Novel Blood-Based Tests for Colorectal Cancer Screening.

Blood-based tests are a novel colorectal cancer (CRC) screening modality that can potentially improve screening uptake due to greater convenience and patient preference for blood tests. To date, 3 blood-based CRC screening tests have completed large validation studies (Epi proColon, Shield, and the Freenome test). Multi-cancer early detection tests are also actively being investigated for their role in CRC screening. Despite various benefits, blood-based screening tests also have several limitations, including low sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions, low rates of follow-up colonoscopy after an abnormal test, and concerns about cost-effectiveness.