Virtual Colonography Recommended for Colon Cancer Screening

In the United States, in spite of the absence of healthcare (US Medicare) coverage, hospital utilization of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) imaging, typically referred to as virtual colonoscopy, is on the rise, according to new research.

The study's findings were published in the March 2011 issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. CTC, a minimally invasive option to optical colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening, utilizes virtual reality technology to generate a three-dimensional (3D) visualization that permits a comprehensive assessment of the entire colon and rectum.

Data on the provision of colorectal cancer screening services by nonfederal, general hospitals were analyzed using the 2005 to 2008 American Hospital Association annual surveys. Moreover, in 2009, exploratory interviews were conducted with representatives from radiology departments at nine hospitals--six that provided CTC and three that did not. Researchers discovered that in 2008, 17% of hospitals offered CTC, up from 13% in 2005. Sixty-nine percent of hospitals that offered CTC in 2008 also offered optical colonoscopy services. Factors motivating the adoption of CTC included a desire to provide an alternative screening option for frail, elderly patients and patients with failed optical colonoscopy; long waits for optical colonoscopy; and promising evidence on CTC published in peer-reviewed literature. Lack of reimbursement was a commonly cited barrier.

"Our study is unique in that we show expansion even in the absence of Medicare reimbursement for CTC for general screening. CTC's relatively easy implementation coupled with patient acceptance makes CTC a tool that holds promise for the future of colorectal cancer prevention,” said Megan McHugh, PhD, director of research at the Health Research and Education Trust (HRET; Washington DC, USA), and lead author of the study.

CTC is validated in clinical trials to be as effective as standard colonoscopy at detecting clinically significant lesions in average risk patients and is endorsed by the American Cancer Society as a recommended colon cancer-screening test. However, Medicare does not cover seniors for CTC. As policymakers and others consider ways to increase colorectal cancer screening, it is important to understand US hospitals' readiness to offer CTC and the factors that facilitate or impede adoption, according to the investigators.

Related Links:

Health Research and Education Trust