Improved fecal DNA test for colorectal cancer screening

Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2007 Jan;5(1):111-7. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2006.10.006. Epub 2006 Dec 8.

Abstract

Background & aims: Fecal DNA testing has shown greater sensitivity than guaiac-based occult blood tests for noninvasive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The prototype assay (version 1), which analyzed 22 gene mutations and DNA integrity assay (DIA), showed a sensitivity of 52% for CRC detection and a specificity of 94% in average-risk individuals. The present study was conducted to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a second-generation assay (version 2) that uses improved DNA stabilization/isolation techniques and a new promoter methylation marker.

Methods: Forty patients with CRC and 122 subjects with normal colonoscopy provided stool samples to which DNA preservation buffer was added immediately. DNA was purified using gel-based capture, and analyzed for the original panel of 22 mutations, DIA, and 2 new promoter methylation markers.

Results: By using DNA that was optimally preserved and purified from stool, the sensitivity of the prototype version 1 assay increased to 72.5% because of enhanced performance of DIA. Vimentin gene methylation alone provided sensitivity and specificity of 72.5% and 86.9%, respectively. The optimal combination of vimentin methylation plus DIA resulted in 87.5% sensitivity and 82% specificity; cancers were detected regardless of stage or location. False-positive vimentin methylation was associated with older age.

Conclusions: An improved fecal DNA test that incorporates only 2 markers shows much higher sensitivity for CRC. The new assay is easier to perform and should be less costly, thereby facilitating its use for noninvasive CRC screening.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Colonoscopy
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics*
  • DNA Fragmentation
  • DNA Methylation
  • DNA, Neoplasm / analysis*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Feces / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Vimentin / genetics

Substances

  • DNA, Neoplasm
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • HLTF protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • Vimentin