Adopting Non-invasive Approaches into Precision Colorectal Cancer Screening.

Abstract

Effective screening is essential to reducing CRC incidence and mortality by detecting the disease at early stages and identifying non-invasive precursors. While colonoscopy remains the most sensitive modality to visualize and remove neoplastic lesions thereby reducing CRC and the related death, its high cost and invasive nature limit its widespread use. The fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which offers a non-invasive alternative with higher public acceptance and comparable cost-effectiveness to colonoscopy, has become the preferred screening method in many regions. Newer non-invasive tests, such as multitarget stool DNA or RNA tests, have shown improved sensitivity for CRC and advanced adenomas, although their high costs and lower specificity present challenges for large-scale implementation. Blood-based circulating cell-free DNA test also offer promise but still require optimization to be cost-effective. The heterogeneity of the screening population further complicates the effectiveness of CRC screening programs. Variations in non-communicable disease risk factors, such as metabolic syndrome, lifestyle habits, and comorbidities, can significantly influence CRC risk and screening outcomes. Moreover, diverse screening behaviors, including inconsistent adherence to recommended screening intervals and the interchangeable use of different screening modalities, add complexity to achieving uniform effectiveness across populations. This variability underscores the need for personalized screening strategies that consider individual risk profiles and screening behaviors, as well as the application of cutting-edge technologies such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital twin approaches to evaluate its effectiveness. This article reviews the current CRC screening strategies, the advantages of non-invasive methods, and the potential of fecal hemoglobin concentration, to tailor screening intervals and improve risk stratification. It also discusses the emerging role of real-world data and advanced technologies in enhancing CRC screening accuracy and effectiveness, particularly in complex real-world scenarios where traditional methods may fall short. Before novel non-invasive approaches, such as ctDNA tests or polygenic risk scores, are validated and proven cost-effective, exploring the clinical utility of FIT and its quantitative measurement in both screening and surveillance by integrating real-world clinical big data seems a feasible direction for achieving sustained development in population screening.