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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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03/14/2024

Hot Topics of the Day are picked by experts to capture the latest information and publications on public health genomics and precision health for various diseases and health topics. Sources include published scientific literature, reviews, blogs and popular press articles.

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Archived Hot Topics of the Day By Date

Cell-free DNA for Colorectal Cancer Screening.
Y M Dennis Lo et al. N Engl J Med 2024 3 (11) 1047-1050

From the article: "A recent study demonstrated the feasibility of using plasma cfDNA to screen for colorectal cancer, but the relatively low sensitivity for the detection of advanced precancerous lesions is a limitation. Moreover, colonoscopy not only detects such lesions with high sensitivity but also permits their immediate removal. The noninvasiveness (relatively speaking) of the plasma cfDNA assay, though, is a feature that seems likely to result in greater uptake than colonoscopy."

Next-Generation Multitarget Stool DNA Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening.
Thomas F Imperiale et al. N Engl J Med 2024 3 (11) 984-993

From the abstract: "In a prospective study, we evaluated a next-generation multitarget stool DNA test in asymptomatic adults 40 years of age or older who were undergoing screening colonoscopy. The next-generation multitarget stool DNA test showed higher sensitivity for colorectal cancer and advanced precancerous lesions than FIT but also showed lower specificity. "

Improving Noninvasive Colorectal Cancer Screening.
John M Carethers et al. N Engl J Med 2024 3 (11) 1045-1046

From the article: "Screening for colorectal cancer saves lives. Screening tests have evolved to include stool-based, endoscopic and image-based, and blood-based methods, with minimal thresholds for sensitivity and specificity for colorectal cancer set by the baseline characteristics of FIT. Although multiple tests have been developed over time and vary in cost-effectiveness for colorectal cancer screening, the best screening test is the one that gets completed by the patient. Most of the recommended tests, including the two newer tests assessed in the studies now published in the Journal, improve on the sensitivity and approach the specificity of FIT. "

A Cell-free DNA Blood-Based Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening.
Daniel C Chung et al. N Engl J Med 2024 3 (11) 973-983

From the abstract: "We assessed the performance characteristics of a cell-free DNA (cfDNA) blood-based test in a population eligible for colorectal cancer screening. The coprimary outcomes were sensitivity for colorectal cancer and specificity for advanced neoplasia (colorectal cancer or advanced precancerous lesions) relative to screening colonoscopy. The secondary outcome was sensitivity to detect advanced precancerous lesions. This cfDNA blood-based test had 83% sensitivity for colorectal cancer, 90% specificity for advanced neoplasia, and 13% sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions."


Disclaimer: Articles listed in Hot Topics of the Day are selected by Public Health Genomics Branch to provide current awareness of the scientific literature and news. Inclusion in the update does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article's methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the Clips, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.
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