Updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
The American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology and U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer release joint consensus guidelines March 5 for colorectal cancer screening that add two new tests to those recommended for adults over 50 years old: stool-based DNA and CT colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy. PreGen-Plus stool-based DNA assay developer Exact Sciences praised the health groups' decision. CMS on Jan. 30, however, proposed not to cover the screening test after the firm received a warning letter from FDA in October stating that PreGen-Plus needs to go through regulatory review ("1The Gray Sheet" Feb. 4, 2008, In Brief). The American College of Radiology is urging payers to reimburse appropriately for CT colonography as well. New data on the technology is expected to be published this spring (2"The Gray Sheet" Oct. 8, 2007, p. 17)