Colorectal cancer and dysplasia in inflammatory bowel disease

Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn＇s disease carry an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Established risk factors for cancer among patients with inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） include the younger age at diagnosis, greater extent and duration of disease, increased severity of inflammation, family history of colorectal cancer and coexisting primary sclerosing cholangitis. Recent evidence suggests that current medical therapies and surgical techniques for inflammatory bowel disease may be reducing the incidence of this complication. Nonetheless heightened vigilance and a careful, comprehensive approach to prevent or minimize the complications of invasive cancer are warranted in this unique cohort of patients. Current guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cancer in this high risk population are grounded in the concept of an inflammation-dysplasia- carcinoma sequence. A thorough understanding of the definition and natural history of dysplasia in IBD, as well as the challenges associated with detection and interpretation of dysplasia are fundamental to developing an effective strategy for surveillance and prevention, and understanding the limitations of the current approach to prevention. This article reviews the current consensus guidelines for screening and surveillance of cancer in IBD, as well as presenting the evidence and rationale for chemoprevention of cancer and a discussion of emerging technologies for the detection of dysplasia.     

Colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel disease: What is the real magnitude of the risk?

The association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) has been recognised since 1925 and still accounts for 10%-15% of deaths in IBD. IBD-associated CRC (IBD-CRC) affects patients at a younger age than sporadic CRC. The prognosis for sporadic CRC and IBD-CRC is similar, with a 5-year survival of approximately 50%. Identifying at risk patients and implementing appropriate surveillance for these patients is central to managing the CRC risk in IBD. The increased risk of colorectal cancer in association with IBD is thought to be due to genetic and acquired factors. The link between inflammation and cancer is well recognised but the molecular biology, immune pathobiology and genetics of IBD-CRC are areas of much ongoing research. This review examines the literature relating to IBD-CRC, focusing on the incidence of IBD-CRC and examining potential risk factors including age at diagnosis, gender, duration and extent of colitis, severity of inflammation, family history of sporadic CRC and co-existent primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Confirmed risk factors for IBD-CRC are duration, severity and extent of colitis, the presence of co-existent PSC and a family history of CRC. There is insufficient evidence currently to support an increased frequency of surveillance for patients diagnosed with IBD at a younger age. Evidence-based guidelines advise surveillance colonoscopy for patients with colitis 8 to 10 years after diagnosis, with the interval for further surveillance guided by risk factors (extent of disease, family history of CRC, post-inflammatory polyps, concomitant PSC, personal history of colonic dysplasia, colonic strictures). There is a move away from using random colonic biopsies towards targeted biopsies aimed at abnormal areas identified by newer colonoscopic techniques (narrow band imaging, chromoendoscopy, confocal microendoscopy).     

Cancer in inflammatory bowel disease. An evidence-based analysis and guide for physicians and patients

The risk of cancer in IBD is real and is a cause of anxiety and concern among patients and practitioners. Current modalities for detecting dysplasia in IBD are crude and insensitive and subject to observer and sampling bias. This evidence-based review confirms a significant increased risk for colorectal cancer among patients with pancolonic UC and, to a lesser extent, in patients with left-sided disease. Risk increases with longer duration of disease; early age at diagnosis; coexisting PSC; and, perhaps, a family history of colorectal cancer. Physicians must pay greater attention to the manner in which they implement surveillance colonoscopies, including paying heed to the location and number of biopsy specimens required to maximize the benefit. With respect to CD, the evidence suggests that patients with extensive colonic involvement of long duration carry a similar risk of colorectal cancer to patients with UC and should be considered candidates for surveillance colonoscopy.     

Risk of cancer in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Patients with inflammmatory bowel disease (IBD) have been reported to have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Yet, the quantitation of the risk varies widely from one study to the next. This is most likely due to biases in the assessment of cancer risk in IBD, namely, a relatively low prevalence of IBD-related cancer and the clinically heterogeneous nature of IBD in the population. Total proctocolectomy also changes the natural history of IBD-related cancer. Ulcerative colitis (UC)-related cancer is more probable in total and extensive colitis and occurs approximately a decade after diagnosis. Crohn's disease-related colorectal cancer is reported in many, but not all, studies, and the relative risk differs between hospital- and population-based studies. IBD-related cancer is relatively uncommon in childhood; however, this is also a subject of debate. There are no data on the incidence of IBD-related cancer in Europe as a whole; there are only separate studies. A reduced risk for UC-related cancer in patients treated with anti-inflammatory drugs has been reported. The two main strategies for preventing IBD-related cancer are prophylactic colectomy and colonoscopic surveillance. To date, there have virtually been no cost-effectiveness analyses and no studies regarding total disease outcome or patient's quality of life with either strategy. No controlled, prospective trials have been reported in the literature. UC patients with familiar predisposition for colorectal cancer and with concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis are groups at high risk for IBD-related cancer. Cancer risk in IBD has to be reinvestigated and properly estimated with population-based studies in several areas with standard methods already described.     

Impact of a family history of colorectal cancer on age at diagnosis, anatomic location, and clinical characteristics of colorectal cancer

Background: Among the risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC) is a family history of colorectal cancer. Reliable evidence is needed regarding the clinical characteristics of cancer in patients with this history to determine if a change in the diagnostic approach is needed. Aim of the Study: This study set out to determine specific clinical outcomes in patients with CRC with a family history of one first-degree relative with sporadic colorectal cancer compared to control patients with colorectal cancer but without the family history. Methods: We designed a case-control study of colorectal cancer registry data between 1988 and 1999. Patients with a family history of one first-degree relative with colorectal cancer were compared to those without the history with regard to four characteristics: age at cancer diagnosis, anatomic location of the cancer, presence of distal adenomas with proximal cancer, and stage of disease at diagnosis. Results: Nine hundred and twenty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. Family history was positive in 124 patients. The demography of the populations was similar, except for mean age, which was 65 yr for men with a family history and proximal cancer compared to 70 yr for their counterparts without the family history (p=0.03). The anatomic location of the cancer, presence of distal benign neoplasia when the cancer was proximal, and disease stage at diagnosis were not different between the groups. Conclusions: Men with a family history of sporadic colorectal cancer and proximal colon cancer were younger than men without the family history and proximal colon cancer. The overall results do not indicate that a change in the diagnostic approach is needed.     

CA125、CEA在炎症性肠病诊断中的初步临床研究

目的分析炎症性肠病(IBD)患者血清中CA125、CAl99、癌胚抗原(CEA)的表达水平,判断该3项肿瘤抗原作为IBD早期诊断指标的潜在临床应用价值.方法 2007年至2010年期间,上海市瑞金医院101例IBD住院患者、101例结直肠癌住院患者和100例健康体检正常人纳入本研究.回顾性分析IBD组、结直肠癌术前患者...     

Varying features of early age-of-onset “Sporadic” and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer patients

PURPOSE: Although the criteria for clinical diagnosis of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer are not fully agreed on, young age seems to be a common trait. The purpose of this study is to identify clinicopathologic features of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer in early age-of-onset colorectal cancer patients stratified as a function of family cancer history. METHODS: Two hundred thirty consecutive colorectal cancer patients 40 years or older at time of diagnosis were registered into an ongoing database during a ten-year period. Accurate family history was obtained via medical records, telephone calls, and questionnaires on 146 patients. According to extent of family history of cancer, patients were stratified into seven groups: 1) fulfilling Amsterdam criteria, 2) fulfilling less strict criteria, 3) having at least one first-degree relative with colorectal cancer, 4) having at least one distant relative with colorectal cancer, 5) having at least one first-degree relative with any cancer, 6) having at least one distant relative with any cancer, 7) having no family history of cancer. RESULTS: Twenty-two of 146 patients fulfilled Amsterdam and less strict hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer criteria (15 percent). These hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer patients were significantly younger (31 vs. 35 years; P = 0.0003) and had more metachronous colorectal cancer (27 percent vs. 2 percent; P = 0.007) and less colorectal cancer with nodal or metastatic spread than the non-hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer patients (35 percent vs. 65 percent; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Precise familial cancer assessment in early age-of-onset colorectal cancer increases the yield of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer diagnosis. Because of the frequent development of metachronous colorectal cancer and favorable prognosis, extensive rather than segmental surgery should be considered in early age-of-onset colorectal cancer patients belonging to hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer families.     

5-aminosalicylic acid is an attractive candidate agent for chemoprevention of colon cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is classically subdivided into ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Patients with IBD have increased risk for colorectal cancer. Because the pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma has not been entirely defined yet and there is no ideal treatment for colon cancer, cancer prevention has become increasingly important in patients with IBD. The two adopted methods to prevent the development of colon cancer in clinical practice include the prophylactic colectomy and colonoscopic surveillance. But patients and physicians seldom accept colectomy as a routine preventive method and most patients do not undergo appropriate colonoscopic surveillance. Chemoprevention refers to the use of natural or synthetic chemical agents to reverse, suppress, or to delay the process of carcinogenesis. Chemoprevention is a particularly useful method in the management of patients at high risk for the development of specific cancers based on inborn genetic susceptibility, the presence of cancer-associated disease, or other known risk factors. Prevention of colorectal cancer by administration of chemopreventive agents is one of the most promising options for IBD patients who are at increased risks of the disease. The chemopreventive efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) against intestinal tumors has been well established. But with reports that NSAIDs aggravated the symptoms of colitis, their sustained use for the purpose of cancer Chemoprevention has been relatively contraindicated in IBD patients. Another hopeful candidate Chemoprevention drug for IBD patients is 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), which is well tolerated by most patients and has limited systemic adverse effects, and no gastrointestinal toxicity. 5-ASA lacks the well-known side effects of longterm NSAIDs use. Retrospective correlative studies have suggested that the long-term use of 5-ASA in IBD patients may significantly reduce the risk of development of colorectal cancer. According to the literature, this agent might well satisfy clinical expectations with respect to a safe and effective chemopreventive agent.     

Inflammatory bowel disease associated neoplasia: A surgeon's perspective

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer(CRC). The risk is known to increase with longer duration of the disease, family history of CRC, and history of primary sclerosing cholangitis. The diagnosis of the neoplastic changes associated with IBD is difficult owing to the heterogeneous endoscopic appearance and interobserver variability of the pathological diagnosis. Screening and surveillance guidelines have been established which aim for early detection of neoplasia. Several surgical options are available for the treatment of IBD-associated neoplasia. Patients' morbidities, risk factors for CRC, degree and the extent of neoplasia must be considered in choosing the surgical treatment. A multidisciplinary team including the surgeon, gastroenterologist, pathologist, and the patient who has a clear understanding of the nature of their disease is needed to optimize outcomes.     

Mortality and extraintestinal cancers in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease

IntroductionPrimary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently co-occur. PSC is associated with increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, whether PSC is associated with increased risk of extraintestinal cancers or affects mortality in an IBD cohort has not been examined previously.MethodsIn a multi-institutional IBD cohort of IBD, we established a diagnosis of PSC using a novel algorithm incorporating narrative and codified data with high positive and negative predictive value. Our primary outcome was occurrence of extraintestinal and digestive tract cancers. Mortality was determined through monthly linkage to the social security master death index.ResultsIn our cohort of 5506 patients with CD and 5522 patients with UC, a diagnosis of PSC was established in 224 patients (2%). Patients with IBD–PSC were younger and more likely to be male compared to IBD patients without PSC; three-quarters had UC. IBD–PSC patients had significantly increased overall risk of cancers compared to patients without PSC (OR 4.36, 95% CI 2.99–6.37). Analysis of specific cancer types revealed that a statistically significant excess risk for digestive tract cancer (OR 10.40, 95% CI 6.86–15.76), pancreatic cancer (OR 11.22, 95% CI 4.11–30.62), colorectal cancer (OR 5.00, 95% CI 2.80–8.95), and cholangiocarcinoma (OR 55.31, 95% CI 22.20–137.80) but not for other solid organ or hematologic malignancies.ConclusionsPSC is associated with increased risk of colorectal and pancreatobiliary cancer but not with excess risk of other solid organ cancers.     

Endoscopy in IBD. A Consensus Report of the IBD Working of the Austrian Association of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Ileocolonoscopy including biopsies is the first line investigation in suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In up to 90 % of the cases ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are differentiated on endoscopic presentation. Standardised reporting of endoscopic results increases the validity and comparability of IBD findings. When there is a firm diagnosis of IBD, colonoscopy should only be performed for specific questions. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is only indicated in patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Push and capsule endoscopy should also be limited to specific questions and situations. IBD with extended colitis is associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer. Endoscopic surveillance with accurate biopsy sampling is a valuable tool for the prevention of colorectal cancer.     

Inflammatory bowel disease as a risk factor for colorectal cancer

Patients with long-term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's colonic disease (CD) have an increased risk of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Eaden's meta-analysis has shown that the risk for CRC in UC patients is 2% at 10 years, 8% at 20 years and 18% at 30 years of disease duration. It is now accepted that the risk of colorectal cancer is equivalent in both (UC and CD) conditions. Duration of disease is recognized to be the most important risk factor for CRC development. Extent of disease in another major risk factor. Most cancers arise in patients with extensive disease, which is generally defined as extension of inflammation beyond the hepatic flexure. It was demonstrated that proctitis and proctosigmoiditis posed no increased risk for patients with UC. Recent data from case control studies suggests that greater degrees of colonoscopic or histologically active inflammation are associated with an increased risk of CRC. Recently, it has been proven that shortened tubular colon, colonic stricture and postinflammatory polyps should be considered strong risk factors for CRC development. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in patients with UC is associated with substantial risk of CRC. Screening colonoscopy should be performed in patients with UC after 8-10 years of disease. The interval between surveillance examinations is dependent on each individual's personal risk factors. In patients with a previous history of PSC, ongoing active inflammation, previous history of dysplasia or strictures, and strong family history of bowel cancer, annual surveillance is recommended. Colectomy is strictly recommended for patients who were diagnosed with flat high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or CRC and where the diagnosis was confirmed by expert gastrointestinal pathologists. In patients with a biopsy specimen considered indefinite for dysplasia, guidelines suggest colonoscopy between 3 and 12 months. Multifocal low-grade dysplasia (LGD) is a stronger indication for colectomy. The optimal colonoscopic surveillance interval for patients who were diagnosed with a flat LGD is still unknown, but 3-6 months is often recommended. Chemopreventive agents should be used to minimize the risk of developing dysplasia or CRC in IBD patients. It has been shown that mesalazine has a preventive effect for CRC and dysplasia.     

The risk of colorectal cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases in Finland: A follow-up of 20 years

Background and aimsData on the relative risk of colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are inconsistent. To prevent the development of cancer, endoscopic facilities should be targeted correctly. We report here the results of a 20-year follow-up in Finland and evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic surveillance in cancer prevention.MethodsThe data were based on an IBD register in our catchment area in 1986–2007. The population-based cohort comprised 1915 patients, 1254 with ulcerative colitis, 550 with Crohn's disease and 111 with inflammatory bowel unclassified. Colorectal cancer cases were obtained from the IBD register; the colorectal cancer figures in the respective population were obtained from the Finnish Cancer Registry.ResultsColorectal cancer was found in 21 patients, the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) being 1.83 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–2.79) for IBD. Colorectal cancer risk was 3.09 (CI 1.50–5.75) for extensive UC, and 3.62 (CI 2.00–11.87) for Crohn's disease affecting the colon. Eleven (52%) of the colorectal cancer cases were TNM stage 3 or 4. In the same observation period 10 colectomies with ileoanal anastomosis were performed with the indication of cancer risk in ulcerative colitis; of these 10 patients only two had no additional risk factors for colorectal cancer, for example primary sclerosing cholangitis, pseudopolyposis or active disease.ConclusionsThe risk of colorectal cancer in the cohort was only moderately increased. In the absence of additional risk factors, endoscopic surveillance was of limited benefit. We therefore suggest intensive endoscopy surveillance to be targeted on patients with definite risk factors.     

Colorectal cancer after orthotopic liver transplantation

There is an increased incidence of de novo malignancies in post-liver transplant patients, commonly associated with chronic viral infection comprising lymphoproliferative disease and skin cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma and Kaposi's sarcoma. The overall incidence of colorectal cancer however in this population seems to be no different to the age and sex matched general population. In identified high risk patients like those with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the incidence of colorectal cancer appears to be higher. In IBD, like other pre-malignant conditions, the risk of developing malignancy increases exponentially with time, raising the question of whether the apparent increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer is the result of liver transplantation and immunosuppression or due to the natural history of IBD. For these PSC recipients, pre-transplant screening with colonoscopy and post-transplant surveillance for malignant change in the large bowel is crucial. The behaviour of inflammatory bowel disease post-liver transplant is largely unpredictable despite immunosuppression. Colorectal cancer when it occurs in the post-liver transplant patient should be managed according to current guidelines, stage for stage as for the population in general coupled with reduction in immunosuppression treatment.     

Colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel disease: Results of the 3rd ECCO pathogenesis scientific workshop (I)

Epidemiological studies demonstrate an increased risk of colorectal cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A detailed literature review was conducted on epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, chemoprevention and outcomes of colorectal cancer (CRC) in IBD as part of the 3rd ECCO scientific pathogenesis workshop.     

Systemic treatment of patients who have colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease

Colorectal cancer is the most common malignant complication in patients who have IBD. The disease is difficult to diagnose because there is an overlap in symptoms in patients who have colon cancer and those who have IBD. Much has been learned about the incidence of colorectal cancer in patients who have IBD and its correlation with disease activity, duration, and anatomic location; however, almost no data are available regarding specific therapeutic considerations during adjuvant or palliative chemotherapy for these patients with respect to their underlying disease. Patients who have IBD who develop colorectal cancer are at higher risk for developing severe diarrhea during chemotherapy that may be due to the toxic effects of cytotoxic drugs or a flare of the IBD. Continuous infusional 5-FU alone, in combination with leucovorin, or in combination with oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) seems to be tolerated best. Bolus infusions of 5-FU (Roswell Park or Mayo regimens) and combination therapy of irinotecan with 5-FU should be avoided because of severe diarrhea and the possibility of sepsis. When diarrhea develops or worsens, empiric aminosalicylates may be given. Although it is theoretically possible that anti-EGFR therapies could affect IBD activity adversely, clinical experience with cetuximab in patients who have colorectal cancer has not shown any significant gastrointestinal side effects. Therefore, it seems reasonable to use it in patients who have colorectal cancer and IBD. The administration of bevacizumab has been associated with rare episodes of intestinal perforation; it should be used with great care in patients who have IBD. More studies and an integrative, multidisciplinary approach from oncologists and gastroenterologists are needed to provide optimal care for patients who have IBD during chemotherapy for colorectal cancer     

Liver-side of inflammatory bowel diseases: Hepatobiliary and drug-induced disorders

Hepatobiliary disorders are among the most common extraintestinal manifestations in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), both in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), and therefore represent a diagnostic challenge. Immune-mediated conditions include primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) as the main form, variant forms of PSC (namely small-duct PSC, PSC-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome and IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis) and granulomatous hepatitis. PSC is by far the most common, presenting in up to 8% of IBD patients, more frequently in UC. Several genetic foci have been identified, but environmental factors are preponderant on disease pathogenesis. The course of the two diseases is typically independent. PSC diagnosis is based mostly on typical radiological findings and exclusion of secondary cholangiopathies. Risk of cholangiocarcinoma is significantly increased in PSC, as well as the risk of colorectal cancer in patients with PSC and IBD-related colitis. No disease-modifying drugs are approved to date. Thus, PSC management is directed against symptoms and complications and includes medical therapies for pruritus, endoscopic treatment of biliary stenosis and liver transplant for end-stage liver disease. Other non-immune-mediated hepatobiliary disorders are gallstone disease, whose incidence is higher in IBD and reported in up to one third of IBD patients, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, pyogenic liver abscess and portal vein thrombosis. Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is an important issue in IBD, since most IBD therapies may cause liver toxicity; however, the incidence of serious adverse events is low. Thiopurines and methotrexate are the most associated with DILI, while the risk related to anti-tumor necrosis factor-α and anti-integrins is low. Data on hepatotoxicity of newer drugs approved for IBD, like anti-interleukin 12/23 and tofacitinib, are still scarce, but the evidence from other rheumatic diseases is reassuring. Hepatitis B reactivation during immunosuppressive therapy is a major concern in IBD, and adequate screening and vaccination is warranted. On the other hand, hepatitis C reactivation does not seem to be a real risk, and hepatitis C antiviral treatment does not influence IBD natural history. The approach to an IBD patient with abnormal liver function tests is complex due to the wide range of differential diagnosis, but it is of paramount importance to make a quick and accurate diagnosis, as it may influence the therapeutic management.     

IBD-related carcinoma and lymphoma

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Risk factors are extent and severity of colonic inflammation, concurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis, and a positive family history of sporadic CRC. The chromosomal instability, microsatellite instability and hypermethylation pathways form the molecular background of IBD-related carcinogenesis, which is not different from sporadic CRC. The dysplasia-carcinoma sequence of IBD-related colorectal carcinogenesis makes patients suitable for endoscopic surveillance. In the future, new molecular biomarkers and endoscopic techniques may improve early detection of precursor lesions of IBD-related CRC. The potential of aminosalicylates and ursodeoxycholic acid as chemopreventive agents needs to be studied in randomized clinical trials. Patients with IBD who are being treated with thiopurines have a slightly increased risk of developing lymphoproliferative disorders, whereas patients with small bowel Crohn's disease have a high relative risk and a small absolute risk of developing small bowel adenocarcinoma.     

Inflammatory bowel disease and cancer: The role of inflammation,immunosuppression, and cancer treatment

In patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for the development of gastrointestinal malignancies. The pathogenesis of colitis-associated cancer is distinct from sporadic colorectal carcinoma and the critical molecular mechanisms underlying this process have yet to be elucidated. Patients with IBD have also been shown to be at increased risk of developing extra-intestinal malignancies. Medical therapies that diminish the mucosal inflammatory response represent the foundation of treatment in IBD, and recent evidence supports their introduction earlier in the disease course. However, therapies that alter the immune system, often used for long durations, may also promote carcinogenesis. As the population of patients with IBD grows older, with longer duration of chronic inflammation and longer exposure to immunosuppression, there is an increasing risk of cancer development. Many of these patients will require cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal therapy, and surgery. Many patients will require further treatment for their IBD. This review seeks to explore the characteristics and risks of cancer in patients with IBD, and to evaluate the limited data on patients with IBD and cancer, including management of IBD after a diagnosis of cancer, the effects of cancer treatment on IBD, and the effect of IBD and medications for IBD on cancer outcomes.     

Neoplastic and other complications of inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have long been known to be at increased risk of development of colorectal cancer; however, there are many nuances to cancer prevention strategies in IBD that remain unresolved. During the past year, two publications reported on the resection of otherwise typical adenoma-like masses by means of polypectomy, after which these patients were followed with continued endoscopic surveillance, rather than pursuing colectomy. Another concern in IBD is whether there is an increase in the number of other cancers, in particular lymphomas. One issue regarding lymphoma risk is whether immunomodulatory drug use predisposes to this cancer. One study of a large group of 6-mercaptopurine users did not suggest an increased risk for patients with IBD using this drug. There are a variety of nonintestinal problems that patients with IBD may confront. Osteopenia has received considerable attention in the past decade. This year, data have been published that quantify for the first time the risk of fractures in patients with IBD based on population, and these data were compared with a matched control group from the same population. Data on the further exploration of the issue of osteopenia in pediatric IBD have also been reported, as have some of the only studies of therapy for osteopenia in IBD. These and data on other extraintestinal manifestations of IBD have all emerged in the past year.