Annual FIT Testing Detects Colorectal Cancer Two Years Earlier Than Colonoscopy Alone,...

Annual FIT Testing Detects Colorectal Cancer Two Years Earlier Than
Colonoscopy Alone, Study of High-Risk Population Finds

SAN DIEGO, May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- An interim analysis of a study
presented today at the 39th Annual Digestive Disease Week (DDW) Conference
found that, among patients at increased risk for colorectal cancer who
completed an annual fecal immunochemical (FIT) test, detection of cancerous
lesions occurred an average of 26.5 months earlier than would have occurred
during the three- or five-year study-required colonoscopy. Detection of
precancerous lesions in this group occurred 18.4 months earlier.
Data presented reflect results to date of the study "The Value of Interval
Fecal Occult Blood Testing in Colonoscopy-Based Surveillance Program (CSP) for
People at Increased Risk for Colorectal Cancer" conducted at the Flinders
Centre for Innovation in Cancer of South Australia, in which individuals with
a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or adenoma were entered into
a CSP. In each intervening year between required colonoscopies, individuals
were offered a FIT test to complete at home, using a brush sampling method to
collect water-based samples for laboratory analysis. Study groups included a
screening cohort (n=1736), broken down into a FIT cohort (n=1071) of patients
who returned at least one valid interval FIT test with subsequent colonoscopy
and a non-FIT cohort (n=665), comprised of patients who did not complete a FIT
test. Study-required colonoscopies were scheduled at either three or five year
intervals, according to the patient's medical situation.
The interim report showed that, while the same number of colorectal
cancers were discovered in the FIT cohort (n=14) and the non-FIT cohort
(n=14), colorectal cancers in the FIT cohort were detected an average of 26.5
months earlier than they would have been during a study-required colonoscopy.
Patients in the FIT cohort diagnosed with treatable Stage I (Dukes Stage
A) cancer (n=5), were diagnosed an average of 17.5 months earlier than they
would have been with a study-required colonoscopy alone, and those with
treatable Stage II (Dukes Stage B) cancer (n=2) were diagnosed an average of
21.8 months earlier than they would have been with a study-required
colonoscopy alone. Detection of advanced adenomas in the FIT cohort (n=60;
non-FIT n=54) occurred 18.4 months earlier than would have occurred during the
study-required colonoscopy.
Overall, the interim report showed that interval FIT testing under this
study program detected 86 percent (12 of 14) of colorectal cancers and 63
percent (60 of 96) of advanced adenomas greater than 10 mm.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the
United States(1), but when found early and treated, the five-year relative
survival rate for colon cancer is 90 percent.(2) Currently, less than 40
percent of colorectal cancers are found early.(3) The new data presented
today at DDW suggest that annual colorectal screening with FIT tests may help
increase early detection.
"Our interim report indicates that undertaking annual FIT testing in
high-risk groups -- between planned surveillance colonoscopies -- is valuable
because it reduces delays in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer
and advanced adenomas," said primary investigator Graeme P. Young, MD, FRACP,
Professor of Gastroenterology and Academic Head of GI Services, Director,
Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer of South Australia. "For the medical
community dedicated to preventing and treating this major disease, we now have
evidence that annual screening of high-risk patients with a convenient,
take-at-home test can catch not only colorectal cancer earlier but advanced
adenomas as well, given the notable CSP study program sensitivity of 63
percent."
American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines recommend colonoscopy every five
years for patients with a family history of colorectal cancer and for patients
with a personal history of colorectal cancer who have had a normal 3-year
colonoscopy, and more frequent colonoscopies if polyps are detected or a risk
of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is suspected. For
patients at average risk over the age of 50, ACS guidelines include
colonoscopy every ten years and an annual FIT test among the recommended
screening options.(4)
The study was conducted using the InSure(R) FIT(TM) test, a take-at-home
annual colorectal cancer screening test from Enterix, Inc., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics. InSure FIT, and the recently launched InSure
Quik F I T(TM), each use a patient-friendly, long-handled blue brush to
collect two water-based samples for analysis. The tests are completed at home,
and samples are submitted to a Quest Diagnostics laboratory (InSure FIT) or
returned to the physician's office (InSure Quik F I T) for evaluation.
The study presented at Digestive Disease Week was funded by grants from
the National Health and Medical Council of Australia and Enterix Australia
Pty. Ltd. Enterix was acquired by Quest Diagnostics in September 2006. Neither
company participated in the study's data analysis or influenced the
conclusions of the researchers.
The study abstract is published in the April 2008 supplement of
Gastroenterology.
About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the
United States. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates nearly 150,000 men
and women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, and
one third of these patients will ultimately succumb to the disease.(5) When
found early and treated, the five-year relative survival rate for colon cancer
is 90 percent(6), yet less than 40 percent of colorectal cancers are found
early.(7) Medical experts advise that anyone at age 50 or older at average
risk should, as one of their screening options, be screened annually with an
FOBT or FIT for this disease. Recent ACS guidelines reinforce recommendations
for FIT tests, like the InSure FIT, as a screening option for colorectal
cancer.
Digestive Disease Week (DDW)
DDW is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and
academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and
gastrointestinal surgery. Jointly sponsored by the American Association for
the Study of Liver Diseases, the American Gastroenterological Association
(AGA) Institute, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the
Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, DDW takes place May 17-22, 2008,
at the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA. The meeting showcases
approximately 5,000 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on the latest advances
in GI research, medicine and technology. For more information, visit
www.ddw.org.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics is the leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services that patients and doctors need to make better
healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic
testing services through its national network of laboratories and patient
service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive
medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing
innovative new diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology
solutions that help improve patient care. Additional information is available
at: www.questdiagnostics.com.
The statements in this press release that are not historical facts or
information may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and
outcomes to be materially different. Certain of these risks and uncertainties
may include, but are not limited to, competitive environment, changes in
government regulations, changing relationships with customers, payers,
suppliers and strategic partners and other factors described in the Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated 2007 Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings.
1 American Cancer Society - Cancer Facts & Figures 2008.
2 CDC, 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
3 http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/screening_rates.htm
4 American Cancer Society Guidelines on Screening and Surveillance for the
Early Detection of Colorectal Adenomas and Cancer in People at Increased
Risk or at High Risk.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3x_Can_Colon_and_rectum_canc
er_be_found_early.asp (Due to the length of this URL, please copy and paste
into your browser)
5 American Cancer Society - Cancer Facts & Figures 2008.
6 CDC, 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
7 http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/screening_rates.htm
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics

Investors - Laure Park, +1-973-520-2900, or Media - Barb Short,
+1-973-520-2800, both of Quest Diagnostics