J Dig Cancer Res.  2025 Aug;13(2):107-111. 10.52927/jdcr.2025.13.2.107.

Recent Advances in Noninvasive Tests for Colorectal Cancer Screening

• Soh JS

• KMID: 2571545
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.52927/jdcr.2025.13.2.107

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for CRC screening; however, its invasive nature, high cost, and requirements of bowel preparation limit participation. Alternative methods such as fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), CT colonoscopy, stool DNA tests, and blood-based tests, are gaining attention because of their noninvasive nature. FIT has demonstrated moderate sensitivity but limited accuracy for screening precancerous lesions. CT colonography requires bowel preparation and involves exposure to radiation. Stool DNA tests which include the next-generation multitarget and Syndecan-2 methylation tests, offer higher sensitivity for CRC detection. Blood-based tests are more convenient compared to stool-based screening, and recently the circulating tumor cell DNA test approved by the U.S. FDA has shown improved sensitivity. Novel stool-based RNA-FIT and cell-free blood-based DNA tests are also currently being developed. Expanding noninvasive screening options might enhance CRC detection rates and screening participation.

Keyword

Colorectal cancer; Screening; Noninvasive tests; Stool DNA test; Blood-based test