Early detection of colorectal neoplasia: application of a blood-based serological protein test on subjects undergoing population-based screening.

BACKGROUND: Blood-based biomarkers used for colorectal cancer screening need to be developed and validated in appropriate screening populations. We aimed to develop a cancer-associated protein biomarker test for the detection of colorectal cancer in a screening population. METHODS: Participants from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Screening Program were recruited. Blood samples were collected prior to colonoscopy. The cohort was divided into training and validation sets. We present the results of model development using the training set. Age, sex, and the serological proteins CEA, hsCRP, TIMP-1, Pepsinogen-2, HE4, CyFra21-1, Galectin-3, ferritin and B2M were used to develop a signature test to discriminate between participants with colorectal cancer versus all other findings at colonoscopy. RESULTS: The training set included 4048 FIT-positive participants of whom 242 had a colorectal cancer. The final model for discriminating colorectal cancer versus all other findings at colonoscopy had an AUC of 0.70 (95% CI: 0.66-0.74) and included age, sex, CEA, hsCRP, HE4 and ferritin. CONCLUSION: The performance of the biomarker signature in this FIT-positive screening population did not reflect the positive performance of biomarker signatures seen in symptomatic populations. Additional biomarkers are needed if the serological biomarkers are to be used as a frontline screening test.

Age-stratified reference intervals unlock the clinical potential of circulating cell-free DNA as a biomarker of poor outcome for healthy individuals and patients with colorectal cancer.

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has spurred much interest as a biomarker in oncology. However, inter- and intra-individual cfDNA levels vary greatly. Consequently, in order to base clinical decisions on cfDNA measurements, normal reference intervals are essential to avoid that ordinary variation is confused with clinically relevant change. The lack of reference intervals may potentially explain the ambiguous results reported in the field. Our study aimed to establish reference intervals and to evaluate the association between cfDNA and demographic and clinical variables, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Plasma samples and clinical data from 2817 subjects were collected including 1930 noncancer individuals and 887 CRC patients. cfDNA was measured using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The large cohort combined with robust cfDNA quantification enabled establishment of reference intervals (<67 years: 775-4860 copies/mL; ≥67 years: 807-6561 copies/mL). A cfDNA level above the age-stratified 90% percentile was prognostic of reduced survival in both noncancer individuals and CRC patients, with HR values of 2.56 and 2.01, respectively. Moreover, cfDNA levels increased significantly with age, elevated BMI and chronic diseases. In CRC, the cfDNA level was increased for Stage IV, but not Stage I to Stage III cancer. In summary, the use of reference intervals revealed that high cfDNA levels were predictive of shorter survival in both noncancer individuals and CRC patients, and that CRC development did not affect the cfDNA level until metastatic dissemination. Furthermore, cfDNA levels were impacted by age and chronic diseases. Conclusively, our study presents reference intervals that will help pave the way for clinical utilization of cfDNA.

Optimizing Screening for Colorectal Cancer: An Algorithm Combining Fecal Immunochemical Test, Blood-Based Cancer-Associated Proteins and Demographics to Reduce Colonoscopy Burden.

BACKGROUND: Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is widely used in population-based screening for colorectal cancer (CRC). This had led to major challenges regarding colonoscopy capacity. Methods to maintain high sensitivity without compromising the colonoscopy capacity are needed. This study investigates an algorithm that combines FIT result, blood-based biomarkers associated with CRC, and individual demographics, to triage subjects sent for colonoscopy among a FIT positive (FIT+) screening population and thereby reduce the colonoscopy burden. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From the Danish National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, 4048 FIT+ (≥100 ng/mL Hemoglobin) subjects were included and analyzed for a panel of 9 cancer-associated biomarkers using the ARCHITECT i2000. Two algorithms were developed: 1) a predefined algorithm based on clinically available biomarkers: FIT, age, CEA, hsCRP and Ferritin; and 2) an exploratory algorithm adding additional biomarkers: TIMP-1, Pepsinogen-2, HE4, CyFra21-1, Galectin-3, B2M and sex to the predefined algorithm. The diagnostic performances for discriminating subjects with or without CRC in the 2 models were benchmarked against the FIT alone using logistic regression modeling. RESULTS: The discrimination of CRC showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 73.7 (70.5-76.9) for the predefined model, 75.3 (72.1-78.4) for the exploratory model, and 68.9 (65.5-72.2) for FIT alone. Both models performed significantly better (P < .001) than the FIT model. The models were benchmarked vs. FIT at cutoffs of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 ng/mL Hemoglobin using corresponding numbers of true positives and false positives. All performance metrics were improved at all cutoffs. CONCLUSION: A screening algorithm including a combination of FIT result, blood-based biomarkers and demographics outperforms FIT in discriminating subjects with or without CRC in a screening population with FIT results above 100 ng/mL Hemoglobin.

Enterprise size and return to work after stroke.

INTRODUCTION: It has been hypothesised that return to work rates among sick-listed workers increases with enterprise size. The aim of the present study was to estimate the effect of enterprise size on the odds of returning to work among previously employed stroke patients in Denmark, 2000-2006. METHODS: We used a prospective design with a 2 year follow-up period. The study population consisted of 13,178 stroke patients divided into four enterprise sizes categories, according to the place of their employment prior to the stroke: micro (1-9 employees), small (10-49 employees), medium (50-249 employees) and large (>250 employees). The analysis was based on nationwide data on enterprise size from Statistics Denmark merged with data from the Danish occupational hospitalisation register. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant association (p = 0.034); each increase in enterprise size category was followed by an increase in the estimated odds of returning to work. CONCLUSIONS: The chances of returning to work after stroke increases as the size of enterprise increases. Preventive efforts and research aimed at finding ways of mitigating the effect are warranted.

Evaluation of a panel of tumor-specific differentially-methylated DNA regions in IRF4, IKZF1 and BCAT1 for blood-based detection of colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Differentially-methylated regions (DMRs) are characteristic of colorectal cancer (CRC) and some occur more frequently than common mutations. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of assaying circulating cell-free DNA for methylation in BCAT1, IKZF1 and IRF4 for detection of CRC. METHODS: A multiplexed real-time PCR assay targeting DMRs in each of the three genes was developed. Assay accuracy was explored in plasma specimens banked from observational cross-sectional trials or from volunteers scheduled for colonoscopy or prior to CRC surgery. RESULTS: 1620 specimens were suitable for study inclusion including 184 and 616 cases with CRC and adenomas, respectively, and 820 cases without neoplasia (overall median age, 63.0 years; 56% males). Combining the PCR signals for all targeted DMRs returned the best sensitivity for CRC (136/184, 73.9%, 95% CI 67.1-79.7), advanced adenomas (53/337, 15.7%, 95% CI 12.0-20.1) and high-grade dysplastic (HGD) adenomas (9/35, 25.7%, 95% CI 14.0-42.3) with a 90.1%, specificity for neoplasia (739/820, 95% CI 87.9-92.0, p < 0.01). Detection of methylation in all three genes were more likely in CRC cases than those without it (OR 28.5, 95% CI 7.3-121.2, p < 0.0001). Of the 81 positive cases without neoplasia, 62 (76.5%) were positive by a single PCR replicate only and predominantly due to detection of methylated BCAT1 (53.2%). Single replicate positivity was significantly higher than that in CRC (26/136, 19.1%, p < 0.0001), and single BCAT1 replicate positivity was more likely in cases without neoplasia than in CRC (OR 17.7, 95% CI 6.6-43.3, p < 0.0001). When a positive result was limited to those with ≥ 1 PCR replicate positive for either IKZF1 or IRF4, or at least two replicates positive for BCAT1, the multi-panel test maintained a high sensitivity for CRC (131/184, 71.2%, 95% CI 64.3-77.3) and HGD adenomas (8/35, 22.9%, 95% CI 11.8-39.3, p = 0.029) but improved specificity significantly (772/820, 94.1%, 95% CI 92.3-95.6, p < 0.0001 vs. any PCR replicate positive). CONCLUSION: The multi-panel methylation assay differentiates cases with CRC from those without it and does so with high specificity when criteria for BCAT1 detection are applied. The marker panel is flexible and studies in those at average risk for CRC are now warranted to determine which panel configuration best suits screening goals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12611000318987. Registered 25 March 2011, https://www.anzctr.org.au/ ACTRN12611000318987.

Triage May Improve Selection to Colonoscopy and Reduce the Number of Unnecessary Colonoscopies.

Implementation of population screening for colorectal cancer by direct colonoscopy or follow-up colonoscopy after a positive fecal blood test has challenged the overall capacity of bowel examinations. Certain countries are facing serious colonoscopy capacity constraints, which have led to waiting lists and long time latency of follow-up examinations. Various options for improvement are considered, including increased cut-off values of the fecal blood tests. Results from major clinical studies of blood-based, cancer-associated biomarkers have, however, led to focus on a Triage concept for improved selection to colonoscopy. The Triage test may include subject age, concentration of hemoglobin in a feces test and a combination of certain blood-based cancer-associated biomarkers. Recent results have indicated that Triage may reduce the requirements for colonoscopy by around 30%. Such results may be advantageous for the capacity, the healthcare budgets and in particular, the subjects, who do not need an unnecessary, unpleasant and risk-associated bowel examination.

Development of blood-based biomarker tests for early detection of colorectal neoplasia: Influence of blood collection timing and handling procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Blood-based, cancer-associated biomarkers are susceptible to a variety of well-known preanalytical factors. The influence of bowel preparation before a diagnostic colonoscopy on biomarker levels is, however, poorly investigated. The present study assessed the influence of bowel preparation on colorectal cancer-associated biomarkers. In addition, the effect of single versus double centrifugation of plasma biomarkers was assessed. METHODS: Blood samples were collected pre- and post-bowel preparation from 125 subjects scheduled for first time diagnostic colonoscopy due to symptoms attributable to CRC. The samples were separated into serum and EDTA plasma, and analyzed by four independent collaborators for: 1) the proteins AFP, CA19-9, CEA, hs-CRP, CyFra21-1, Ferritin, Galectin-3 and TIMP-1, 2) the proteins BAG4, IL6ST, vWF, CD44 and EGFR, 3) the glycoprotein Galectin-3 ligand, and 4) cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Statistical analysis of biomarker data has been performed using mixed modelling, including repeated measures. RESULTS: The biomarkers generally showed negligible variation between pre- and post-bowel preparation except for CyFra21-1, Ferritin, BAG4 and cfDNA. CyFra21-1 levels were systematically reduced with 29% (95% CI 21-36%) by bowel preparation (p ≤ 0.0001). Ferritin was not significantly different between pre- and post-bowel preparation (p = 0.07), however the estimated difference (increase) was 18%. BAG4 was systematically reduced by 12% (95% CI 1-22%, p = 0.04), while cfDNA showed a significant increase of 28% (95% CI 17-39%, p < 0.0001). Double centrifugation compared to single centrifugation showed reduced vWF (ratio 0.86, p ≤ 0.0001) and CD44 (ratio 0.85, p = 0.016), but increased IL6ST levels (ratio 1.18, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study demonstrated systematic, statistically significant differences between pre-bowel and post-bowel preparation levels for three independent blood-based biomarkers (BAG4, CyFra21-1, cfDNA), illustrating the importance of timing of sample collection for biomarker analyses.

Operationalizing a model to quantify implementation of a multi-component intervention in a stepped-wedge trial.

BACKGROUND: It is challenging to interpret the results of multifaceted interventions due to complex program theories that are difficult to measure in a quantifiable manner. The aims of this paper were, first, to develop a model for a comprehensive quantitative implementation evaluation and, second, to operationalize it in the process evaluation of the stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial: "Prevention of low back pain and its consequences among nurses' aides in elderly care" to investigate if implementation differed across intervention components, steps, and settings (workplaces). METHODS: Operationalization of a quantifiable measure of implementation requires three steps: (1) development of a program logic and intervention protocol, (2) description of a complete and acceptable delivery of the intervention, and (3) description of what determines the receipt of the intervention. Program logic from a previously developed multifaceted stepped-wedge intervention was used. The optimal delivery of the intervention was defined as the deliverers' full understanding and following of the intervention protocol and that they performed their best and contributed to the participants' attention and motivation (fidelity). The optimal receipt of the intervention was defined as participants being fully present at all intervention activities (participation), being motivated and satisfied, and having a good social support (responsiveness). Measurements of the fidelity, participation, and responsiveness were obtained from logbooks and questionnaires. Fidelity was multiplied by participation to measure exposure of the intervention to the individual. The implementation was determined from optimal delivery and optimal receipt on a scale from 0 (no implementation) to 100 (full implementation) on individual and organizational level. RESULTS: Out of 753 sessions, 95% were delivered. The sessions were delivered with 91% success (fidelity) across the organization. Average participation, fidelity, exposure, and responsiveness were 50, 93, 48, and 89% across all participants. The implementation of the intervention was uniform across steps (p = 0.252) and workplaces (p = 0.125) but not for intervention components (p = 0.000). However, participation, fidelity, exposure, and responsiveness varied between workplaces. CONCLUSIONS: This study developed a quantifiable implementation evaluation measuring participation, fidelity, exposure, and responsiveness. The quantifiable implementation evaluation was suitable for comparing implementation across steps, components, and settings and can be applied in the analyses on the impact of implementation of complex interventions.

Triage for selection to colonoscopy?

Implementation of population screening for colorectal cancer by direct colonoscopy or follow-up colonoscopy after a positive fecal blood test has challenged the overall capacity of bowel examinations. Certain countries are facing serious colonoscopy capacity constraints, which have led to waiting lists and long-time latency of follow-up examinations. Various options for improvement are considered, including increased cut-off values of the fecal blood tests. Results from major clinical studies of blood-based, cancer-associated biomarkers have led to focus, however, on a triage concept for improved selection to colonoscopy. The triage test may include subject age, concentration of hemoglobin in a feces test and a combination of certain blood-based cancer associated biomarkers. Recent results have indicated that triage may reduce the requirements for colonoscopy by around 30%. Such results may be advantageous for the capacity, the heath budgets and in particular, the subjects, who do not need an unnecessary, unpleasant and risk-associated bowel examination.

Implementation of the Danish return-to-work program: process evaluation of a trial in 21 Danish municipalities.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the Danish national return-to-work (RTW) program in 21 Danish municipalities. METHODS: We conducted a structured process evaluation on (i) reach and recruitment, (ii) fidelity, (iii) dose-delivered, (iv) dose-received, and (v) context by formulating 29 implementation criteria and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data from administrative records, interviews, field notes, and questionnaires. RESULTS: All municipalities integrated the basic features of the RTW program into the existing framework of the sickness benefit management system to an acceptable degree, ie, establishment of RTW teams, participation of RTW team members in the training courses, and following the general procedures of the program. However, the level of implementation varied considerably between the municipalities, particularly with respect to fidelity (defined as implementation consistent with the principles of the interdisciplinary RTW process). Five municipalities had high and eight had low fidelity scores. Similar large differences were found with regard to dose-delivered, particularly in the quality of cooperation with beneficiaries, employers, and general practitioners. Only 50% of the first consultations with the RTW coordinator were conducted in time. Among participants who were employed when their sickness absence period started, only 9% had at least one meeting with their workplace. CONCLUSION: It was feasible to implement the basic features of the Danish RTW program, however, large variations existed between municipalities. Establishment of well-functioning interdisciplinary RTW teams might require more time and resources, while ensuring early assessment and more frequent cooperation with employers might need more general adjustments in the Danish sickness benefit system.