Finding the Best FIT for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Experts widely agree that a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) should replace a guaiac-based fecal occult blood test for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening because of its higher adherence rates and superior performance characteristics. However, the performance characteristics of different FITs have been shown to vary dramatically (Ann Intern Med 2009; 150:162). Therefore, the clinical issue has not been whether to use a FIT, but which FIT to use. In the current study, investigators compared the OC Sensor FIT (Eiken Chemical Co., Tokyo, Japan), commonly studied in clinical trials, to the Magstream FIT (Fujirebio, Inc., Tokyo, Japan), and the Hemoccult II guaiac test (SKD, Villepinte, France).

Researchers analyzed fecal samples from 19,797 residen…