The Spigelman Staging System and the Risk of Duodenal and Papillary Cancer in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) have an almost 20% lifetime risk of duodenal adenocarcinoma, currently the leading cause of death in FAP. The Spigelman staging system provides guidance on the surveillance intervals and timing of prophylactic surgery. Still, its accuracy in predicting duodenal and papillary cancer development has not been systematically evaluated. We investigated the sensitivity and cancer risk of the Spigelman stages. METHODS: We performed a systematic review on PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane and used a random-effects model to pool effect sizes. RESULTS: After removing duplicate entries, we screened 1,170 records and included 27 studies for quantitative analysis. Once duodenal polyposis reaches Spigelman stage IV, the risk of duodenal and papillary cancers increased to 25% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12%-45%). However, the sensitivity of Spigelman stage IV for these cancers was low (51%, 95% CI 42%-60%), especially for papillary adenocarcinoma (39%, 95% CI 16%-68%). We investigated the reasons behind these low values and observed that duodenal cancer risk factors included polyps >10 mm, polyp count >20, and polyps with high-grade dysplasia. Risk factors associated with papillary cancer included a papilla with high-grade dysplasia or >10 mm. The evidence on other risk factors was inconclusive. DISCUSSION: The current Spigelman staging system had a low sensitivity for duodenal and papillary adenocarcinomas. Two Spigelman variables (duodenal villous histology and polyp count) and the lack of papilla-specific variables likely contributed to the low sensitivity values for duodenal and papillary cancers, respectively. While clinicians may be familiar with its current form, there is an urgent need to update it.

The Non-Coding RNA Journal Club: Highlights on Recent Papers-13.

We are delighted to share with you our thirteenth Journal Club and highlight some of the most interesting papers published recently [...].

Outcomes of a 3-year prospective surveillance in individuals at high-risk for pancreatic cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic cancer (PC) surveillance of high-risk individuals (HRI) is becoming more common worldwide, aiming at anticipating PC diagnosis at a pre-clinical stage. In 2015 the Italian Registry of Families at Risk of Pancreatic Cancer (IRFARPC) was created. We aimed to assess the prevalence and incidence of pancreatic findings, oncological outcomes, and harms seven years after the Italian Registry of Families at Risk of Pancreatic Cancer (IRFARPC) inception focusing on individuals with at least a 3-year follow-up or developing events before. METHODS: HRI (subjects with family history or mutation carriers with/without family history were enrolled in 18 Centers. They underwent annual magnetic resonance with cholangiopancreatography or endoscopic ultrasound (NCT04095195). RESULTS: During the study period (June 2015 - September 2022), 679 individuals were enrolled. Of these, 524 (77.2%) underwent at least baseline imaging, and 156 (29.8%) with at least a 3-year follow-up or pancreatic malignancy/pre-malignancy-related events, and represented the study population. Median age was 51 (IQR 16). Familial PC cases (FPC) accounted for 81.4% of HRI, and individuals with pathogenic variant (PV) for 18.6%. Malignant (n=8) and pre-malignant (1 PanIN3) lesions were found in nine individuals. Five of these 8 cases occurred in PV carriers, four in FPC cases (two tested negative at germline testing, and two others were not tested). Three of the 8 PC were Stage I. Five of the 8 PC were resectable, 3 Stage I, all advanced cases being prevalent. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative hazard of PC was 1.7%, 2.5% and 3%, respectively. Median overall and disease-free survival of resected PC patients were 18 and 12 months (95%CI not computable). Considering HRI who underwent baseline imaging, six pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (one resected) and one low-yield surgery (low-grade mixed-IPMN) were also reported. CONCLUSION: PC surveillance in a fully public healthcare system is feasible, safe, and leads to early PC or pre-malignant lesions diagnoses, mostly at baseline but also over time.

Increased Number of Colorectal Interval Cancers in Lynch Syndrome after the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Survey-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes require timely endoscopic surveillance. METHODS: This study evaluated the approach of Italian gastroenterologists to the management of such patients. It then assessed the impact of SARS-CoV-2. All members affiliated with the leading Italian gastroenterology societies (AIGO, SIED, and SIGE) received an online questionnaire. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one clinicians from 96 centers answered, not necessarily experts in the field (mean age 50.26 ± 11.22 years). Many collected family history for genetic risk assessment (74.4%), but only 14.0% used an online predictive software. 65.6% discussed cases in multidisciplinary units. Genetic analysis was available to most centers, but only a few hospitals offered dedicated endoscopy (19.0%), outpatient clinics (33.9%), or surgeries (23.1%). Since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the number of clinicians with a high volume of patients decreased (from 38.8% to 28.1%). Almost half of the responders (45.5%) reported a delay in the surveillance (median: 4-12 months). Ultimately, 30.6% detected one interval colorectal cancer in at least one of their patients. CONCLUSION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic directly affected the surveillance of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes in Italy. Endoscopic surveillance should resume in all centers to avoid the possible long-term consequences of its interruption, especially for inherited colorectal cancer syndromes.

Delphi Initiative for Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer (DIRECt) International Management Guidelines.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients with early-onset colorectal cancer (eoCRC) are managed according to guidelines that are not age-specific. A multidisciplinary international group (DIRECt), composed of 69 experts, was convened to develop the first evidence-based consensus recommendations for eoCRC. METHODS: After reviewing the published literature, a Delphi methodology was used to draft and respond to clinically relevant questions. Each statement underwent 3 rounds of voting and reached a consensus level of agreement of ≥80%. RESULTS: The DIRECt group produced 31 statements in 7 areas of interest: diagnosis, risk factors, genetics, pathology-oncology, endoscopy, therapy, and supportive care. There was strong consensus that all individuals younger than 50 should undergo CRC risk stratification and prompt symptom assessment. All newly diagnosed eoCRC patients should receive germline genetic testing, ideally before surgery. On the basis of current evidence, endoscopic, surgical, and oncologic treatment of eoCRC should not differ from later-onset CRC, except for individuals with pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants. The evidence on chemotherapy is not sufficient to recommend changes to established therapeutic protocols. Fertility preservation and sexual health are important to address in eoCRC survivors. The DIRECt group highlighted areas with knowledge gaps that should be prioritized in future research efforts, including age at first screening for the general population, use of fecal immunochemical tests, chemotherapy, endoscopic therapy, and post-treatment surveillance for eoCRC patients. CONCLUSIONS: The DIRECt group produced the first consensus recommendations on eoCRC. All statements should be considered together with the accompanying comments and literature reviews. We highlighted areas where research should be prioritized. These guidelines represent a useful tool for clinicians caring for patients with eoCRC.

Filgotinib for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.

INTRODUCTION: Filgotinib is an oral Janus kinase type 1 (JAK1) selective inhibitor with demonstrated efficacy and safety in ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidence on pharmacological characteristics, efficacy, and safety of filgotinib in UC. AREAS COVERED: Pubmed, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched for all relevant studies reporting the efficacy and safety of filgotinib in patients with moderate to severe UC. We particularly focused on the risk of zoster infection and venous thromboembolism compared to other JAK inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION: Filgotinib has remarkable efficacy, safety, and tolerability profiles in the treatment of moderate-to-severe active UC. It can be used in both biologic-naïve and biologic-experienced patients. The rapid mechanism of action and its oral administration route make it a reliable therapeutic option.

Diet and Lifestyle Habits in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Early-onset colorectal cancer (eoCRC), defined as a colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients younger than 50 years old, shows an increasing incidence worldwide in the latest years. The role of exogenous factors associated with CRC has been largely overlooked in eoCRC. Here, we conducted a case-control study to evaluate the diet and the lifestyle habits in an Italian population of patients with eoCRC, compared to age-matched healthy controls (HCs). METHODS: We enrolled 118 subjects (47 cases, 71 controls) in a third-level academic hospital. We analyzed epidemiological features (age, sex, body mass index), lifestyle behaviors (smoking habits, physical activity, type of diet, use of dietary supplements), and eating habits (semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire) in eoCRCs and HCs, covering the previous 5 years. RESULTS: In our cohort, positive family history of CRC was significantly associated with the development of eoCRC (p = 0.004). Fresh meat (p = 0.003), processed meat (p < 0.001), dairy products (p = 0.013), and smoking (p = 0.0001) were significantly associated with eoCRC compared to controls. Other variables did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Fresh and processed meat, dairy products, and smoking could be considered significant risk factors for eoCRC, although further confirmation by international multicenter studies is desirable. Diet and smoking could be the main areas of future interventions for eoCRC primary prevention.

The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review.

The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer, defined as colorectal cancer occurring in young adults under the age of 50, is increasing globally. Knowledge of the etiological factors in young adults is far from complete. Questionable eoCRCs' exogenous factors are represented by processed meat, sugary drinks, alcohol, Western dietary pattern, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking, though with heterogeneous results. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to summarize the current evidence on the role of diet and lifestyle as eoCRC risk factors. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE up to July 2021, for original studies evaluating diet, alcohol, physical activity, BMI, and smoking in eoCRC and included twenty-six studies. Indeed, the exogenous factors could represent modifiable key factors, whose recognition could establish areas of future interventions through public health strategies for eoCRC primary prevention. Additionally, we discussed the role of additional non-modifiable risk factors, and of epigenetic regulation and microbiota as mediators of the eoCRC triggered by diet and lifestyle.

Risk factors and clinical characteristics of early-onset colorectal cancer vs. late-onset colorectal cancer: a case-case study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Early-onset colorectal cancer (eoCRC), defined as colorectal cancer (CRC) before the age of 50 is increasing in incidence. We evaluated exogenous and endogenous risk factors, and clinical features of eoCRC, compared to late-onset CRC (loCRC). METHODS: In this retrospective case-case study, patients were prospectively enrolled from 2015 to 2018. We collected clinical features (age, sex, time from symptom onset to diagnosis, symptoms, family history, smoking and alcohol habits, diabetes, BMI, and genetic analysis) and tumor characteristics. Independent risk factors for eoCRC and odds ratios (ORs) were identified. RESULTS: Fifty-four eoCRCs and 494 loCRCs were enrolled. Patients with eoCRC experienced longer delay time from symptom onset to diagnosis: 40.7% were diagnosed within 6 months from symptoms onset, compared to 85.6% of patients with loCRC (P < 0.0001). They differed for sex, presence of symptoms, family history, smoking habit, alcohol intake, and BMI. Rectal localization was more closely associated with eoCRC (64.8%) than loCRC (34.5%, P < 0.0001). Family history of CRC was associated with eoCRC (OR = 8.8). When family history occurred with hereditary cancer syndromes, the OR for eoCRC increased to 21. CONCLUSION: In young adults with alarming symptoms, CRC must be suspected to avoid delay time from symptom onset to diagnosis and genetic risk assessment has to be evaluated. Smoking habits, alcohol intake, and BMI are not associated with eoCRC.

Comparison of Colorectal and Endometrial Microsatellite Instability Tumor Analysis and Premm5 Risk Assessment for Predicting Pathogenic Germline Variants on Multigene Panel Testing.

PURPOSE: Tumor testing for microsatellite instability and/or mismatch repair-deficiency (MSI/IHC) and clinical prediction models effectively screen for Lynch syndrome (LS)-associated colorectal cancer (CRC) and endometrial cancer (EC), but they have not been assessed for their ability to identify non-LS forms of inherited risk. The aim of this study was to compare MSI/IHC and the PREMM5 prediction model to identify carriers of LS and non-LS pathogenic variants (PVs) among patients with CRC and EC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were retrospectively analyzed from two single-institution cohorts: 706 patients with CRC and/or EC referred for genetic evaluation/testing (high-risk cohort) and 1,058 consecutively ascertained patients with CRC (oncology clinic cohort), unselected for familial risk. All participants underwent germline multigene panel testing. PREMM5 scores were calculated from personal/family cancer history. The primary outcome was the proportion of individuals with germline PVs (LS PVs, high-penetrance PVs, and any PVs) who had abnormal MSI/IHC testing and/or PREMM5 score ≥ 2.5%. RESULTS: MSI/IHC and PREMM5 had comparable sensitivity for identifying LS carriers in high-risk (89.3% v 85.7%; P = .712) and oncology clinic patients (96.6% v 96.6%; P = 1.000), although MSI/IHC had significantly superior specificity for LS (81.3% v 20.1%; P < .001; 92.3% v 24.3%; P < .001). In both cohorts, PREMM5 had superior sensitivity to MSI/IHC at identifying patients with any high-penetrance PVs and any low-, moderate-, and high-penetrance PVs. Among patients with normal MSI/IHC, PREMM5 identified 84.2% and 83.3% of high-risk patients with CRC/EC and oncology clinic CRC patients with high-penetrance PVs, respectively. CONCLUSION: MSI/IHC and PREMM5 effectively identify patients with CRC and/or EC with LS, although MSI/IHC has better specificity for LS. Because PREMM5 identifies non-LS, high-penetrance germline PVs, patients with CRC and/or EC with PREMM5 score ≥ 2.5%, including those with normal MSI/IHC, should be offered multigene panel testing.

Oral and Fecal Microbiota in Lynch Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The role of microbiota in Lynch syndrome (LS) is still under debate. We compared oral and fecal microbiota of LS saliva and stool samples with normal healthy controls (NHC). METHODS: Total DNA was purified from feces and saliva to amplify the V3-V4 region of the 16s rRNA gene. Sequences with a high-quality score and length >250 bp were used for taxonomic analysis with QIIME software. RESULTS: Compared to NHC, LS fecal samples demonstrated a statistically significant increase of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and a significant decrease of Firmicutes at the phylum level and of Ruminococcaceae at the family level. Moreover, LS oral samples exhibited a statistically significant increase of Veillonellaceae and Leptotrichiaceae and a statistically significant decrease of Pasteurellaceae. A beta-diversity index allowed differentiation of the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: A peculiar microbial signature is associated with LS, similar to that of sporadic colorectal cancer and Crohn's disease. These data suggest a possible role of proinflammatory bacteria in tumor development in a condition of genetic predisposition, such as LS.

MSH6 gene pathogenic variant identified in familial pancreatic cancer in the absence of colon cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Lynch syndrome is characterized by pathogenetic variants in the mismatch repair genes and autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance. Lynch syndrome is characterized by colorectal and, with lesser and variable extent, extracolonic cancers. We describe a family with MSH6-dependent Lynch syndrome and familial pancreatic cancer and other tumours (gastric and endometrial), in the absence of colorectal neoplasia. METHODS: Patients were analysed by sequencing, Next Generation or Sanger, to identify germinal pathogenic variants in hereditary cancer genes. RESULTS: We identified the MSH6 gene pathogenic variant c.2194C>T, p.(Arg732Ter) in a family with hereditary pancreatic cancer without diagnosed cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma. Seven family members were affected by the MSH6 pathogenic variant. Three had pancreatic adenocarcinoma at 65, 57 and 44 years; one had endometrial cancer at 36 years. None of the remaining three subjects (75, 45 and 17 years old) had developed any cancer yet. CONCLUSIONS: Lynch syndrome should be suspected in families with familial pancreatic cancer, even in the absence of colon cancers. Specifically, our observation supports the association between the MSH6 c.2194C>T pathogenic variant and extracolonic tumours and it suggests that MSH6 pathogenic variants are associated with familial pancreatic cancer more frequently than assumed.

Colorectal cancer screening from 45 years of age: Thesis, antithesis and synthesis.

Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in patients younger than 50 years are increasing, but screening before the age of 50 is not offered in Europe. Advanced-stage diagnosis and mortality from colorectal cancer before 50 years of age are increasing. This is not a detection-bias effect; it is a real issue affecting the entire population. Three independent computational models indicate that screening from 45 years of age would yield a better balance of benefits and risks than the current start at 50 years of age. Experimental data support these predictions in a sex- and race-independent manner. Earlier screening is seemingly affordable, with minimal impediments to providing younger adults with colonoscopy. Indeed, the American Cancer Society has already started to recommend screening from 45 years of age in the United States. Implementing early screening is a societal and public health problem. The three independent computational models that suggested earlier screening were criticized for assuming perfect compliance. Guidelines and recommendations should be derived from well-collected and reproducible data, and not from mathematical predictions. In the era of personalized medicine, screening decisions might not be based solely on age, and sophisticated prediction software may better guide screening. Moreover, early screening might divert resources away from older individuals with greater biological risks. Finally, it is still unknown whether early colorectal cancer is part of a continuum of disease or a biologically distinct disease and, as such, it might not benefit from screening at all. The increase in early-onset colorectal cancer incidence and mortality demonstrates an obligation to take actions. Earlier screening would save lives, and starting at the age of 45 years may be a robust screening option.

Results of First-Round of Surveillance in Individuals at High-Risk of Pancreatic Cancer from the AISP (Italian Association for the Study of the Pancreas) Registry.

INTRODUCTION: Surveillance programs on high-risk individuals (HRIs) can detect pre-malignant lesions or early pancreatic cancer (PC). We report the results of the first screening round of the Italian multicenter program supported by the Italian Association for the study of the Pancreas (AISP). METHODS: The multicenter surveillance program included asymptomatic HRIs with familial (FPC) or genetic frailty (GS: BRCA1/2, p16/CDKN2A, STK11/LKB1or PRSS1, mutated genes) predisposition to PC. The surveillance program included at least an annual magnetic resonance cholangio pancreatography (MRCP). Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was proposed to patients who refused or could not be submitted to MRCP. RESULTS: One-hundreds eighty-seven HRIs underwent a first-round screening examination with MRCP (174; 93.1%) or EUS (13; 6.9%) from September 2015 to March 2018.The mean age was 51 years (range 21-80).One-hundreds sixty-five (88.2%) FPC and 22 (11.8%) GF HRIs were included. MRCP detected 28 (14.9%) presumed branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN), 1 invasive carcinoma/IPMN and one low-grade mixed-type IPMN, respectively. EUS detected 4 PC (2.1%): 1 was resected, 1 was found locally advanced intraoperatively, and 2 were metastatic. Age > 50 (OR 3.3, 95%CI 1.4-8), smoking habit (OR 2.8, 95%CI 1.1-7.5), and having > 2 relatives with PC (OR 2.7, 95%CI 1.1-6.4) were independently associated with detection of pre-malignant and malignant lesions. The diagnostic yield for MRCP/EUS was 24% for cystic lesions. The overall rate of surgery was 2.6% with nil mortality. DISCUSSION: The rate of malignancies found in this cohort was high (2.6%). According to the International Cancer of the Pancreas Screening Consortium the screening goal achievement was high (1%).

Early onset sporadic colorectal cancer: Worrisome trends and oncogenic features.

Early onset colorectal cancers, defined as arising before 50 years of age, are a growing health hazard in western and eastern countries alike. The incidence of colon and rectal cancers in young individuals is projected to increase by as much as 90% and 140%, respectively, by 2030. Although several known cancer risk factors (e.g. smoking, alcohol, dietary habits) have been investigated, there is no single compelling explanation for this epidemiological trend. While some early onset colorectal cancers have been associated with germline mutations in cancer predisposition genes, genetic syndromes are implicated in only a fraction of these cancers (20%) and do not explain the rising incidence. Colorectal neoplasms develop through microsatellite instability or chromosomal instability pathways, with most of the early onset colorectal cancers exhibiting microsatellite stable phenotypes. Genome-wide hypomethylation is a feature of a subgroup of early onset cancers, which appears to be correlated with chromosomal instability and poor prognosis.

Meta-analysis of the impact of SPINK1 p.N34S gene variation in Caucasic patients with chronic pancreatitis. An update.

BACKGROUND: SPINK1 p.N34S gene variation is one of the endogenous factors which seem to be associated with chronic pancreatitis (CP). However, in literature there is no clear agreement regarding its contribution in different ethnicity and CP etiologies. AIM: To investigate the role of SPINK1 p.N34S gene variation in CP patients with European origin by means of meta-analysis. METHODS: Literature search was conducted and case-control studies evaluating Caucasian population, published between May 2007 and May 2015, were included. We also included Caucasian selected studies analyzed in previous meta-analysis. We carried out meta-analysis including all selected studies. After that, we performed two additional meta-analyses considering the incidence of SPINK1 p.N34S gene variation in alcoholic or in idiopathic CP patients vs control group. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies were included and the total number of subjects was 8800 (2981 cases and 5819 controls). The presence of p.N34S variation increased nine times the overall CP risk in population of European origin [OR 9.695 (CI 95% 7.931-11.851)]. Also, the contribution of SPINK1 in idiopathic pancreatitis [OR 13.640 (CI 95% 8.858-21.002)] was found to be higher than in alcoholic CP [5.283 (CI 95% 3.449-8.092)]. CONCLUSION: The association between SPINK1 p.N34S gene variation and CP is confirmed. Also, we confirmed that the idiopathic etiology needs a better definition by means of genetic analysis.