Ingestible X-Ray Capsule Supports Colorectal Cancer Screening

An innovative ingestible capsule system utilizes ultra-low dose X-ray emission for preparation-free colorectal cancer screening.

The Check-Cap capsule is designed to ingested and left to do its work as the patient goes about his or her normal day, with the only requirement being that patient takes regular small amounts of a standard contrast agent with meals. As the capsule moves through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, it emits radiation equivalent to that of a standard chest X-ray in order to scan the inside of the colon. The information gathered is transmitted to a device on the patient’s back via wireless communication technologies.

The low-dose X-ray radar scans are used to create standard and three-dimensional (3D) images of the colon, using 360-degree angular scans that “see” through intestinal content. The data is later analyzed by a physician. If nothing is detected, the patient does not require a standard colonoscopy; however, if the Check-Cap device does reveal polyps, a therapeutic colonoscopy would be prescribed. The Check-Cap capsule is under development by Check-Cap (Isfiya, Israel), and is currently not cleared for marketing in any jurisdiction.

“Check-Cap's prep-free, non-invasive technology meets the real need for colon cancer screening that's easy for patients. Patients are often hesitant to undergo colonoscopy due to the preparation, sedation, general discomfort and potential risks,” said Professor Oscar Lebwohl, MD, of Columbia University (New York, NY, USA). “If further studies demonstrate that Check-Cap is an accurate screening modality for colon cancer and polyps, then the Check-Cap system will be a viable testing alternative, allowing the screening of patients in greater numbers and the use of fewer resources compared with CTC and Colonoscopy.”

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United State, with an estimated 134,000 diagnoses and 49,000 deaths in 2016. Despite compelling evidence that screening can detect colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps, nearly one-third of the recommended adult population has never been screened. The Check-Cap system was designed to improve the patient experience by addressing many frequently cited barriers to test completion, including laxative bowel preparation, invasiveness, stool handling, and sedation.

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