FDA Approves New Blood Test to Detect Colon Cancer

FDA Approves New Blood Test for Colon Cancer Screening

In a groundbreaking move, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new blood test that can detect colon cancer. This approval marks a significant milestone in the fight against the disease, as the test, known as Shield, is the first blood test to be approved as a primary screening option for colorectal cancer.

The approval of Shield comes four years after the approval of Epigenomics’ Epi proColon, the first blood test approved for colon cancer. According to a news release from Guardant, the company behind Shield, the test meets the requirements for Medicare coverage and can be offered by healthcare providers as a noninvasive screening option for colorectal cancer.

Experts hope that the introduction of blood tests for colon cancer screening will help raise screening rates for the disease, which remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Despite the availability of screening options, including colonoscopy and fecal tests, many individuals are still not getting screened for the disease.

Dr. Daniel Chung, a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, expressed optimism about the potential impact of Shield on colorectal cancer screening rates. “The FDA’s approval of the Shield blood test marks a tremendous leap forward, offering a compelling new solution to close this gap. With increased screening rates and early cancer detection, many more lives can be saved,” he said in the Guardant release.

While Shield may not be as accurate as colonoscopy, with some concerns raised about its ability to detect pre-cancerous tumors, the test still holds promise as a convenient and noninvasive option for individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer.

As the fight against colon cancer continues, the approval of Shield represents a step towards making screening more accessible and ultimately saving more lives. With advancements in technology and innovative screening options like Shield, the hope is that more individuals will be screened for colon cancer, leading to earlier detection and improved outcomes for patients.