Share:
Claiming a new immunological test for improved colorectal cancer screening
New immunological tests for hidden blood in the stool (iFOBT) will significantly improve colorectal cancer screening in the future. From 1 April, the statutory health insurance companies will pay the costs for a corresponding test in the context of the annual cancer screening examinations, to which all statutory health insurance holders in Germany are entitled from the age of 50 onwards.
Colorectal cancer screening is an important factor in treatment opportunities. The earlier a disease is detected, the better the treatment prospects are usually. Statutory health insurance is therefore entitled to a check-up once a year from the age of 50 in Germany. The investigation on possible blood residues in the stool was carried out so far on the basis of so-called enzyme tests. Due to the new immunological tests for hidden blood in the stool, the early detection should now be significantly better.
As of April, statutory health insurance is entitled to a new immunological test for cancer screening. (Image: psdesign1 / fotolia.com) New tests detect about twice as many diseases
From now on, immunological tests that detect the blood pigment hemoglobin with antibodies will replace the enzyme tests, reports the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). As early as 2013, the team led by Professor Hermann Brenner demonstrated the superiority of the new method at the DKFZ. Both tests were "subjected to a large-scale direct comparison - with a convincing result: the immunological tests detect about twice as many cancers and about three times as many of the advanced precancerous lesions and at the same time deliver fewer false-positive results," reports Prof. Brenner. The diagnostic value of the immunological stool tests is thus significantly higher than in the enzyme tests.
Colonoscopy continues to provide the safest diagnosis
According to the expert, the new immunological tests are less susceptible to errors because the antibodies react specifically to human hemoglobin. "The test person does not have to avoid certain foods in advance, which could falsify the result," says Brenner. Although colonoscopy remains the gold standard for early diagnosis, only about 20 to 30 percent of all insured persons in this age group perceive this offer. Therefore, the tests for hidden blood are also important. "They can also reach people who do not opt for the more complex colonoscopy," says Prof. Brenner.
Increase Participation Rates of Colon Cancer Screening
The importance of testing for hidden blood in the stool should not be underestimated and "it is all the more important that the laboratory test is meaningful," emphasizes the DKFZ expert. In order to convince more people to participate in CRC screening, Professor Brenner once again talks about the possibility of a personal letter to all insured persons. For example, a recent study has shown "that about 60 percent more people take a hidden blood test when they are informed about the colorectal cancer screening and invited to participate with a personal cover letter directly attached to the test," says the expert , In the Netherlands, such a procedure has meanwhile been put into routine terms, achieving participation rates of over 60 percent. In Germany, the participation rates are significantly lower with corresponding colorectal cancer screening.
According to the DKFZ scientist, the demand for the introduction of an organized screening program with personal information and an invitation has been enshrined in the National Cancer Plan for years. But it has not been implemented yet. It is therefore high time to introduce the invitation procedure nationwide. (Fp)