Episode #64: Pros & Cons of New Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer | Fred Rosenberg & Lauren Bleich | Gastro Health

Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Dr. Lauren Bleich of Gastro Health, who serves as president of the Massachusetts Gastroenterology Association about a new blood-based screening test for colorectal cancer from Guardant Health. In May, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel voted that the Shield test was safe and effective, after reviewing evidence from a study which showed that the test correctly detected colorectal cancer in 83% of people confirmed to have it. The study also showed that while the test is effective in finding later-stage cancers, it only detected 13% of earlier-stage polyps. The FDA advisory panel cautioned that the test is seriously limited because of its inability to prevent cancer. The endorsement of the test was based its potential to screen people who would otherwise avoid colorectal cancer screening. Join Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Bleich as they discuss the opportunities and limitations of this new test in detecting polyps, and why colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, as the only test that prevents colon cancer by removing polyps before they can turn into cancer. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 64