New Screening Modalities

Information about the newer screening modalities is still emerging.  As technology improves, sDNA testing and CTC may play a larger role, and newer options may supplant current recommendations. 

Capsule video endoscopy.  This procedure, which has received a certain amount of media attention, makes use of a tiny camera, built into a small pill that the patient swallows.  The device takes pictures as it passes through the digestive tract.  Although this technology has captured the public's imagination and has proven useful for imaging the small intestine, it is not currently recommended for CRC screening.  The larger lumen of the colon makes it likely that the camera will miss significant portions of the colon wall. (17)  Research is underway to develop a device that will provide adequate imaging of the colon.