Exact Sciences’ data disappoints Exact Sciences data disappoints analysts; highlights differences with GeneNews test April 18, 2013 by leonardzehr Leave a Comment Shares of Exact Sciences (NASDAQ:EXAS) plummeted as much as 30% on heavier than normal trading volumes today after the company released a preliminary analysis of its DeeP-C pivotal trial with its Cologuard colorectal cancer screening test. The stock recovered somewhat later in the day, closing down $1.14 to $8.84. Exact Sciences test, which identifies abnormal DNA in cells shed in a patients stool, detected 92% of colorectal cancers and 42% of pre-cancerous polyps in the study. Pre-cancerous sensitivity, which was the key metric investors were looking at, was well below expectations, Wedbush Securities analyst Zarak Khurshid told Reuters, adding that lower pre-cancer sensitivity may limit the eventual addressable opportunity for the test. Exact Sciences CEO Kevin Conroy, speaking to investors on a conference call, acknowledged that the tests detection rates in the study were not as high as expected, even though they met the trials main goals. The company had expected the test to detect 50% of pre-cancerous polyps. The study results also highlight differences with GeneNews (TSX:GEN) ColonSentry blood test designed to assess an individuals current risk for colorectal cancer. The ColonSentry test has been approved by the New York state department of health, the most stringent level of review for a clinical lab service in the US, and is commercially available through distributors and marketing partners in the US, Canada, Malaysia and China. As a risk-stratification test providing information about an individuals current risk of having colorectal cancer, ColonSentry may facilitate a decision to undergo colonoscopy for those who would otherwise refuse the procedure, GeneNews president and COO Gailina Liew said recently. ColonSentry is the worlds first blood test to assess an individual's current risk for colorectal cancer ColonSentry is the worlds first blood test to assess an individuals current risk for colorectal cancer Importantly, it can also help prioritize patients at greater current risk for colorectal cancer in healthcare systems with limited colonoscopy capacity. Widespread adoption of the test could lead to earlier detection of colorectal cancer, improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Exacts Cologuard, which is not yet on the market, is attempting to be a potential replacement for colonoscopy and involves a patient handling their own stool. ColonSentry, on the other hand, is a risk-stratification test that requires only a small sample of blood and can be easily incorporated as a pre-screening measure into routine yearly physical exams. The U.S. level of compliance for colorectal cancer screening is a relatively low 45% to 50% as a national average, compared with screening compliance rates for other cancers, such as prostate, breast and cervical, which range from about 65% to 85%. The approval of blood tests to facilitate colorectal cancer screening is very much welcomed as we attempt to significantly increase compliance with screening colonoscopy at the appropriate age as there is still, unfortunately, a significant percentage of the U.S. population that has not undergone screening for colorectal cancer, Dr. Robert Burakoff, clinical chief of gastroenterology and director of the Center for Digestive Diseases and of the Crohns and Colitis Center at Brigham and Womens Hospital, Harvard Medical School, said in a statement regarding ColonSentry last year.