Every year more than one million new patients are diagnosed with colon cancer worldwide. Although multiple prospective randomized trials and observational studies have demonstrated that mortality from colon cancer can be reduced with screening and removal of adenomatous polyps, compliance with screening guidelines remains low. Recent CT colonography (CTC) trials have shown that CTC is capable of demonstrating adenomatous polyps >=10mm (and in most cases >=6 mm) with sensitivities comparable to those for optical colonoscopy. Based on these results, at least two expert panels have recommended CTC as an option for colorectal cancer screening. Despite these endorsements, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the United States recently decided to deny coverage of CTC for colorectal cancer screening. This article addresses the reservations raised by CMS and provides a perspective on whether CTC is ready for routine use as a colorectal cancer screening test.

Author

Jay P. Heiken

Contact Details

Corresponding address:
Jay P. Heiken, MD, Professor of Radiology, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington
University School of Medicine, 510 South Kingshighway Boulevard, St Louis, MO 63110, USA

Reference

ICIS Cancer Imaging Volume 9 Special Issue A
DOI: 10.1102/1470-7330.2009.9025

Date Posted

5 October 2009

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