Computerized tomographic (CT) colonography (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy, is comparable to standard colonoscopy in its ability to accurately detect cancer and precancerous polyps in people ages 65 and older, according to a paper published online today in Radiology. This is consistent with results of the ACRIN National CT Colonography Trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2008, which demonstrated that CT colonography can serve as a primary colorectal cancer screening option for adults ages 50 and older, but did not specifically break out data for participants ages 65 and older included in the overall analysis. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have deferred coverage for CT colonography, primarily citing a lack of data on the exam’s performance in Medicare-eligible recipients ages 65 and older.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54777-acrin-national-ct-colonography-study-radiology-cancer-screening-seniors
