Michael Hoffmeister, Teresa Seum, Leopold Ludwig, Hermann Brenner
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background & aims: Noninvasive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening bears high potential for increasing participation if implemented in a straightforward way. We have evaluated the feasibility and diagnostic performance of a smartphone-based fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for CRC screening and compared its performance with a laboratory-based FIT.
Methods: Individuals scheduled for a screening colonoscopy in gastroenterology practices in Southern Germany enrolled into the BLITZ study between 2021 and 2023 were offered a smartphone-based FIT and a laboratory FIT. The smartphone-based FIT consists of a rapid test and a smartphone app. The app quantitatively evaluates the result of the rapid test using the smartphone camera. The feasibility of the smartphone-based FIT was evaluated in a self-administered questionnaire. The comparative performance of the 2 FITs was evaluated by sensitivity, specificity, and receiver-operator curve (ROC) measures.
Results: Of 654 study participants who were offered both a smartphone-based FIT in addition to the laboratory FIT, 361 (55%) made use of the smartphone-based FIT, 274 (76%) of those had a valid smartphone-based FIT, and 643 (98%) used the laboratory FIT. Overall, 89% considered the smartphone-based FIT as a useful alternative offer to the laboratory FIT. The reasons why the smartphone-based FIT was not used were mostly technical (app- or smartphone-related, 47%) or reflecting more general concerns or attitudes towards such a test (44%). The smartphone-based FIT showed a sensitivity for advanced neoplasms (28%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 13%-47%) similar to the laboratory FIT (34%; 95% CI, 18%-54%) at an identical specificity (92%; 95% CI, 87%-95%).
Conclusion: The smartphone-based FIT could serve as an alternative in addition to currently offered laboratory FITs.
Study registration: German Clinical Trials Register (drks.de), Number: DRKS00008737.
期刊介绍：
Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (CGH) is dedicated to offering readers a comprehensive exploration of themes in clinical gastroenterology and hepatology. Encompassing diagnostic, endoscopic, interventional, and therapeutic advances, the journal covers areas such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, functional gastrointestinal disorders, nutrition, absorption, and secretion.
As a peer-reviewed publication, CGH features original articles and scholarly reviews, ensuring immediate relevance to the practice of gastroenterology and hepatology. Beyond peer-reviewed content, the journal includes invited key reviews and articles on endoscopy/practice-based technology, health-care policy, and practice management. Multimedia elements, including images, video abstracts, and podcasts, enhance the reader's experience. CGH remains actively engaged with its audience through updates and commentary shared via platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
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