D0175 - Patients Prefer Blood Based Screening Tests Compared With Current Options for Colorectal Cancer Screening in a Community-Based Confidential Survey

Bharat K. Misra, MD, Jack Woeste, BA, Maristela Soberano, MS
Encore Borland Groover Clinical Research, Jacksonville, FL

Introduction: Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the 2nd most common cause of cancer deaths in the US. Screening improves survival but screening rates remain low. Colonoscopy (COL), Multi target stool DNA test (Mt-sDNA), and Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) are the most commonly used screening tests. Studies are underway to evaluate the efficacy of blood-based screening tests (BBST). Patient attitudes and preferences towards BBST are unknown.

Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, IRB approved study done in NE Florida. 3 cohorts were studied: GI patients, PCP patients and community based GI physicians. They were invited to participate in a confidential online survey. After informed consent, they were given clear and concise written information about current tests. A BBST was presumed to be as effective as today’s Mt-sDNA. The survey had 19 questions and a Likert scale was used.

Results: 186 GI and 62 PCP patients completed the survey (Mean age 59, M=41%, F=59%. White=73%, Black=28% Asian=12% Hispanic=12%). There were no significant differences in the responses of patients from GI and PCP offices, males and females and education levels. Patients in both GI and PCP cohorts believed in CRC screening (76% strongly positive). Patients rated “effectiveness” and “safety” as the most important criteria. Patients ranked COL (69%), Mt-sDNA, and FIT as their preferred tests, in that order. After the introduction of a BBST, both cohorts ranked BBST as their top choice (58%). GI patients ranked COL and Mt-sDNA 2nd and 3rd while PCP patients ranked Colonoscopy and Mt-sDNA equally. “Effectiveness”, “absence of risk” and “absence of embarrassment” were the main factors that made BBST their top choice. Increasing the frequency of BBST from 5 to 3 to 1 year did not change its favorability. GI physicians (Mean age 51, M=77%, F=33%), ranked COL, Mt-sDNA, FIT in that order. After a BBST was introduced, COL remained their top choice followed by BBST, Mt-sDNA, and FIT. 91% of GI physicians had a COL and 14% had a Mt-sDNA test. 100% of GI physicians discussed COL with their patients, but only 59% discussed Mt-sDNA

Discussion: Our study highlights the appeal of a BBST over current CRC screening tests, amongst both GI and PCP patients. Increasing the frequency from 5 to 3 to 1 year did not change its appeal. There was clear divergence between patients and GI physicians, with GI physicians choosing COL above BBST. Shared decision making may help narrow this gap. BBST have the potential to improve currently low screening rates.



Disclosures:


Bharat K. Misra, MD, Jack Woeste, BA, Maristela Soberano, MS. D0175 - Patients Prefer Blood Based Screening Tests Compared With Current Options for Colorectal Cancer Screening in a Community-Based Confidential Survey, ACG 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Charlotte, NC: American College of Gastroenterology.