Can a biomarker triage test reduce colonoscopy burden in fecal immunochemical test screening?

Abstract

Aim: To assess the potential of biomarker triage testing (BM-TT) in the Dutch colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program. Materials & methods: Using the Adenoma and Serrated pathway to Colorectal CAncer model, we simulated fecal immunochemical test (FIT)₄₇-screening and various FIT plus BM-TT screening scenarios in which only individuals with both a positive FIT and BM-TT are referred to colonoscopy. Results: Adding a low polyp sensitivity BM-TT to FIT-screening reduced colonoscopy burden (89-100%) while increasing CRC mortality (27-41%) compared with FIT₄₇-screening only. The FIT plus high polyp sensitivity BM-TT scenarios also decreased colonoscopy burden (71-89%) while hardly affecting CRC mortality (FIT₄₇ 0-4% increase, FIT₁₅ 2-7% decrease). Conclusion: Adding a BM-TT to FIT-screening considerably reduces colonoscopy burden, but could also decrease screening effectiveness. Combining FIT₁₅ with a high polyp sensitivity BM-TT seems most promising.