Low Yield of CT Colonography in a National Screening Program

Results vary among recent randomized, controlled trials comparing computed tomographic colonography (CTC) and optical colonoscopy in detection of cancers and large polyps. Some show that the latter is superior, whereas others show similar or equal performance between the two. In particular, results of a recent trial from the U.K. showed comparable detection of cancers and large polyps, although 30% of patients undergoing CTC required optical colonoscopy (NEJM JW Gastroenterol Mar 8 2013). Now, researchers report the yield of CTC in the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

In this national screening programme of residents aged 60 to 74 years, screenees undergo a biennial fecal occult blood test. Those with positive results are referred f…