ColoCARE Found Superior to Other Tests in Detecting Cancer, Says Research Study
Tuesday November 4 11:02 AM EST
Company Press Release
CHICAGO--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 4, 1997--
American College of Gastroenterology Attendees Learn of
Detection of Precancerous Polyps through Fast, Convenient Testing
Process
ChemTrak, Inc. (NASDAQ:CMTR), a leader in home health diagnostic products and services, today reported that its ColoCARE(TM) home test clearly
outperformed three other fecal occult blood screening tests (FOBT) in an independent research study conducted by a nationally recognized physician
researcher.
Of the four test kits used by 85 patients over a two-year period, only the throw-in-the-bowl method incorporated in the ColoCARE product detected the
presence of precancerous polyps. The three other FOBT kits used during the study had no correlation with positive results. The study also noted that
ColoCARE showed the highest positive predictive value for the detection of all types of polyps. ColoCARE is manufactured by Helena Laboratories and
marketed over the counter to consumers by ChemTrak.
The results were revealed here today by John I. Hughes, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.G., Associate Medical Director, Kelsey-Seybold Medical Group, Medical
Director of the Vercellino Gastrointestinal Cancer Institute and Clinical Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, during a poster presentation at
the Annual Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology. The findings will be published and subject to further peer review.
''These encouraging results indicate that the ColoCARE product is not only convenient but extremely accurate in detecting the early signs of colorectal
disease,'' said Niquette Hunt, ChemTrak Vice President. ''The wide availability of this product, its low price, instant results and ease of use, should help
more people feel comfortable about using a home test -- and contacting their doctors sooner about any signs of colorectal disease.''
Colorectal cancer currently trails only lung cancer as the nation's leading cancer killer. Some 55,000 Americans die each year from colorectal cancer -- or
150 each day. One of the major factors in the high mortality rate is late detection. If colorectal cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate can exceed
80 percent. In cases when cancer is detected later, however, half the patients die within five years.
The latest Clinical Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening, funded by the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological
Association and four other major medical groups, note that fecal occult blood testing, with positive indications followed promptly by a doctor's appointment,
could cut the death rate from colorectal cancer by one third. The widely endorsed guidelines recommend annual fecal blood testing for all adults more than
50 years-old.
Dr. Hughes conducted a study involving a controlled sample of 85 patients ranging in age from 38 to 78 years-old. The patients used four different test kits --
three products that involve direct sampling and handling of fecal matter, and a drop-in-the-bowl pad that changes color in the presence of fecal blood. Only
the throw-in-the-bowl test -- marketed to consumers as ChemTrak's ColoCARE -- produced positive indications of colorectal polyps.
''Our preliminary view of this throw-in-the bowl technique is that it may significantly improve the usually low compliance observed up until now with the
traditional fecal occult blood tests,'' Dr. Hughes said. ''The $30 million currently being spent each year on these tests is not producing an acceptable return.
This different method appears to offer the promise of swifter medical intervention and better prospects for patients.''
ColoCARE, ChemTrak's home test for the early signs of colorectal disease, began shipping in March of this year. The test product is being marketed
through leading chain drug stores and mass merchandisers at a suggested retail price of $7. ChemTrak predicts that most of the nation's leading drug store
chains will have ColoCARE in stock before year end.
ChemTrak is a full-service medical diagnostics company offering reliable and easy-to-use medical testing systems for use in homes and doctors' offices.
ChemTrak medical test kits are designed to screen and diagnose health conditions with accuracy comparable to physician and laboratory-administered tests.
Other ChemTrak tests available nationally include its CholesTrak(TM) home cholesterol test and Parent's Alert(R), a comprehensive set of resources to help
parents address the youth drug problem in their own homes.
The Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is an affiliate of MedPartners, the nation's largest physician practice management group. Further information can be obtained at
the Kelsey-Seybold web site at: www.ksfnd.org .
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual
results might differ materially from these statements due to risks and uncertainties, including determinations by the FDA, the impact of competitive product
and pricing, the timely development and acceptance of new products and medical market conditions and other factors discussed in the company's 1996 form
10-K.
chemtrak.com .
Contact:
ChemTrak
Niquette Hunt, 408/773-8156
or
Neale-May & Partners
Dick Claeys, 415/328-5555 ext. 125 |
