Performance of Fecal Immunochemical Test in Individuals With Personal History of Polyps and Family History of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: There is limited information regarding performance of fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in post-polypectomy surveillance, or for screening individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC). We conducted a systematic review to assess current evidence regarding diagnostic performance of one time FIT in increased risk populations.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted to assess studies reporting performance of a one-time FIT as screening or surveillance tool in individuals at increased risk of CRC.

RESULTS

We identified 3 studies reporting on 8817 individuals with personal history of polyps who underwent FIT testing. For CRC detection, one-time FIT showed sensitivity ranging from 27.6% to 100.0% and specificity ranging from 55.9% to 94.1% with variable test thresholds and index polyp histology. We identified 12 studies reporting on 5525 individuals with family history of CRC. One-time FIT showed a sensitivity ranging from 25.0% to 100.0% and specificity ranging from 83.1% to 92.0%, with variable test thresholds and family history characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence is limited to adequately assess diagnostic performance of FIT in individuals with family history of CRC, or as follow-up after polypectomy.