Diagnostic accuracy of multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal cancer screening: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: This study aimed to collect and summarize test data and conduct a meta-analysis, with respect to the Multitarget Stool DNA test sensitivity and specificity, compared to colonoscopy.

Methods: All manuscripts were screened for eligibility according to inclusion criteria. Participants were a normal population at an average risk of developing CRC. Intervention was Stool based and DNA panel tests compared with colonoscopy, and outcome was detection of CRC and any pre-cancerous lesions. Inter-study and inconsistency (using the I-squared test) were assessed.

Results: Meta-analyses of the Mt-sDNA test showed a combined sensitivity of 89%, 51%, and 76% for the detection of CRC, advanced adenoma (AA), and combined CRC and AA, respectively. The overall specificity was 91%, 89%, and 90% for the detection of CRC, AA, and combined CRC and AA, respectively.

Conclusions: Mt-sDNA had significantly acceptable diagnostic accuracy for CRC and AA diagnosis, but still has lower sensitivity and specificity than colonoscopy.