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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
12:24
Computed Tomography-guided Time-domain Diffuse Fluorescence Tomography in Small Animals for Localization of Cancer Biomarkers
Published on: July 17, 2012
Should computed tomographic colonography replace optical colonoscopy in screening for colorectal cancer?
Ganesh R Veerappan1, Brooks D Cash
1Gastroenterology Service, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnetrznej
|May 6, 2009
Summary
Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) shows promise for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, detecting polyps effectively in a community setting. Further research is needed to address real-world implementation and unanswered questions regarding its use.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening reduces mortality and disease progression.
- Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) is a minimally invasive screening alternative.
- Previous CTC studies faced criticism regarding interpreter expertise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy of CTC in a community-based setting.
- To determine if expert-site results for CTC could be replicated.
- To evaluate CTC as a viable colorectal cancer screening option.
Main Methods:
- The American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) National CT Colonography Trial was conducted.
- CTC accuracy was compared against conventional colonoscopy, the gold standard.
- Data from a community-based cohort were analyzed.
Main Results:
- For polyps >10 mm, CTC sensitivity was 90% and specificity was 86%.
- For lesions >6 mm, CTC sensitivity was 78%, comparable to conventional colonoscopy.
- Results suggest CTC is a viable screening option, comparable to colonoscopy.
Conclusions:
- CTC demonstrates efficacy comparable to colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening.
- The ACRIN trial supports CTC's use in a community setting.
- Further research is required on referral thresholds, intervals, extracolonic findings, and radiation exposure.
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