Overview
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs have been implemented to reduce the burden of the disease. When an advanced colonic lesions is detected, it is recommended to perform endoscopic surveillance with different intervals between explorations. Although the reduction in CRC incidence, endoscopic surveillance is producing a considerable increase in the number of colonoscopies. However, participation in CRC screening programs based on the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) could be a non inferior alternative to endoscopic surveillance.
Based on this hypothesis, the research group have designed a randomized clinical trial within the population CRC screening programs to compare FIT surveillance to endoscopic surveillance in patients with advanced lesions resected.
Description
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies in western countries. CRC screening programs have been implemented in order to reduce the burden of the disease. Screening programs in Spain are based on the biennial detection of fecal hemoglobin with a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and a diagnostic colonoscopy if positive. The detection of at least one advanced adenoma or serrated lesion defines a high risk situation for metachronous CRC. This group of patients is recommended to perform endoscopic surveillance with different intervals between explorations. Endoscopic surveillance reduces mortality only 1.7% and increases the number of colonoscopies by 62% with an additional cost of € 68,000 for an increase of 0.9 years of life. Moreover, colonoscopy is a procedure associated with potentially serious side effects.
A recently British study shows that with a cut-off of 10 µg/g, FIT has a higher sensitivity and specificity for CRC with a significant cost reduction compared to colonoscopy surveillance. Additionally, most of the population prefers non-invasive faecal tests rather than colonoscopy.
Based on this evidence, the research group have designed a multicenter, randomized clinical trial to compare the 10 year CRC incidence after resection of advanced colonic lesions detected within CRC screening programs between endoscopic surveillance and participation in CRC screening programs based on FIT.
Apart from this purpose, the investigators will also assess the values and preferences regarding surveillance and risk of CRC. Further, the research group will evaluate the relationship between Mediterranean diet and physical activity with the detection of advanced adenomas and CRC.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Individuals aged 50 to 65 years.
- Individuals with at least one advanced adenoma (tubulovillous or villous histology, high grade dysplasia or ≥ 10mm), and / or at least three non-advanced adenomas detected and resected completely within the population-based CRC screening program.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Personal history of CRC.
- Colonic lesion ≥10mm resected without histological diagnosis.
- More than 10 adenomas in baseline colonoscopy.
- Serrated polyposis syndrome.
- Two or more first-degree relatives with CRC.
- Hereditary predisposition to CRC.
- Relevant comorbidity with life expectancy inferior to 5 years.
- Colonoscopy with incomplete mucosal examination.
- Incomplete resection of baseline lesions.
- Non-acceptance after reading the informed consent.