2, the sensitivity for CRC was 75% (95%CI 35.6-95.5%), for advanced adenoma was 50% (95%CI 22.3-77.7%), with specificity of 92.9% (95%CI 82.2-97.7%). The positive likelihood ratios were 1.8 (95%CI 0.7-4.4 for FIT 1) and 7.1 (95%CI 2.4-21.4 for FIT 2) for advanced adenoma, and 6.4 (95%CI 3.3-12.3, for FIT 1) and 10.7 (95%CI 3.8-29.8, for FIT 2) for CRC. The negative likelihood ratio were 0.9 (95%CI 0.7-1, for FIT 1) and 0.5 (95%CI 0.3-0.9, for FIT 2) for advanced adenoma, and 0.2 (0.03-1.1, for FIT 1) and 0.3 (0.08-0.9, for FIT 2) for CRC. The differences between FIT 1 and FIT 2 performances were not significant. However, the comparison of the levels of hemoglobin in feces of patients of FIT 1 and FIT 2 showed that the differences between no polyp group and advanced adenoma and CRC were significant. CONCLUSION The accuracy of OCR Sensor with 10 µg Hb/g feces cut-off was comparable to other reports and two-sample collection improved the detection rate of advanced adenoma, a pre neoplastic condition to prevent CRC incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rejane Mattar
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), Divisão de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia Clínica, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Sergio Barbosa Marques
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), Divisão de Endoscopia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Maurício Kazuyoshi Minata
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), Divisão de Endoscopia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Joyce Matie Kinoshita da Silva-Etto
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), Divisão de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia Clínica, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Paulo Sakai
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), Divisão de Endoscopia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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14
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Qualitative faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) for diagnosing colorectal cancer in patients with histories of rectal bleeding in primary care: a cohort study. Int J Colorectal Dis 2020; 35:2035-2040. [PMID: 32602056 PMCID: PMC7541370 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-020-03672-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rectal bleeding is considered an alarm symptom for colorectal cancer (CRC) but it is common and mostly caused by benign conditions. Qualitative faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) for occult blood have been used as diagnostic aids for many years in Sweden when CRC is suspected. The study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of FITs requested by primary care physicians for patients with and without histories of rectal bleeding, in the diagnosis of CRC. METHODS Results of all FITs requested in primary care for symptomatic patients in the Örebro region during 2015 were retrieved. Data on each patient's history of rectal bleeding was gathered from electronic health records. Patients diagnosed with CRC within 2 years were identified from the Swedish Cancer Register. The analysis focused on three-sample FITs, the customary FIT in Sweden. RESULTS A total of 4232 patients provided three-sample FITs. Information about the presence/absence of rectal bleeding was available for 2027 patients, of which 59 were diagnosed with CRC. For 606 patients with the presence of rectal bleeding, the FIT showed sensitivity 96.2%, specificity 60.2%, positive predictive value 9.8% (95% CI 6.1-13.4) and negative predictive value 99.7% (95% CI 99.2-100) for CRC. For 1421 patients without rectal bleeding, the corresponding figures were 100%, 73.6%, 8.3% (95% CI 5.6-10.9) and 100% (95% CI 99.6-100). CONCLUSION The diagnostic performance of a qualitative three-sample FIT provided by symptomatic patients in primary care was similar for those with and without a history of rectal bleeding. FITs seem useful for prioritising patients also with rectal bleeding for further investigation.
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