Comparison of multiple statistical models for the development of clinical prediction scores to detect advanced colorectal neoplasms in asymptomatic Thai patients

A good clinical prediction score can help in the risk stratification of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) undergoing colonoscopy screening. The aim of our study was to compare model performance of binary logistic regression (BLR), polytomous logistic regression (PLR), and classification and regression tree (CART) between the clinical prediction scores of advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN) in asymptomatic Thai patients.We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1311 asymptomatic Thai patients to develop a clinical prediction model. The possible predictive variables included sex, age, body mass index, family history of CRC in first-degree relatives, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and the fecal immunochemical test in the univariate analysis. Variables with a P value of .1 were included in the multivariable analysis, using the BLR, CART, and PLR models. Model performance, including the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC), was compared between the model types.ACN was diagnosed in 53 patients (4.04%). The AUROCs were not significantly different between the BLR and CART models for ACN prediction with an AUROC of 0.774 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.706–0.842) and 0.765 (95% CI: 0.698–0.832), respectively (P = .712). A significant difference was observed between the PLR and CART models in predicting average to moderate ACN risk with an AUROC of 0.767 (95% CI: 0.695–0.839 vs AUROC 0.675 [95% CI: 0.599–0.751], respectively; P = .009).The BLR and CART models yielded similar accuracies for the prediction of ACN in Thai patients. The PLR model provided higher accuracy for ACN prediction than the CART model.     

Chromoendoscopy or white light endoscopy for neoplasia detection in Lynch syndrome,a meta-analysis

BackgroundLynch syndrome carries an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia, hence annual surveillance colonoscopy is recommended. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic yields of image enhancement modalities for colorectal neoplasia in patients with Lynch syndrome.MethodsMeta-analysis of pooled ratios of lesion detection rates (RRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIS), comparing white light endoscopy (WLE) and chromoendoscopy (ChE).ResultsFour studies comparing WLE to ChE were analyzed. ChE fared better than WLE in overall lesion detection (RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.63–2.38) and detection of adenomas (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.07–2.17), flat lesions (RR 3.4, 95% CI 2.47–4.67) and proximally-located lesions (RR 2.93, 95% CI 1.91–4.5). The odds of a patient having any lesion found were higher in ChE compared to WLE (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.56–3.75). The odds of a patient having adenoma(s) found on endoscopy were not significantly higher in chromoendoscopy compared to white light endoscopy (OR 1.81, 95% CI 0.65–5.01).ConclusionUsing standard definition technology, ChE allows detection of more lesions, especially adenomas, flat lesions and proximal lesions in Lynch syndrome patients, compared to WLE. The results show that surveillance colonoscopy of Lynch syndrome patients should be performed using ChE.     

Colorectal neoplasia in veterans is associated with Barrett's esophagus but not with proton-pump inhibitor or aspirin/NSAID use

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that Barrett's esophagus (BE) is associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal neoplasia, but this has not been reported consistently. AIM: To study whether BE is associated with an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia, and if it is, whether it is dependent on use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) or aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Endoscopic database of the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System. POPULATION: 268 veterans with BE were matched with 268 controls without BE. INTERVENTION: Controls had undergone upper GI endoscopy within 14 days of the corresponding case. Colonoscopy was performed within 6 months in cases and controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Development of colorectal neoplasia. RESULTS: Colorectal neoplasia was present in 162 of 268 (60%) BE patients and in 105 of 268 (40%) controls (p < 0.001). The presence of BE (odds ratio [OR] 2.02: 95% CI [1.35, 3.04]), but also increasing age (OR 1.24 per decade: 95% CI [1.04, 1.48]) and alcohol use (OR 1.70: 95% CI [1.16, 2.50]) were associated with an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia in multivariable logistic regression analysis, whereas PPIs (OR 0.99: 95% CI [0.66, 1.48]) and aspirin/NSAIDs (OR 0.90: 95% CI [0.61, 1.33]) had no meaningful effect. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study in mostly male veterans. CONCLUSIONS: Veterans with BE are at an increased risk of developing colorectal neoplasia. This association is independent from the use of PPIs or aspirin/NSAIDs.     

Sensitivity of fecal immunochemical test and risk factors for interval colorectal cancer in a French population

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) screening using fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) aims to detect pre-symptomatic colorectal lesions and reduce CRC mortality.AimsThe objectives of this study were to determine the FIT sensitivity for diagnosis of CRC, the impact of diagnostic circumstances on treatment and survival, and risk factors for interval cancer (IC).MethodsThis population-based study evaluated the 2016–2017 CRC screening campaign in Finistère, France. CRCs were classified according to diagnostic circumstances: screen-detected CRC (SD-CRC), CRC with delayed diagnosis, IC after negative FIT (FIT-IC), post-colonoscopy CRC, CRC in non-responders and CRC in the excluded population.ResultsThis study included 909 CRCs: 248 SD-CRCs (6% of positive FIT) and 60 FIT-ICs (0.07% of negative FIT). The FIT sensitivity for CRC was 80.5% (CI95%: 76.1–84.9) at the threshold of 30 µg hemoglobin/g feces used in France. In multivariate analysis, proximal (OR:6.73) and rectal locations (OR:7.52) were associated with being diagnosed with FIT-IC rather than SD-CRC. The FIT positivity threshold maximizing the sum of sensitivity and specificity was found to be 17 µg/g, with 14 additional CRCs diagnosed compared to the current threshold.ConclusionsOur study confirms the good sensitivity of FIT. A decrease of the FIT detection threshold could optimize sensitivity.     

Risk factors of nonadherence to colonoscopy surveillance after polypectomy and its impact on clinical outcomes: a KASID multicenter study

Background

An optimal surveillance program is important to prevent advanced colorectal neoplasm. In this context, we have evaluated the cumulative risk of high-risk adenoma (HRA) or colorectal cancer (CRC) according to surveillance interval time after polypectomy. In addition, we assessed risk factors for late surveillance to determine whether late surveillance can impact the risk of subsequent advanced colorectal neoplasm.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study involving 3562 subjects who had undergone removal of at least one adenoma at the index colonoscopy and who subsequently underwent a surveillance colonoscopy. The subjects were classified into an early, appropriate or late group depending on the timing of the surveillance colonoscopy, performed using modified U.S. guidelines.

Results

With 3% of the study population with LRA and HRA at the index colonoscopy going on to develop HRA or CRC, the estimated surveillance intervals calculated would be 6.3 [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.42–7.10] years and 3.1 (95% CI 2.61–4.45) years, respectively. The predictors of late surveillance were female gender [odd ratio (OR) 1.21; 95% CI 1.04–1.40], having undergone the procedure in small-to-medium-sized cities (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.36–2.72) and HRA at index colonoscopy (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.19–1.59). The risk factors for subsequent HRA or CRC were late surveillance (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.03–1.74), male gender (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.54–2.95), having undergone the procedure in small-to-medium-sized cities (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.11–2.40) and HRA at index colonoscopy (OR 2.60; 95% CI 2.04–3.33).

Conclusions

Women, having undergone the procedure in small-to-medium-sized cities and the presence of an HRA at the index colonoscopy were found to be independent risk factors for late surveillance colonoscopy. Late surveillance is significantly predictive of subsequent HRA or CRC.

     

Multi-target stool DNA test in the surveillance of inflammatory bowel disease: a cross-sectional cohort study

Background and aim: Colonoscopic surveillance is recommended in patients with longstanding inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as they are at increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Non-invasive surveillance may improve compliance and access. Multi-target stool DNA (MT-sDNA) has been validated for screening of sporadic CRC but has not been assessed in IBD. Our aim was to assess the performance of a MT-sDNA test in a real-life surveillance setting of patients with longstanding IBD.

Material and methods: A total of 192 IBD patients enrolled from two prospective cohorts submitted an EDTA buffered stool sample and underwent chromo- or white light colonoscopy. Stools were assayed for methylated BMP3 &; NDRG4, mutant KRAS and β-actin by a laboratory blinded to clinical data.

Results: The multitarget-sDNA panel was positive in 2/2 CRC and 5/15 low-grade dysplasia (LGD)?Conclusion: The MT-sDNA panel detected CRC in IBD. Sensitivity for sub-centimeter colorectal neoplasms in IBD patients appears similar to that observed in the general population. The test may be a valuable tool for detection of malignancy during structured surveillance of long-term IBD in a first line hospital setting.     

Association of Adenoma Detection Rate and Adenoma Characteristics With Colorectal Cancer Mortality After Screening Colonoscopy

Background & AimsThe adenoma detection rate (ADR) and characteristics of previously resected adenomas are associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality. However, the combined effect of both factors on CRC mortality is unknown.Patients and methodsUsing data of the Austrian quality assurance program for screening colonoscopy, we evaluated the combined effect of ADR and lesion characteristics on subsequent risk for CRC mortality. We analyzed mortality rates for individuals with low-risk adenomas (1–2 adenomas <10 mm), individuals with high-risk adenomas (advanced adenomas or ≥3 adenomas), and after negative colonoscopy (negative colonoscopy or small hyperplastic polyps) performed by endoscopists with an ADR <25% compared with ≥25%. Cox regression was used to determine the association of combined risk groups with CRC mortality, adjusted for age and sex.ResultsWe evaluated 259,885 colonoscopies performed by 361 endoscopists. A total of 165 CRC-related deaths occurred during the follow-up period, up to 12.2 years. In all risk groups, CRC mortality was higher when colonoscopy was performed by an endoscopist with an ADR <25%. Compared with negative colonoscopy with an ADR ≥25%, CRC mortality was similar for individuals with low-risk adenomas irrespective of ADR (for ADR ≥25%: adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59–2.49; for ADR <25%: adjusted HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.64–2.43) and after negative colonoscopy with ADR <25% (adjusted HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.81–2.00). Individuals with high-risk adenomas were at significantly higher risk for CRC death if colonoscopy was performed by an endoscopist with an ADR <25% (adjusted HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.18–4.31) but not if performed by an endoscopist with an ADR ≥25% (adjusted HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.61–3.02).ConclusionsOur study adds important evidence for mandatory assessment and monitoring of performance quality in screening colonoscopy. High-quality colonoscopy was associated with a lower risk for CRC death, and the impact of ADR was strongest for individuals with high-risk adenomas.     

Dynamic risk assessment for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is a primary cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although antiviral treatment reduces risk of HCC, few studies quantify the impact of treatment on long-term risk in the era of direct-acting antivirals (DAA). Using data from the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study, we evaluated the impact of treatment type (DAA, interferon-based [IFN], or none) and outcome (sustained virological response [SVR] or treatment failure [TF]) on risk of HCC. We then developed and validated a predictive risk model. 17186 HCV patients were followed until HCC, death or last follow-up. We used extended landmark modelling, with time-varying covariates and propensity score justification and generalized estimating equations with a link function for discrete time-to-event data. Death was considered a competing risk. We observed 586 HCC cases across 104,000 interval-years of follow-up. SVR from DAA or IFN-based treatment reduced risk of HCC (aHR 0.13, 95% CI 0.08–0.20; and aHR 0.45, 95% CI 0.31–0.65); DAA SVR reduced risk more than IFN SVR (aHR 0.29, 95% CI 0.17–0.48). Independent of treatment, cirrhosis was the strongest risk factor for HCC (aHR 3.94, 95% CI 3.17–4.89 vs. no cirrhosis). Other risk factors included male sex, White race and genotype 3. Our six-variable predictive model had ‘excellent’ accuracy (AUROC 0.94) in independent validation. Our novel landmark interval-based model identified HCC risk factors across antiviral treatment status and interactions with cirrhosis. This model demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy in a large, racially diverse cohort of patients and could be adapted for ‘real world’ HCC monitoring.     

Gastrointestinal bleeding in patients admitted to cardiology: risk factors and a new risk score

ObjectiveAlthough the early use of a risk stratification score in gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is recommended, so far there has been no risk score for GIB in patients admitted to the cardiology department. To describe the risk factors of GIB and develop a new risk score model in patients admitted to the cardiology department.MethodsA total of 633 inpatients with GIB from January 2014 to December 2018 were recruited, 4,231 inpatients with non-GIB were recruited as the control group. Multivariate logistic regression was used to describe the risk factors of GIB. A new risk score model was developed in the derivation cohort. Accuracy to predict GIB was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve in the validation cohort.ResultsMale, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, systolic blood pressure, hematocrit, plasma albumin, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were associated with GIB. The model had a high predictive accuracy (AUROC 0.816 and 95% CI, 0.792-0.839), which was supported by the validation cohort (AUROC 0.841 and 95% CI, 0.807~0.874). Besides, the prediction of the model was better than HAS-BLED score (AUROC 0.557; 95% CI, 0.513~0.602) and CRUSADE score (AUROC 0.791; 95%CI, 0.757~0.825), respectively. Among the inpatients with a score of 0-3, 4-7, and ≥8 points, the incidence of GIB, the proportion of inpatients requiring suspended red blood cells transfusion, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality all increased gradually (P< 0.001).ConclusionsMale, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, systolic blood pressure, hematocrit, plasma albumin, and ALT are associated with GIB. The new risk score model is an accurate risk score that predicts GIB in patients admitted to the cardiology department.     

Histologic inflammation is a risk factor for progression to colorectal neoplasia in ulcerative colitis: a cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Although inflammation is presumed to contribute to colonic neoplasia in ulcerative colitis (UC), few studies have directly examined this relationship. Our aim was to determine whether severity of microscopic inflammation over time is an independent risk factor for neoplastic progression in UC. METHODS: A cohort of patients with UC undergoing regular endoscopic surveillance for dysplasia was studied. Degree of inflammation at each biopsy site had been graded as part of routine clinical care using a highly reproducible histologic activity index. Progression to neoplasia was analyzed in proportional hazards models with inflammation summarized in 3 different ways and each included as a time-changing covariate: (1) mean inflammatory score (IS-mean), (2) binary inflammatory score (IS-bin), and (3) maximum inflammatory score (IS-max). Potential confounders were analyzed in univariate testing and, when significant, in a multivariable model. RESULTS: Of 418 patients who met inclusion criteria, 15 progressed to advanced neoplasia (high-grade dysplasia or colorectal cancer), and 65 progressed to any neoplasia (low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, or colorectal cancer). Univariate analysis demonstrated significant relationships between histologic inflammation over time and progression to advanced neoplasia (hazard ration (HR), 3.0; 95% CI: 1.4-6.3 for IS-mean; HR, 3.4; 95% CI: 1.1-10.4 for IS-bin; and HR, 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2-4.2 for IS-max). This association was maintained in multivariable proportional hazards analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of microscopic inflammation over time is an independent risk factor for developing advanced colorectal neoplasia among patients with long-standing UC.     

Association between lifestyle and site-specific advanced colorectal lesions in screening with faecal immunochemical test and sigmoidoscopy

BackgroundLifestyle factors may help to identify individuals at high-risk for colorectal cancer (CRC).AimsTo examine the association between lifestyle, referral for follow-up colonoscopy and proximal neoplasia detection in CRC screening.MethodsIn this observational study, 14,832 individuals aged 50–74 years were invited to faecal immunochemical test (FIT) or sigmoidoscopy screening. Advanced lesions (AL), including advanced adenomas, advanced serrated lesions and CRC were divided according to location: distal-only, or proximal with or without distal AL. We collected information on smoking habit, body mass index and alcohol intake through a questionnaire.ResultsOut of 3,318 FIT and 2,988 sigmoidoscopy participants, 516 (16%) and 338 (11%), respectively, were referred for follow-up colonoscopy after a positive screening test. Two-hundred-and-fifty-six (4%) had distal-only and 119 (2%) proximal AL. In FIT participants, obesity and high alcohol intake were associated with proximal AL; odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 2.68 (1.36–5.26) and 2.16 (1.08–4.30), respectively. In sigmoidoscopy participants, current smoking was associated with proximal AL; 4.58 (2.24–9.38), and current smoking and obesity were associated with referral for colonoscopy; 2.80 (2.02–3.89) and 1.42 (1.01–2.00), respectively.ConclusionCurrent smoking, obesity and high alcohol intake were associated with screen-detected proximal colorectal AL. Current smoking and obesity were associated with referral for follow-up colonoscopy in sigmoidoscopy screening.     

The risk of developing a mismatch repair deficient colorectal cancer after undergoing cholecystectomy

Objectives: Mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC) is caused by inactivation of the MMR DNA repair system, most commonly via epigenetic inactivation of the MLH1 gene, and these tumors occur most frequently in the right colon. The objective was to determine whether cholecystectomy (CCY) increases the risk of a dMMR CRC by comparing CCY incidence in patients with dMMR CRC and proficient MMR (pMMR) CRC to unaffected controls.

Materials and methods: All patients diagnosed with CRC in Iceland from 2000 to 2009 (n?=?1171) were included. They had previously been screened for dMMR by immunohistochemistry (n?=?129 were dMMR). Unaffected age- and sex-matched controls (n?=?17,460) were obtained from large Icelandic cohort studies. Subjects were cross-referenced with all pathology databases in Iceland to establish who had undergone CCY. Odds ratios were calculated using unconditional logistic regression.

Results: Eighteen (13.7%) dMMR CRC cases and 90 (8.7%) pMMR CRC cases had undergone CCY compared to 1532 (8.8%) controls. CCY-related odds ratios (OR) were 1.06 (95% CI 0.90–1.26, p?=?.577) for all CRC, 1.16 (95% CI 0.66–2.05 p?=?.602) for dMMR CRCand 1.04 (95% CI 0.83–1.29, p?=?.744) for pMMR CRC. Furthermore, OR for dMMR CRC was 0.51 (95% CI 0.16–1.67, p?=?.266), 2.04 (95% CI 0.92–4.50, p?=?.080) and 1.08 (95% CI 0.40–2.89, p?=?.875)?<10 years, 10–20 years and?>20 years after a CCY, respectively.

Conclusions: There was no evidence of increased risk of developing dMMR CRC after CCY although a borderline significantly increased 2-fold risk was observed 10–20 years after CCY. Larger studies are warranted to examine this further.     

Risk of colorectal neoplasia in patients with celiac disease: A multicenter study

Background and aimsThe association of celiac disease with colorectal neoplasia is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of colorectal neoplasia among patients with celiac disease.MethodsWe carried out a multicenter, retrospective case–control study, within four community hospitals. Celiac disease patients with a complete colonoscopy were regarded as cases and those without celiac disease as controls. For each case, two controls matched for age, sex, indication for colonoscopy and colorectal cancer family history, were randomly selected. The main outcome evaluated was risk of colorectal polyps, adenomas, advanced neoplastic lesions and cancer.ResultsWe identified 118 patients with celiac disease and 236 controls. The risk of polyps, adenomas and advanced neoplastic lesions was similar in both groups (OR 1.25, CI 0.71–2.18, p = 0.40; OR 1.39, CI 0.73–2.63, p = 0.31; and OR 1.00, CI 0.26–3.72, p = 1.00, respectively). On multivariate analysis, age > 75 years old, and first-grade CRC family history were associated with adenomas (OR 2.68 CI 1.03–6.98, OR 6.68 CI 1.03–47.98 respectively) and advanced neoplastic lesions (OR 15.03, CI 2.88–78.3; OR 6.46 CI 1.23–33.79, respectively). With respect to celiac disease characteristic, a low adherence to a gluten free diet was independently associated with the presence of adenomas (OR 6.78 CI 1.39–33.20 p = 0.01).ConclusionsCeliac disease was not associated with an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia. Nonadherence to a strict gluten free diet was associated with the presence of adenomas. Further studies addressing celiac disease characteristics are needed to confirm this observation.     

Immunological fecal occult blood test vs. serum ferritin for detection of colorectal neoplasia in high risk asymptomatic population

Introduction: Fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) (biochemical or immunological) are based on the fact that most of the polyps or cancers bleed. Anemia due to iron deficiency is a wellknown sign for colorectal cancer (CRC). Ferritin is frequently used to select candidates for colonoscopy. Objective: To determine and compare the diagnostic value of immunological fecal occult blood test vs. ferritin for the detection of colorectal neoplasia (cancer or polyps) in high-risk patients. Methods: A transversal prospective study at National Cancer Institute, Mexico City, in consecutive asymptomatic subjects at high risk for CRC was performed, comparing two tests (immunological against serum ferritin) with colonoscopy plus histopathology. Both tests were performed in a blindly fashion previous to colonoscopy. Results: Fifty patients were included in the study; twenty-eight patients had colorectal neoplasia (21 CRC, 7 adenomas). All immunologic tests for fecaloccult blood were positive in patients with colorectal lesions (sensitivity, 98%). There was no difference between the mean ferritin levels in patients with CRC or adenomas vs. those with negative colonoscopy (p = 0.58). The cutoff point where significant relationship between serum ferritin levels and colon lesions was established was ?46 ng/mL. In anemic patients with serum ferritin levels <46 ng/mL, the test had a sensitivity 53%, specificity 86%, positive predictive value 83%, and negative predictive value of 59% (p = 0.003). Conclusions: The immunological FOBT is a better diagnostic tool than serum ferritin for screening of colonic neoplasms.     

Cochrane systematic review of colorectal cancer screening using the fecal occult blood test (hemoccult): an update

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Reducing mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC) may be achieved by the introduction of population-based screening programs. The aim of the systematic review was to update previous research to determine whether screening for CRC using the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) reduces CRC mortality and to consider the benefits, harms, and potential consequences of screening.
METHODS: We searched eight electronic databases (Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, AMED, SIGLE, and HMIC). We identified nine articles describing four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving over 320,000 participants with follow-up ranging from 8 to 18 yr. The primary analyses used intention to screen and a secondary analysis adjusted for nonattendance. We calculated the relative risks and risk differences for each trial, and then overall, using fixed and random effects models.
RESULTS: Combined results from the four eligible RCTs indicated that screening had a 16% reduction in the relative risk (RR) of CRC mortality (RR 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78–0.90). There was a 15% RR reduction (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78–0.92) in CRC mortality for studies that used biennial screening. When adjusted for screening attendance in the individual studies, there was a 25% RR reduction (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.66–0.84) for those attending at least one round of screening using the FOBT. There was no difference in all-cause mortality (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.99–1.02) or all-cause mortality excluding CRC (RR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.03).
CONCLUSIONS: The present review includes seven new publications and unpublished data concerning CRC screening using FOBT. This review confirms previous research demonstrating that FOBT screening reduces the risk of CRC mortality. The results also indicate that there is no difference in all-cause mortality between the screened and nonscreened populations.     

Switching from guaiac to immunochemical faecal occult blood test increases participation and diagnostic yield of colorectal cancer screening

BackgroundCompared with the guaiac-faecal occult blood test (gFOBT), faecal immunological tests (FIT) are considered to be more effective for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. However, only scarce research has examined the outcomes of switching to FIT within a mature gFOBT-based CRC screening programme.MethodsWe reported a 15-year experience of biennial FOBT screening in a well-defined population of approximately one million inhabitants, including six gFOBT-based screening rounds and one round with FIT at the 30 μg Hb/g cut-off. The main outcome measures were screening participation, FOBT positivity and advanced neoplasia detection in each round.ResultsIn this study, 647 676 screenings were performed in 228 716 different individuals, leading to 17 819 positives and 16 580 follow-up colonoscopies. Compared with the last gFOBT round, switching to FIT led to an increased participation of nearly 20% points, and a fivefold increased detection of CRC and advanced adenoma among invitees (3-fold among attendees). The numbers needed to screen and scope to detect one advanced neoplasia declined from 221 to 66 and from 4.7 to 2.6, respectively.ConclusionsThe present population-based study demonstrated a dramatical increase in the diagnostic yield of advanced neoplasia by switching to FIT within a mature gFOBT-based CRC screening programme.     

No higher risk for colorectal cancer in atrophic gastritis-related hypergastrinemia

BackgroundAtrophic gastritis of the corporal mucosa is a frequent cause of hypergastrinemia. Hypergastrinemia is implicated in colorectal cancer development.AimTo assess whether hypergastrinemic atrophic gastritis is associated with a higher risk of neoplastic colorectal lesions.MethodsAmong 441 hypergastrinemic atrophic gastritis patients, 160 who were aged >40 and underwent colonoscopy for anaemia, diarrhoea or colorectal cancer-screening were retrospectively selected. Each patient was age- and gender-matched with a normogastrinemic control with healthy stomach. Controls had colonoscopy, gastroscopy with biopsies and gastrin assessment.Results160 hypergastrinemic atrophic gastritis patients and 160 controls were included. 28 atrophic gastritis patients and 36 controls had neoplastic colorectal lesions (p = 0.33). Patients and controls did not differ for frequency of colorectal adenomas (10.6% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.60) or cancer (6.9% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.54). Hypergastrinemic atrophic gastritis was not associated with a higher probability of developing colorectal cancer (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.34–3.16). Age >50 years (OR 3.86) but not hypergastrinemia (OR 0.61) was associated with colorectal cancer.ConclusionsHypergastrinemic atrophic gastritis is not associated with higher risk for colorectal cancer. Atrophic gastritis-related hypergastrinemia is not associated with an increased risk of neoplastic colorectal lesions. Closer surveillance of colonic neoplasia in atrophic gastritis patients seems not appropriate.     

The association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and risk of colorectal adenoma and cancer incident and recurrence: a meta-analysis of observational studies

Background & aim: Lifestyle modification plays a key role in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and colorectal adenoma and/or cancer (CRA/CRC) development. However, the association between NAFLD and the risk of CRA/CRC has not been carefully evaluated.

Methods: In this meta-analysis, we assessed 21 eligible studies including 124,206 participants to determine the association between NAFLD and the risk of incident and recurrent CRA/CRC.

Results: NAFLD presence was associated with an increased risk of any incident CRA (aOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.19–1.43) and advanced incident CRA/CRC (aOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.21–2.04). The severity of NAFLD affected this correlation: compared to mild and/or moderate NAFLD, severe NAFLD was associated with an increased risk of incident CRA/CRC (aOR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.33–3.60). Although pooled cOR revealed that NAFLD was associated with an increased risk of recurrent CRA/CRC (cOR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.12–2.68), after adjustment for confounding factors, NAFLD had less correlation with the risk of recurrent CRA/CRC (aOR: 1.81, 95% CI: 0.70–4.65).

Conclusions: The presence and severity of NAFLD are associated with an increased risk of incident CRA/CRC. However, there is insufficient evidence to indicate that NAFLD is associated with an increased risk of recurrent CRA/CRC.     

Age-adjusted incidence rates of synchronous liver metastases for stage IV colorectal cancer compared by sex,race, and age group

BackgroundReports on age-adjusted incidence rates of synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) among patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) are uncommon. This study presents in detail differences in CRLM incidence rates by sex, race, and age group.MethodsIncidence rates were obtained for adults diagnosed with Stage IV CRC in the years 2010–2015 using SEER. The ratio of CRLM incidence to stage IV CRC incidence was used to calculate the rate ratio.ResultsAverage age-adjusted CRLM incidence rate was 7.09 per 100,000 (95% CI, 6.93–7.26). CRLM incidence was higher at 8.68 (95% CI, 8.35–9.03) for males compared with 5.77 (95% CI, 5.64–5.90) for females. Highest incidence rate of 11.50 (95% CI, 10.43–11.76) was observed among Blacks. By age group the highest CRLM incidence was 24.42 (95% CI, 23.13–25.71) among adults age >75. The average rate ratio of CRLM to CRC incidence rate was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.71–0.73).ConclusionAge-adjusted incidence rates of synchronous CRLM are higher for men, Blacks, and older patients. The risk ratio indicates that 72% of stage IV CRC cases are at risk of synchronous CRLM, although CRLM risk appears to decline with age.