Healthcare costs, resource utilization, and productivity loss associated with colorectal cancer screening

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate healthcare costs, resource utilization, associated costs, and lost productivity for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in an average-risk population.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study identified average-risk individuals (50-75 years) with claims in the Optum Research Database for CRC screening test between 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018. Index date was defined as the first date of a claim for colonoscopy, fecal immunochemical test (FIT), guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or multi-target stool DNA test (mt-sDNA). Screening costs were evaluated with descriptive statistics and multivariable analyses, adjusting for patient characteristics and index screening costs.

RESULTS

In total, 903,831 individuals were identified by test groups: mt-sDNA (n = 29,614), FIT (n = 254,002), guaiac-based FOBT (n = 112,757) and colonoscopy (n = 507,458). Adjusted costs for index screening were, colonoscopy ($3,029), mt-sDNA ($752), FIT ($45), and (FOBT ($153). Adjusted costs across the six months following the index screening were $146 for colonoscopy, $329 for mt-sDNA, $306 for FIT, and $412 for FOBT. Colonoscopy had the highest costs for lost productivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Screening colonoscopy had the highest productivity loss and healthcare costs up-front, suggesting potential cost benefits for noninvasive screening modalities. The more frequent screening interval required for FIT and FOBT resulted in a higher yearly cost than colonoscopy or mt-sDNA.

Colorectal cancer screening: A review of current screening options, timing, and guidelines

Screening for colon and rectal cancer has been associated with reduced incidence over the past few decades. However, shown a paradoxical increase in colon and rectal cancer in those younger than 50 years has also been recently shown. This information, along with the introduction of new screening modalities, has lead to updates in the current recommendations. We present some of the data supporting the use of current screening modalities, as well as summarize current guidelines.

Retrospective Review of Multitarget Stool DNA as a Screening Test for Colorectal Cancer

OBJECTIVES

To review the effectiveness of noninvasive multitarget stool DNA testing as a screening test for colorectal cancer.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients referred to 2 high volume outpatient procedural centers for colonoscopy for positive Cologuard test. Positive findings for colorectal cancer based on pathologic findings and also advanced adenomas were recorded. Positive predictive value (PPV) was assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 1585 patients evaluated and referred for colonoscopy from January 1, 2018 to November 1, 2019, for ICD-10 codes R19.5 (other fecal abnormalities) and K92.1 (melena), 84 were referred for a positive Cologuard test. Out of the 84, 6 were excluded based on family history of colon cancer in first degree relative or personal history of inflammatory bowel disease. Of the remaining 78 patients, 1 patient (1.3%) had colorectal cancer and 5 (6.4%) had advanced adenomas (>1 cm size, high grade dysplasia or villous). Postive predictive value for colorectal cancer was 1.3% and for precancerous lesions plus colorectal cancer was 7.7%. A total of 53 (68.0%) patients had either totally normal colonoscopy or hyperplastic polyps. Out of the 78 individuals in our study, 70 (89.7%) had normal findings, hyperplastic polyps, or non-advanced adenomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Multitarget stool DNA testing carries an unacceptably low PPV to be utilized as a screening test for colorectal cancer. The study fails to detect both adenomas and colon cancer at a higher rate than screening colonoscopy in selected studies. The advantage of being noninvasive has been noted to increase colorectal cancer screening in otherwise non-compliant Medicare patients.

Cross-sectional adherence with the multi-target stool DNA test for colorectal cancer screening: Real-world data from a large cohort of older adults

Objective

To determine cross-sectional adherence with the multi-target stool DNA test used for colorectal cancer screening in a large, fully insured Medicare population.

Methods

All patients aged 65–85 with a valid multi-target stool DNA test order from 1 September 2016 to 31 August 2017 identified from the Exact Sciences Laboratories (Madison, WI; sole-source national multi-target stool DNA test provider) database were evaluated for test adherence. Cross-sectional adherence, defined as multi-target stool DNA test completion within 365 days from order date, was analyzed overall and by time to adherence, as well as by available patient (age, sex, test order date, Medicare coverage type) and provider (specialty, year of first multi-target stool DNA test order, multi-target stool DNA test order frequency, and practice location) factors.

Results

Among 368,494 Medicare beneficiaries (64% female), overall cross-sectional adherence was 71%. Cumulative adherence rates increased more rapidly at 30 (44%) and 60 (65%) days, followed by more gradual increases at 90 (67%), 180 (70%), and 365 (71%) days. By provider specialty, primary care clinicians represented a higher percentage of multi-target stool DNA orders than gastroenterologists (88% vs. 6%), but had a lower associated patient adherence rate (71% vs. 78%).

Conclusions

In this large, national sample of Medicare insured older adults, nearly three-quarters of patients adhered with a multi-target stool DNA order for colorectal cancer screening. These real-world data should inform further clinical and population health applications, reimbursement model simulations, and guideline-endorsed colorectal cancer screening strategies adherence.