AGA Clinical Practice Update on Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Patients With Malignancy: Commentary.

DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Clinical Practice Update (CPU) Commentary is to discuss the risks of various malignancies in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and the impact of the available medical therapies on these risks. The CPU will also guide the approach to the patient with IBD who develops a malignancy or the patient with a history of cancer in terms of IBD medication management. METHODS: This CPU was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute CPU committee and the AGA Governing Board to provide timely guidance on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership and underwent internal peer review by the CPU committee and external peer review through standard procedures of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. This communication incorporates important and recently published studies in the field, and it reflects the experiences of the authors who are experts in the diagnosis and management of IBD.

Safety of Immunosuppression in a Prospective Cohort of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients With a HIstoRy of CancEr: SAPPHIRE Registry.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and a history of cancer, retrospective studies have suggested that exposure to immunosuppressive agents does not increase the risk of incident (recurrent or new) cancer compared with unexposed patients. SAPPHIRE is a prospective registry aimed at addressing this issue. METHODS: Since 2016, patients with IBD and confirmed index cancer before enrollment were followed up annually. Patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation at enrollment, or recurrent cancer within 5 years, were excluded. The primary outcome was development of incident cancer related to exposure to immunosuppressive medications. RESULTS: Among 305 patients (47% male, 88% white), the median age at IBD diagnosis and cancer were 32 and 52 years, respectively. Index cancers were solid organ (46%), dermatologic (32%), gastrointestinal (13%), and hematologic (9%). During a median follow-up period of 4.8 years, 210 patients (69%) were exposed to immunosuppressive therapy and 46 patients (15%) developed incident cancers (25 new, 21 recurrent). In unadjusted analysis, the crude rate of incident cancer in unexposed patients was 2.58 per 100 person-years vs 4.78 per 100 person-years (relative risk, 1.85; 95% CI, 0.92-3.73) for immunosuppression-exposed patients. In a proportional hazards model adjusting for sex, smoking history, age and stage at index malignancy, and nonmelanoma skin cancer, no significant association was found between receipt of immunosuppression and incident cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.69-2.90), or with any major drug class. CONCLUSIONS: In this interim analysis of patients with IBD and a history of cancer, despite numerically increased adjusted hazard ratios, we did not find a statistically significant association between subsequent exposure to immunosuppressive therapies and development of incident cancers.

Dynamic Prediction of Advanced Colorectal Neoplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Colonoscopic surveillance is recommended in patients with colonic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) given their increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to develop and validate a dynamic prediction model for the occurrence of advanced colorectal neoplasia (aCRN, including high-grade dysplasia and CRC) in IBD. METHODS: We pooled data from 6 existing cohort studies from Canada, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Patients with IBD and an indication for CRC surveillance were included if they underwent at least 1 follow-up procedure. Exclusion criteria included prior aCRN, prior colectomy, or an unclear indication for surveillance. Predictor variables were selected based on the literature. A dynamic prediction model was developed using a landmarking approach based on Cox proportional hazard modeling. Model performance was assessed with Harrell's concordance-statistic (discrimination) and by calibration curves. Generalizability across surveillance cohorts was evaluated by internal-external cross-validation. RESULTS: The surveillance cohorts comprised 3731 patients, enrolled and followed-up in the time period from 1973 to 2021, with a median follow-up period of 5.7 years (26,336 patient-years of follow-up evaluation); 146 individuals were diagnosed with aCRN. The model contained 8 predictors, with a cross-validation median concordance statistic of 0.74 and 0.75 for a 5- and 10-year prediction window, respectively. Calibration plots showed good calibration. Internal-external cross-validation results showed medium discrimination and reasonable to good calibration. CONCLUSIONS: The new prediction model showed good discrimination and calibration, however, generalizability results varied. Future research should focus on formal external validation and relate predicted aCRN risks to surveillance intervals before clinical application.

Endoscopic Surveillance of Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) is a precancerous condition. Limited data exist on real-world clinical practice relative to guidelines. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to GIM risk stratification and identify factors associated with follow-up endoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted manual chart review of patients with histologically confirmed GIM at an urban, tertiary medical center were identified retrospectively and details of their demographics, Helicobacter pylori, biopsy protocol, endoscopic/histologic findings, and postendoscopy follow-up were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with follow-up endoscopy. RESULTS: Among 253 patients, 59% were female, 37% non-Hispanic White (NHW), 26% Hispanic, 16% non-Hispanic Black (NHB). The median age at index endoscopy was 63.4 years (IQR: 55.9 to 70.0), with median follow-up of 65.1 months (IQR: 44.0 to 72.3). H. pylori was detected in 21.6% patients at index EGD. GIM extent and subtype data were frequently missing (22.9% and 32.8%, respectively). Based on available data, 26% had corpus-extended GIM and 28% had incomplete/mixed-type GIM. Compared with NHW, Hispanic patients had higher odds of follow-up EGD (OR=2.48, 95% CI: 1.23-5.01), while NHB patients had 59% lower odds of follow-up EGD (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.18-0.96). Corpus-extended GIM versus limited GIM (OR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.13-4.59) was associated with follow-up EGD, but GIM subtype and family history of gastric cancer were not. CONCLUSIONS: We observed suboptimal risk stratification among patients with GIM and notable race and ethnic disparities with respect to endoscopic surveillance. Targeted interventions are needed to improve practice patterns and mitigate observed disparities.

An efficient strategy for evaluating new non-invasive screening tests for colorectal cancer: the guiding principles.

OBJECTIVE: New screening tests for colorectal cancer (CRC) are rapidly emerging. Conducting trials with mortality reduction as the end point supporting their adoption is challenging. We re-examined the principles underlying evaluation of new non-invasive tests in view of technological developments and identification of new biomarkers. DESIGN: A formal consensus approach involving a multidisciplinary expert panel revised eight previously established principles. RESULTS: Twelve newly stated principles emerged. Effectiveness of a new test can be evaluated by comparison with a proven comparator non-invasive test. The faecal immunochemical test is now considered the appropriate comparator, while colonoscopy remains the diagnostic standard. For a new test to be able to meet differing screening goals and regulatory requirements, flexibility to adjust its positivity threshold is desirable. A rigorous and efficient four-phased approach is proposed, commencing with small studies assessing the test's ability to discriminate between CRC and non-cancer states (phase I), followed by prospective estimation of accuracy across the continuum of neoplastic lesions in neoplasia-enriched populations (phase II). If these show promise, a provisional test positivity threshold is set before evaluation in typical screening populations. Phase III prospective studies determine single round intention-to-screen programme outcomes and confirm the test positivity threshold. Phase IV studies involve evaluation over repeated screening rounds with monitoring for missed lesions. Phases III and IV findings will provide the real-world data required to model test impact on CRC mortality and incidence. CONCLUSION: New non-invasive tests can be efficiently evaluated by a rigorous phased comparative approach, generating data from unbiased populations that inform predictions of their health impact.

Colorectal Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Mechanisms and Management.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), despite decreases in CRC incidence in recent years. Chronic inflammation is the driver of neoplastic progression, resulting in dysplastic precursor lesions that may arise in multiple areas of the colon through a process of field cancerization. Colitis-associated CRC shares many molecular similarities with sporadic CRC, and preclinical investigations have demonstrated a potential role for the microbiome in concert with the host immune system in the development of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). Some unique molecular differences occur in CAC, but their role in the pathogenesis and behavior of inflammation-associated cancers remains to be elucidated. Nonconventional types of dysplasia have been increasingly recognized, but their natural history is not well defined, and they have not been incorporated into surveillance algorithms. The concept of cumulative inflammatory burden highlights the importance of considering histologic inflammation over time as an important risk factor for CAC. Dysplasia is arguably the most important risk factor for developing CAC, and advances have been made in the endoscopic detection and removal of precancerous lesions, thereby deferring or avoiding surgical resection. Some of the agents used to treat IBD are chemopreventive. It is hoped that by gaining better control of the underlying inflammation with newer medications and better endoscopic detection and management, a more sophisticated appreciation of clinicopathologic risk factors, and growing awareness of the genetic, immunologic, and environmental causes of colitis- associated neoplasia, that colitis-associated colorectal neoplasia will become even more predictable and manageable in the coming years.

Epidemiology of Gastric Malignancies 2000-2018 According to Histology: A Population-Based Analysis of Incidence and Temporal Trends.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a leading cause of cancer and cancer-related mortality. Recent reports suggest noncardia GC is increasing in certain U.S. POPULATIONS: However, whether these trends are driven by gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) or other histologies, including neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), lymphoma, or gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), is unclear. METHODS: We analyzed the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-18 cancer registry (2000-2018) to determine age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) and annual percentage change (APC) trends for histologically-confirmed GCs, stratified by anatomic location (noncardia vs cardia), age group (20-49 vs 50+ years), sex, race, and ethnicity. Joinpoint regression modeling estimated the statistical significance of trend comparisons. RESULTS: Of 74,520 individuals with noncardia GC, most (66.2%) were GA, with the next largest categories being non-mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (non-MALT) lymphomas (6.9%), GIST (6.7%), NET (6.4%), and MALT lymphoma (5.6%). Noncardia GA ASIR was significantly higher than other histologies and demonstrated the greatest differences by race and ethnicity. APCs for GA and MALT, both Helicobacter pylori-associated cancers, declined significantly over time, which was driven primarily by trends among individuals ≥50 years-old. NET and GIST APCs significantly increased irrespective of age group, with the highest APCs observed among non-Hispanic white individuals. Cardia GC was rarer than noncardia GC and comprised primarily by GA (87.9%). Cardia GC incidence fell during the study period, which was primarily driven by decline in cardia GA. CONCLUSIONS: GA was the most common histology. On the basis of our findings, the rise in noncardia GC among certain U.S. populations appears predominantly driven by NET and GIST, not GA. Further studies are needed to clarify underlying etiologies for these findings.

Prevalence and Predictors of Young-Onset Colorectal Neoplasia: Insights From a Nationally Representative Colonoscopy Registry.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: A disturbing increase in early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) has prompted recent guidelines to recommend lowering the colorectal cancer (CRC) screening starting age from 50 to 45 years old for average-risk individuals. Little is known about the prevalence of colorectal neoplasia in individuals between 45 and 49 years old, or even younger, in the United States. We analyzed a large, nationally representative data set of almost 3 million outpatient colonoscopies to determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, colorectal neoplasia among patients aged 18 to 54. METHODS: Findings from high-quality colonoscopies were analyzed from AMSURG ambulatory endoscopy centers (ASCs) that report their results in the GI Quality Improvement Consortium (GIQuIC) Registry. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for EOCRC. RESULTS: Increasing age, male sex, White race, family history of CRC, and examinations for bleeding or screening were all associated with higher odds of advanced premalignant lesions (APLs) and CRC. Among patients aged 45 to 49, 32% had any neoplasia, 7.5% had APLs, and 0.58% had CRC. Rates were almost as high in those aged 40 to 44. Family history of CRC portended neoplasia rates 5 years earlier. Rates of APLs were higher in American Indian/Alaskan Natives, but lower among Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics, compared with White counterparts. The prevalence of any neoplasia and APL gradually increased between 2014 and 2019, in all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide support for lowering the screening age to 45 for all average-risk individuals. Early messaging to patients and providers in the years leading up to age 45 is warranted, especially in those with a family history of CRC.

Endoscopic management of patients with high-risk colorectal colitis-associated neoplasia: a Delphi study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Current guidelines recommend endoscopic resection of visible and endoscopically resectable colorectal colitis-associated neoplasia (CAN) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, patients with high-risk CAN (HR-CAN) are often not amenable to conventional resection techniques, and a consensus approach for the endoscopic management of these lesions is presently lacking. This Delphi study aims to reach consensus among experts on the endoscopic management of these lesions. METHODS: A 3-round modified Delphi process was conducted to reach consensus among worldwide IBD and/or endoscopy experts (n = 18) from 3 continents. Consensus was considered if ≥75% agreed or disagreed. Quality of evidence was assessed by the criteria of the Cochrane Collaboration group. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on all statements (n = 14). Experts agreed on a definition for CAN and HR-CAN. Consensus was reached on the examination of the colon with enhanced endoscopic imaging before resection, the endoscopic resectability of an HR-CAN lesion, and endoscopic assessment and standard report of CAN lesions. In addition, experts agreed on type of resections of HR-CAN (< 20 mm, >20 mm, with or without good lifting), endoscopic success (technical success and outcomes), histologic assessment, and follow-up in HR-CAN. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first step in developing international consensus-based recommendations for endoscopic management of CAN and HR-CAN. Although the quality of available evidence was considered low, consensus was reached on several aspects of the management of CAN and HR-CAN. The present work and proposed standardization might benefit future studies.

Impact of colonoscopy on working productivity: a prospective multicenter observational study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients undergoing colonoscopy are often in the workforce. Therefore, colonoscopy may affect patients' work productivity in terms of missed working days and/or reduced working efficiency. We aimed to investigate the impact of colonoscopy on work productivity and factors influencing this impact. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational, multicenter study in 10 Italian hospitals between 2016 and 2017. We collected information on individual characteristics, work productivity, symptoms, and conditions before, during, and after the procedure from patients undergoing colonoscopy for several indications using validated tools. Outcomes were interference of preparation with work, absenteeism, and impaired work performance after the procedure. We fitted multivariate logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for potential predictors of the outcomes. RESULTS: Among 1137 subjects in the study, 30.5% reported at least 1 outcome. Impaired work performance was associated with bowel preparation regimen (full dose on the day of colonoscopy vs split dose: OR, 4.04; 95% CI, 1.43-11.5), symptoms during bowel preparation (high symptom score: OR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.15-8.95), and pain during the procedure (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.40-4.35). Increasing number of working hours and less comfortable jobs were associated with absenteeism (P for trend = .06) and impairment of working performance (P for trend = .01) and GI symptoms both before and after colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational and individual characteristics of patients should be considered when scheduling colonoscopy because this procedure may impair work productivity in up to one-third of patients. Split-dose bowel preparation, performing a painless colonoscopy, and preventing the occurrence of GI symptoms may minimize the impact of colonoscopy on work productivity.

The association between pre-colectomy thiopurine use and risk of neoplasia after ileal pouch anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis or indeterminate colitis: a propensity score analysis.

BACKGROUND: The risk of neoplasia of the pouch or residual rectum in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who undergo total proctocolectomy (TPC) with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is incompletely investigated. Thiopurine use is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal neoplasia in patients with UC. We tested the hypothesis that thiopurine use prior to TPC may be associated with a reduced risk of primary neoplasia after IPAA. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients from a tertiary referral center from January 2008 to December 2017. Eligible patients with UC or IC underwent TPC with IPAA and had at least two pouchoscopies with biopsies ≥ 6 months after surgery. Propensity score analysis was conducted to match thiopurine exposed vs unexposed groups based on clinical covariates. Multivariable Cox regression analysis estimated the risk of neoplasia. RESULTS: A total of 284 patients with UC or IC (57.4% male, median age 35.6 years) were analyzed. Ninety-seven patients (34.2%) were confirmed to have thiopurine exposure ≥ 12 weeks immediately prior to TPC ("exposed") and 187 (65.8%) were confirmed to have no thiopurine exposure for at least 365 days prior to TPC ("non-exposed"). Compared to non-exposed patients, patients with thiopurine exposure less often had dysplasia (7.2% vs 23.0%, p = 0.001) and had lower grades of dysplasia before colectomy. After IPAA, patients with neoplasia were older (44.0 vs 34.8 years, p = 0.03), more likely to have had dysplasia as colectomy indication (44.4% vs 15.4%, p = 0.007), and more likely to require pouch excision (55.6% vs 10.2%, p < 0.0001), compared to patients without neoplasia. On propensity-matched cohort analysis, no factors were significantly associated with risk of primary neoplasia. CONCLUSION: Thiopurine exposure for at least the 12 weeks prior to TPC in patients with UC or IC does not appear to be independently associated with risk of primary neoplasia following IPAA.

Contributions of Adenocarcinoma and Carcinoid Tumors to Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Incidence Rates in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) incidence rates (IRs) are rising, according to previous cancer registry analyses. However, analysis of histologic subtypes, including adenocarcinoma (the focus of CRC screening and diagnostic testing) and carcinoid tumors (which are classified as "colorectal cancer" in SEER [Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results] databases but have a distinct pathogenesis and are managed differently from adenocarcinoma), has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To assess EOCRC IRs and changes in IRs over time, stratified by histology. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Yearly IRs according to SEER 18 data from 2000 to 2016 on age-specific colon-only, rectal-only, and combined-site CRC cases, stratified by histology ("overall" CRC [all histologic subtypes], adenocarcinoma, and carcinoid tumors) and age. PATIENTS: 119 624 patients with CRC. MEASUREMENTS: IRs per 100 000 population, changes in 3-year average annual IRs (pooled IRs from 2000 to 2002 vs. those from 2014 to 2016), and annual percentage change (APC) in persons aged 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, and 50 to 54 years. RESULTS: The steepest changes in adenocarcinoma 3-year average annual IRs were for rectal-only cases in persons aged 20 to 29 years (+39% [0.33 to 0.46 per 100 000]; P < 0.050) and 30 to 39 years (+39% [1.92 to 2.66 per 100 000]; P < 0.050) and colon-only cases in those aged 30 to 39 years (+20% [3.30 to 3.97 per 100 000]; P < 0.050). Corresponding APCs were 1.6% (P < 0.050), 2.2% (P < 0.050), and 1.2% (P < 0.050), respectively. In persons aged 40 to 49 years, 3-year average annual IRs increased in both colon-only (+13% [12.21 to 13.85 per 100 000]; P < 0.050) and rectal-only (+16% [7.50 to 8.72 per 100 000]; P < 0.050) subsites. Carcinoid tumors were common, representing approximately 4% to 20% of all colorectal and 8% to 34% of all rectal cancer cases, depending on age group and calendar year. Colon-only carcinoid tumors were rare. Colorectal carcinoid tumor IRs increased more steeply than adenocarcinoma in all age groups, thus affecting the contribution of carcinoid tumors to overall cancer cases over time. These changes were driven by rectal subsites and were most pronounced in persons aged 50 to 54 years, in whom rectal carcinoid tumors increased by 159% (2.36 to 6.10 per 100 000) between 2000 to 2002 and 2014 to 2016, compared with 10% for adenocarcinoma (18.07 to 19.84 per 100 000), ultimately accounting for 22.6% of all rectal cancer cases. LIMITATION: Population-based data. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the importance of assessing histologic CRC subtypes independently. Doing so may lead to a better understanding of the drivers of temporal changes in overall CRC incidence and a more accurate measurement of outcomes from efforts to reduce adenocarcinoma risk, and can guide future research. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: None.

Promoting colonoscopy screening among low-income Latinos at average risk of colorectal cancer: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Screening colonoscopy (SC) for colorectal cancer (CRC) is underused by Latino individuals. The current randomized clinical trial examined the impact of 3 interventions: 1) patient navigation; 2) patient navigation plus standard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention print materials; and 3) patient navigation plus culturally targeted print materials for Latinos referred for SC. Demographic, personal and health history, and psychometric factors associated with SC also were examined. METHODS: A total of 344 urban Latino individuals aged 50 to 85 years with no personal and/or immediate family history of CRC diagnosed before age 60 years, no personal history of a gastrointestinal disorder, no colonoscopy within the past 5 years, with insurance coverage, and with a referral for SC were consented. Participants were randomized to patient navigation (20%), patient navigation plus standard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention print materials (40%), and patient navigation plus culturally targeted print materials (40%). The completion of SC was assessed at 12 months. RESULTS: The interventions had an overall SC rate of 82%. Counterintuitively, patients with an average income of <$10,000 were found to have higher SC rates (87%) than those with a greater income (75%). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of standard or culturally targeted print materials did not appear to increase SC rates above those for patient navigation. Indeed, after controlling for other variables, culturally targeted print materials were found to be associated with lower SC rates among Puerto Rican individuals.

Association Between Indefinite Dysplasia and Advanced Neoplasia in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Undergoing Surveillance.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Little is known about the clinical significance of indefinite dysplasia (IND) in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) undergoing colonoscopic surveillance for colorectal neoplasia. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 492 patients with colonic IBD for 8 or more years or concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis, with no history of advanced colorectal neoplasia (high-grade dysplasia or colorectal cancer) or colectomy, undergoing colorectal neoplasia surveillance at a tertiary IBD referral center from 2001 through 2017. Subjects received consistent histopathologic grading of dysplasia. We collected data on time to development of (advanced) colorectal neoplasia or colectomy using Kaplan Meier methods. We identified factors independently associated with (advanced) colorectal neoplasia with multivariable Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: After 2149 person-years of follow-up, 53 patients (10.8%) received a diagnosis of IND without prior or synchronous low-grade dysplasia (LGD). Compared to patients without dysplasia, patients with IND had a significantly higher risk of advanced colorectal neoplasia (adjusted hazard ratio, 6.85; 95% CI, 1.78-26.4) and colorectal neoplasia (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.50-7.05), but not colectomy (P = .78). Compared to IND, LGD was associated with a significantly higher risk of advanced colorectal neoplasia (P = .05). Following a diagnosis of no dysplasia, IND only, or LGD, the incidence rates of advanced colorectal neoplasia were 0.4% per patient-year, 3.1% per patient-year, and 8.4% per patient-year, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a retrospective analysis of patients with IBD undergoing colorectal neoplasia surveillance with consistent histopathologic grading of dysplasia, IND was independently associated with a significant increase in risk of advanced colorectal neoplasia. These findings require validation and if confirmed, a reappraisal of the colorectal neoplasia surveillance guidelines.

AGA White Paper: Roadmap for the Future of Colorectal Cancer Screening in the United States.

The American Gastroenterological Association's Center for Gastrointestinal Innovation and Technology convened a consensus conference in December 2018, entitled, "Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance: Role of Emerging Technology and Innovation to Improve Outcomes." The goal of the conference, which attracted more than 60 experts in screening and related disciplines, including the authors, was to envision a future in which colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and surveillance are optimized, and to identify barriers to achieving that future. This White Paper originates from that meeting and delineates the priorities and steps needed to improve CRC outcomes, with the goal of minimizing CRC morbidity and mortality. A one-size-fits-all approach to CRC screening has not and is unlikely to result in increased screening uptake or desired outcomes owing to barriers stemming from behavioral, cultural, and socioeconomic causes, especially when combined with inefficiencies in deployment of screening technologies. Overcoming these barriers will require the following: efficient utilization of multiple screening modalities to achieve increased uptake; continued development of noninvasive screening tests, with iterative reassessments of how best to integrate new technologies; and improved personal risk assessment to better risk-stratify patients for appropriate screening testing paradigms.

Hormone Therapy for Cancer Is a Risk Factor for Relapse of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Exposure to hormone contraception has been associated with an increased risk of relapse of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Little is known about the effects of cancer therapies, specifically hormone therapies, on the course of IBD. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study, collecting data from 5 medical centers, on patients with IBD who received a subsequent diagnosis of breast or prostate cancer from 1997 through 2018. For patients with quiescent IBD at their cancer diagnosis, the primary outcome was relapse of IBD. For patients with active IBD at their cancer diagnosis, the primary outcome was IBD remission. RESULTS: Our analysis included 447 patients with IBD (44% with Crohn's disease, 53% with ulcerative colitis, and 3% with IBD unclassified) who had either breast (78%) or prostate (22%) cancer. At their cancer diagnosis, 400 patients (90%) had inactive IBD, and 47 (10%) had active IBD. Among patients with inactive IBD, 112 (28%) developed active IBD. Previous exposure to steroids, immunomodulators, or biologics was associated with IBD relapse after a cancer diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] for steroids, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.18-2.71; HR for immunomodulators, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.38-3.55; HR for biologics, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.01-5.36). Hormone monotherapy (HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.21-3.29) and combination cytotoxic and hormone therapy (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.01-3.43) was associated with IBD relapse. Among 34 patients who received only cytotoxic chemotherapy, 75% remained in remission from IBD at 250 months compared with 42% of those who received hormone monotherapy (log rank, 0.02). Among patients with active IBD at their cancer diagnosis, 14 (30%) entered remission from IBD, but there were no significant factors of achieving IBD remission. CONCLUSIONS: In a multicenter retrospective study, we found that patients with IBD and breast or prostate cancer who receive hormone therapy have an increased risk for relapse of IBD and related adverse outcomes.

No Association Between Pseudopolyps and Colorectal Neoplasia in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases who have postinflammatory polyps (PIPs) have an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia (CRN). European guidelines propose that patients with PIPs receive more frequent surveillance colonoscopies, despite limited evidence of this increased risk. We aimed to define the risk of CRN and colectomy in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and PIPs. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases who underwent colonoscopic surveillance for CRN, from January 1997 through January 2017, at 5 academic hospitals and 2 large nonacademic hospitals in New York or the Netherlands. Eligible patients had confirmed colonic disease with duration of at least 8 years (or any duration, if they also had primary sclerosing cholangitis) and no history of advanced CRN (high-grade dysplasia or colorectal cancer) or colectomy. The primary outcome was occurrence of advanced CRN according to PIP status; secondary outcomes were occurrence of CRN (inclusive of low-grade dysplasia) and colectomy. RESULTS: Of 1582 eligible patients, 462 (29.2%) had PIPs. PIPs were associated with more severe inflammation (adjusted odds ratio 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-1.55), greater disease extent (adjusted odds ratio 1.92; 95% CI 1.34-2.74), and lower likelihood of primary sclerosing cholangitis (adjusted odds ratio 0.38; 95% CI 0.26-0.55). During a median follow-up period of 4.8 years, the time until development of advanced CRN did not differ significantly between patients with and those without PIPs. PIPs did not independently increase the risk of advanced CRN (adjusted hazard ratio 1.17; 95% CI 0.59-2.31). The colectomy rate was significantly higher in patients with PIPs (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: In a retrospective analysis of data from 2 large independent surveillance cohorts, PIPs were associated with greater severity and extent of colon inflammation and higher rates of colectomy, but were not associated with development of any degree of CRN. Therefore, intervals for surveillance should not be shortened based solely on the presence of PIPs.

Barriers Driving Racial Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Screening in African Americans.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Colorectal cancer screening has been shown to decrease mortality from colorectal cancer. Screening disparities continue to exist among ethnic minorities, particularly for African Americans. We herein review the barriers of colorectal cancer screening in this population. RECENT FINDINGS: At its foundation are patient barriers, which are further compounded by physician-related barriers and the idiosyncrasies of the healthcare system. Interventions to address the barriers include patient outreach, provider education, and healthcare legislation addressing financial barriers. Recent research has focused on factors predicting intentions to undergo colorectal cancer screening. Underlying all of the barriers is the systemic racism that affects and influences the healthcare system as much as all other institutions and contributes to inequities in the delivery of effective cancer prevention efforts. Perpetual disparities in CRC screening within the African American community are due to multifactorial barriers from the individual patient to provider and healthcare system and societal influences. An awareness of the behavioral and systemic factors that affect African Americans must underpin efforts to reach full equity in delivering CRC screening to this often medically underserved segment of our society.

Impact of a Citywide Benchmarking Intervention on Colonoscopy Quality Performance.

INTRODUCTION: There is marked variability in colonoscopy quality, limiting its effectiveness in colorectal cancer prevention. Multiple indicators have been established as markers for colonoscopy quality; however, there are conflicting data on the effects of quality reporting programs on endoscopist performance. In this study, we investigate the impact of a multicenter quarterly report card initiative on colonoscopy quality metric performance. METHODS: Data were collected from 194 endoscopists at 10 participating sites throughout New York City using a Qualified Clinical Data Registry from January 2013 to December 2014. Adenoma detection rate (ADR), cecal intubation rate, withdrawal time, bowel preparation quality and appropriate interval recommendations were tracked. Report cards were distributed to each site on a quarterly basis and technical assistance was provided as needed. Performance trends were analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage trend and analysis of variance tests. RESULTS: 37,258 screening colonoscopies were performed during the study period. There was a positive performance trend for ADR over time from the first quarter of 2013 to the last quarter of 2014 (15.6-25.7%; p < 0.001). There were also increases in cecal intubation rates (78.2-92.6%; p < 0.001), bowel preparation adequacy rates (77.5-92.8%; p < 0.001), and adherence to appropriate screening intervals (28.0-55.0%; p < 0.001). There was no clinically significant change in mean withdrawal time. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a quarterly report card initiative resulted in statistically significant improvements in adenoma detection, cecal intubation, bowel preparation adequacy rates, and appropriate recommended screening intervals.

Low baseline awareness of gastric cancer risk factors amongst at-risk multiracial/ethnic populations in New York City: results of a targeted, culturally sensitive pilot gastric cancer community outreach program.

Background and Aims: There are limited efforts to address modifiable risk factors for gastric cancer (GC) among racial/ethnic groups at higher GC risk, which may reflect decreased public awareness of risk factors. Our primary aim was to assess baseline awareness of GC risk factors and attitudes/potential barriers for uptake of a GC screening program among high-risk individuals.Methods: Participants attended a linguistically and culturally targeted GC educational program in East Harlem (EH)/Bronx and Chinatown communities in New York City. Demographic information and relevant behavioral/lifestyle habits were collected. Participants' ability to identify GC risk factors and attitudes/barriers surrounding GC screening were assessed before and after the program.Results: Of the 168 included participants, most were female with 77% above age 70. Nearly half of participants in the EH/Bronx programs identified themselves as black and 63% as Hispanic/Latino; 93% of the Chinatown participants identified as Chinese. Among EH/Bronx participants, the majority correctly identified older age, smoking, alcohol, H. pylori, family history, race/ethnicity, excess salt, and preserved foods as risk factors. Among Chinatown participants, the majority correctly identified smoking, alcohol, race/ethnicity, and excess salt, although only 53% and 57.8% correctly identified H. pylori and preserved foods, respectively; the majority incorrectly answered that older age was not a major risk factor. The majority in both groups failed to identify male gender as higher risk and incorrectly identified stress and obesity as major risk factors. Participants were more concerned about the potential findings on GC screening tests than the risks and costs or having to take time off work.Conclusion: Among multiracial/ethnic groups of individuals presumably at higher risk for GC, we identified several gaps in baseline knowledge of both modifiable and non-modifiable GC risk factors. Culturally and linguistically appropriate educational interventions may be a worthwhile adjunctive intervention within the context of a targeted GC screening program.