United States – The U. S Food and Drug Administration FDA, has a panel of experts giving approvals to the latest Guardant Health shield test aimed at identifying colon cancer using blood samples noting that the test may be instrumental in increasing screening rates amongst average risk patients.
Co-CEO of Guardant Health, AmirAli Talasaz also says that Shield is quite helpful in early diagnosis of colorectal cancer and hence, avoiding unnecessary deaths that could have been prevented besides noting some of the challenges that have been holding average risk Americans from being screened comprehensively, as reported by HealthDay.
Potential Impact on Colon Cancer Screening Landscape
If approved by the FDA, Shield would become the second blood-based colon cancer test in the United States, offering a less invasive alternative to procedures like colonoscopy and potentially increasing screening rates among individuals hesitant to undergo traditional screening methods due to invasiveness.
Concerns Raised Over Test Sensitivity and Detection Rates
Participants in the FDA committee meeting raised question s regarding the sensitivity of Guardant’s test compared to colonoscopy, expressing concerns about its ability to detect pre-cancerous lesions known as advanced adenomas, and highlighting the need for further evaluation to ensure its effectiveness in early detection, as reported by HealthDay.
Recommendations for Screening Frequency and Prioritization
Guardant Health executive, Victoria Raymond, suggests that the test should be repeated every one to three years, with colonoscopy remaining the prioritized option for colon cancer screening, emphasizing the importance of regular screening for early detection and treatment to reduce the burden of colon cancer mortality.