Clinical Ontologies Improve Case Finding of Primary Biliary Cholangitis in UK Primary and Secondary Care.

INTRODUCTION: PBC registries in the UK focus on data from secondary care without clear coordinated contribution from primary care. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research and Surveillance Centre (RSC) receives data from > 500 primary care practices (PCPs). Notably, the Lancet commissioning group is extracting data from the RCGP RSC database to shape UK policy on liver disease. AIMS: To create a novel ontology to facilitate PBC case finding from primary care provider (PCP) records. METHODS: RCGP RSC data were collected from participating PCPs in the county of Surrey, UK. PBC diagnostic criteria of the AASLD and EASL guidelines were used to develop 725 data codes to facilitate patient record searches. A scoring system built into the ontology allowed categorization of cases as PBC definite, PBC probable, and PBC unlikely. RESULTS: A total of 218,099 records were searched from participating PCPs. Of these, there were 58 PBC definite, 2317 PBC probable, and 215,724 PBC unlikely patients. There were 32 PBC definite patients who did not match to our regional PBC database and were henceforth included as new-found cases. Two of these cases were not labeled as PBC by the PCP. From the PBC unlikely group, 7/215,724 (0.003%) patients were labeled as PBC in secondary care records; however, none of them were coded as having PBC by their PCPs. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of the UK National RCGP RSC database supported by novel ontology score has successfully helped us identify (i) new cases of PBC not known to local/regional secondary care providers and (ii) de novo PBC cases. There are many PBC probable cases whose data merit further careful evaluation.

Interventions to improve the uptake of screening across a range of conditions in Ethnic Minority Groups: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Screening programmes are well established in cancer, and are now being implemented in other conditions. An effective screening programme leads to early disease detection and improved outcomes but its impact is dependent on the quality of the test and the proportion of the target population participating. A further consideration is that uptake of screening by minority groups is low. PURPOSE: To determine which interventions have successfully increased screening uptake amongst minorities. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Cochrane database and the grey literature were searched from 1990 to 1st March 2016. STUDY SELECTION: Fifty-five English language studies that assessed uptake of screening in any minority population in the country of study aged over 18 years and that included a comparison arm. DATA EXTRACTION: Independent data extraction was undertaken by two researchers (CK and MP), using a predesigned data extraction form (DEF) which assisted retrieval of the core contents of each study and the organisation of material. DATA SYNTHESIS: Evidence was organised by screening test and type of intervention. Two authors (CK and MP) extracted data into evidence tables to enable comparison of study characteristics and findings. The heterogeneity of methods precluded a meta-analysis thus results are descriptive. Evidence was also assessed, using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tables. RESULTS: This systematic review appraises data from international studies on a variety of minority groups, interventions and screening programmes providing a narrative review of their success and limitations.

Wilson disease: more than meets the eye.

Wilson disease is a rare but important disorder of copper metabolism, with a failure to excrete copper appropriately into bile. It is a multisystem condition with presentations across all branches of medicine. Diagnosis can be difficult and requires a high index of suspicion. It should be considered in unexplained liver disease particularly where neuropsychiatric features are also present. Treatments are available for all stages of disease. A particularly important presentation not to overlook is acute liver failure which carries a high mortality risk and may require urgent liver transplantation. Here, we provide an overview of this complex condition.

Defining and characterising a toolkit for the development of a successful European registry for rare liver diseases: a model for building a rare disease registry.

INTRODUCTION: A rare disease is defined by the European Health Commission as a disorder affecting less than 5/10,000 of the population. There are at least 20 rare liver diseases (RLDs) seen frequently in the adult and paediatric liver clinic, signifying that the hepatology community can be influential in developing such patient databases for registering patients with rare hepatic conditions. The aim of this review was, first, to identify registries for RLDs in Europe, and, second, to design a universal blueprint for the development of a registry for RLD by using lessons learnt from the European registries that have already been established. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar and clinicaltrials.gov using the MESH terms 'registries', 'database management systems', 'database' and the non-MESH terms 'database$', 'registry', 'repository' and 'repositories'. We only included studies in English from countries/consortia of the European Union (EU). Our literature search was performed in 2020. RESULTS: We identified 37 registries for RLDs in Europe. Using information from the design of these registries we designed a blueprint for the development of a patient registry for an RLD consisting of a theoretical, technical and maintenance phase. DISCUSSION: It is believed that rare diseases may affect as much as 6-8% of the EU population across its 28 member states. Here we have provided a toolkit for designing a registry for an RLD. Our article will complement the efforts of loco-regional, national and international groups seeking to establish robust systems for data collection and analysis for orphan liver diseases.

Diagnostic Modalities of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: From Biochemical Biomarkers to Multi-Omics Non-Invasive Approaches.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing globally. NAFLD is a multifaceted disorder, and its spectrum includes steatosis to steatohepatitis, which may evolve to advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. In addition, the presence of NAFLD is independently associated with a higher cardiometabolic risk and increased mortality rates. Considering that the vast majority of individuals with NAFLD are mainly asymptomatic, early diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and accurate staging of fibrosis risk is crucial for better stratification, monitoring and targeted management of patients at risk. To date, liver biopsy remains the gold standard procedure for the diagnosis of NASH and staging of NAFLD. However, due to its invasive nature, research on non-invasive tests is rapidly increasing with significant advances having been achieved during the last decades in the diagnostic field. New promising non-invasive biomarkers and techniques have been developed, evaluated and assessed, including biochemical markers, imaging modalities and the most recent multi-omics approaches. Our article provides a comprehensive review of the currently available and emerging non-invasive diagnostic tools used in assessing NAFLD, also highlighting the importance of accurate and validated diagnostic tools.

Epidemiology of HPB malignancy in the elderly.

The incidence of hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) cancers is increasing worldwide. Despite improvements in cancer surveillance and earlier access to therapy, these cancers still have poor survival rates, especially in elderly patients. There are several challenges in elucidating the epidemiology of these malignancies especially in view of the heterogeneous exposure to recognised risk factors and the coding systems used. Early diagnosis, crucial to improved survival, remains challenging as many patients present sporadically. Furthermore, the indolent nature of these tumours means they tend to present late, when curative treatments are no longer an option. Importantly, even when patients are diagnosed early and treated with curative intent, recurrence rates remain high. HPB cancers display a heterogenous molecular profile resulting in poorly effective systemic therapies in patients for whom curative treatments cannot be considered. Globally, people now live longer, and it is predicted that the population of individuals older than 85 will double by 2033. With increasing age comes increased cancer risk. There is a plethora of recognised challenges in elderly patients presenting with cancer and this is no different with HPB cancers. Complex co-morbidities including chronic disease, polypharmacy, cognitive decline and increasing psychosocial needs confer an extra layer of complexity in the management of this elderly sub population. The frailty that usually accompanies advancing age often means that patients take longer to recover and develop more complications after cancer therapies. In this article, we review the epidemiology of malignant HPB tumours with a focus on the elderly.

Improving uptake of hepatitis B and hepatitis C testing in South Asian migrants in community and faith settings using educational interventions-A prospective descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) is a leading contributor to the UK liver disease epidemic, with global migration from high prevalence areas (e.g., South Asia). Despite international guidance for testing high-risk groups in line with elimination targets, there is no consensus on how to achieve this. The objectives of this study were to assess the following: (1) the feasibility of recruiting South Asian migrants to view an educational film on CVH, (2) the effectiveness of the film in promoting testing and increasing knowledge of CVH, and (3) the methodological issues relevant to scale-up to a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: South Asian migrants were recruited to view the film (intervention) in community venues (primary care, religious, community), with dried blood spot CVH testing offered immediately afterwards. Pre/post-film questionnaires assessed the effectiveness of the intervention. RESULTS: Two hundred and nineteen first-generation migrants ≥18 years of age (53% female) were recruited to view the film at the following sites: religious, n = 112 (51%), community n = 98 (45%), and primary care, n = 9 (4%). One hundred and eighty-four (84%) underwent CVH testing; hepatitis B core antibody or hepatitis C antibody positivity demonstrated exposure in 8.5%. Pre-intervention (n = 173, 79%) and post-intervention (n = 154, 70%) questionnaires were completed. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the feasibility of recruiting first-generation migrants to view a community-based educational film promoting CVH testing in this higher risk group, confirming the value of developing interventions to facilitate the global World Health Organization plan for targeted case finding and elimination, and a future randomized controlled trial. We highlight the importance of culturally relevant interventions including faith and culturally sensitive settings, which appear to minimize logistical issues and effectively engage minority groups, allowing ease of access to individuals 'at risk'.

The clinical management of hereditary haemochromatosis.

Hereditary haemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive disorder with variable penetrance. Most patients are C282Y homozygotes while heterozygotes or patients who are homozygous with other mutations are uncommonly affected. The true genotype to phenotype expression remains unclear. Treatment with phlebotomy is highly effective and cost-efficient while liver transplantation confers a curative option.

Pregnancy-associated liver disease: a curriculum-based review.

Pregnancy is associated with changes in normal physiology, including changes to the normal parameters for blood tests. Abnormal liver function tests are a common reason for referral to gastroenterology. However, in the pregnant patient, there are unique potential causes. It is of prime importance to be aware of pregnancy-specific liver diseases as they can be serious and progress rapidly affecting outcomes for both the mother and fetus. Here, we provide an overview of the manifestations of pregnancy-related liver diseases and discuss their potential consequences.

The role of the chronic care model in promoting the management of the patient with rare liver disease.

INTRODUCTION: The chronic care model (CCM) provides a holistic approach for managing chronic illnesses. Patients with rare liver diseases (RLD) have complex needs, impaired quality of life and often life-threatening complications. Most RLD meet the criteria for a long-term chronic condition and should be viewed through the prism of CCM. We aimed to ascertain whether the CCM has been considered for the frequently-encountered RLD. METHODS: MEDLINE®/PubMed®/Cochrane/EMBASE were searched to identify publications relating to the use of the CCM for the management of six RLD. We identified 33 articles eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: Six, eleven, one, thirteen, two and zero studies, discussed individual components of the CCM for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cirrhosis (PSC), Wilsons disease (WD), alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD) and lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LALd) respectively. We have not identified studies using the full CCM for any of the aforementioned RLD. DISCUSSION: Unlike in common chronic conditions e.g. diabetes, there has been limited consideration of the use of CCM (or its components) for the management of RLD. This may reflect a reluctance of the clinical community to view these diseases as chronic or lack of healthcare policy investment in rare diseases in general.

Well-differentiated bronchial neuroendocrine tumors: Clinical management and outcomes in 105 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchial neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare tumors representing approximately 20%-30% of all neuroendocrine tumors and 2%-3% of all adult lung cancers. Here, they present a large case series of well-differentiated bronchial NETs with the aim of investigating the behavior of these tumors and long-term outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 105 patients with bronchial NETs managed in a tertiary referral center in the period between January 1998 and January 2012. RESULTS: Bronchial NETs are commoner in females and the commonest presenting symptoms were cough (13.9%) and dyspnoea (11.6%). OctreoscanTM and Gallium-68 DOTATATE PET were found to have similar diagnostic sensitivity and FDG PET was more sensitive for higher-grade tumors. Over a median follow-up period of 35.5 months mortality rate was 5.7%. The 5-year survival was 76% and the 10-year survival was 62%. Female patients survived longer but this difference was not statistically significant (P = .59). Older age greater than 50 years (P = .027), higher levels of Chromogranin A (CgA) (P = .034), first-line treatment with surgery (P = .005), ki67 over 10% (P = .037), and tumor stage (P = .036) but not tumor grade (P = .22), were significantly associated with survival. DISCUSSION: Several factors have been identified which are independently associated with survival including CgA levels greater than 100 pmol/L, tumor stage, age greater than 50, ki67 over 10% and having surgery as first-line treatment. There was no difference in survival between typical and atypical carcinoids.

Wolman's disease and cholesteryl ester storage disorder: the phenotypic spectrum of lysosomal acid lipase deficiency.

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency is a rare, autosomal recessive condition caused by mutations in the gene encoding lysosomal acid lipase (LIPA) that result in reduced or absent activity of this essential enzyme. The severity of the resulting disease depends on the nature of the underlying mutation and magnitude of its effect on enzymatic function. Wolman's disease is a severe disorder that presents during infancy, resulting in failure to thrive, hepatomegaly, and hepatic failure, and an average life expectancy of less than 4 months. Cholesteryl ester storage disorder arises later in life and is less severe, although the two diseases share many common features, including dyslipidaemia and transaminitis. The prevalence of these diseases has been estimated at one in 40 000 to 300 000, but many cases are undiagnosed and unreported, and awareness among clinicians is low. Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency-which can be diagnosed using dry blood spot testing-is often misdiagnosed as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hereditary dyslipidaemia, or cryptogenic cirrhosis. There are no formal guidelines for treatment of these patients, and treatment options are limited. In this Review we appraise the existing literature on Wolman's disease and cholesteryl ester storage disease, and discuss available treatments, including enzyme replacement therapy, oral lipid-lowering therapy, stem-cell transplantation, and liver transplantation.

The clinical management of abdominal ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatorenal syndrome: a review of current guidelines and recommendations.

Several pathogenic processes have been implicated in the development of abdominal ascites. Portal hypertension, most usually in the context of liver cirrhosis, can explain about 75% of the cases, whereas infective, inflammatory and infiltrative aetiologies can account for the rest. In this article, we discuss the consensus best practice as published by three professional bodies for the management of ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). The aim of this study was to compare available clinical guidelines and identify areas of agreement and conflict. We carried out a review of the guidance documentation published by three expert bodies including the British Society of Gastroenterology, the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), as well as a wider literature search for ascites, SBP and HRS. Abdominal ultrasonography, diagnostic paracentesis and ascitic fluid cultures are recommended by all three guidelines, especially when there is strong clinical suspicion for infection. EASL and AASLD advocate the use of ascitic amylase and mycobacterial cultures/PCR when there is strong suspicion for tuberculosis and pancreatitis, respectively. Ascitic cytology can be useful when cancer is suspected and has a good diagnostic yield if performed correctly. EASL supports the use of urinary electrolytes for all patients; however, the British Society of Gastroenterology and AASLD only recommend their use for therapy monitoring. All three societies recommend cefotaxime as the antibiotic of choice for SBP and large-volume paracentesis for the management of ascites greater than 5 l in volume. For HRS, cautious diuresis, volume expansion with albumin and the use of vasoactive drugs are recommended. There appears to be good concordance between recommendations by the European, American and British guidelines for the management of ascites and the possible complications arising from it.

Hepatic artery embolization in advanced neuroendocrine tumors: Efficacy and long-term outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Transarterial embolization (TAE) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are established treatments for symptom control in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) with significant hepatic tumor burden. AIM: To assess efficacy, toxicity and survival parameters in NET patients undergoing TAE and TACE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out of 50 patients with NETs, who underwent a total of 67 embolization procedures in a period of 9 years. All patients had symptomatic and/or radiological progression, despite previous treatments. RESULTS: Symptomatic improvement was observed in 75% of patients who underwent TAE and 57% of patients who had TACE (P = 0.36). Radiological response was observed following 73% of embolization treatments delivered and specifically in 82% of all TAE and 62% of all TACE procedures (P = 0.46). Plasma Chromogranin A (CgA) levels were reduced in 65% of the patients following embolization. Patients with increasing serum CgA levels after treatment had reduced median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (P = 0.0001). Patients on somatostatin analogs (SSAs) at the time of treatment had improved OS (P = 0.013), but not PFS (P = 0.216). Overall, the differences in OS (P = 0.21) and PFS (P = 0.19) between one mode of treatment over the other were not found to be statistically significant. One- and 5-year OS were 65% and 41% for TACE and 90% and 57% for TAE, respectively. The commonest complication was postembolization syndrome and mortality was 4%. Overall, the complication (P = 0.18) and mortality rates (P = 0.22) were not significantly different between TAE and TACE. CONCLUSIONS: TAE/TACE are beneficial treatments for control of symptoms as well as tumor growth, with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. No significant efficacy and survival differences were shown between TAE and TACE. Posttreatment CgA levels and the concurrent use of SSAs were independently associated with survival.

Prognostic Impact of Novel Molecular Subtypes of Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumor.

PURPOSE: Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SINET) are the commonest malignancy of the small intestine; however, underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Whole-genome and -exome sequencing has demonstrated that SINETs are mutationally quiet, with the most frequent known mutation in the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B gene (CDKN1B) occurring in only ∼8% of tumors, suggesting that alternative mechanisms may drive tumorigenesis. The aim of this study is to perform genome-wide molecular profiling of SINETs in order to identify pathogenic drivers based on molecular profiling. This study represents the largest unbiased integrated genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic analysis undertaken in this tumor type. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Here, we present data from integrated molecular analysis of SINETs (n = 97), including whole-exome or targeted CDKN1B sequencing (n = 29), HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (Illumina) array profiling (n = 69), methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (n = 16), copy-number variance analysis (n = 47), and Whole-Genome DASL (Illumina) expression array profiling (n = 43). RESULTS: Based on molecular profiling, SINETs can be classified into three groups, which demonstrate significantly different progression-free survival after resection of primary tumor (not reached at 10 years vs. 56 months vs. 21 months, P = 0.04). Epimutations were found at a recurrence rate of up to 85%, and 21 epigenetically dysregulated genes were identified, including CDX1 (86%), CELSR3 (84%), FBP1 (84%), and GIPR (74%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first comprehensive integrated molecular analysis of SINETs. We have demonstrated that these tumors are highly epigenetically dysregulated. Furthermore, we have identified novel molecular subtypes with significant impact on progression-free survival.

Nutrition and pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in men and women. Prognosis is poor with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. As there is no effective screening modality, the best way to reduce morbidity and mortality due to pancreatic cancer is by effective primary prevention. AIM: To evaluate the role of dietary components in pancreatic cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bibliographical searches were performed in PubMed using the terms "pancreatic cancer", together with "nutrition", "diet", "dietary factors", "lifestyle", "smoking", "alcohol" and "epidemiology". RESULTS: Fruits (particularly citrus) and vegetable consumption may be beneficial. The consumption of whole grains has been shown to reduce pancreatic cancer risk and fortification of whole grains with folate may confer further protection. Red meat, cooked at high temperatures, should be avoided, and replaced with poultry or fish. Total fat should be reduced. The use of curcumin and other flavonoids should be encouraged in the diet. There is no evidence for benefit from vitamin D supplementation. There may be benefit for dietary folate. Smoking and high Body Mass Index have both been inversely associated with pancreatic cancer risk. CONCLUSION: The lack of randomized trials and the presence of confounding factors including smoking status, physical activity, distance of habitat from the equator, obesity, and diabetes may often result in inconclusive results. There is evidence to encourage the use of whole grain in the staple diet and supplementation within the diet of folate, curcumin and other flavanoids. Carefully designed randomized trials are required to further elucidate these important matters.

Prostate cancer and the influence of dietary factors and supplements: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer worldwide after lung cancer. There is increasing evidence that diet and lifestyle plays a crucial role in prostate cancer biology and tumourigenesis. Prostate cancer itself represents a good model of cancer in which to look for chemopreventive agents due to the high disease prevalence, slowly progressive nature, and long latency period. Dietary agents have gained considerable attention, often receiving much publicity in the media. AIM: To review the key evidence available for potential chemopreventive nutrients. METHODS: The methodology for this review involved a PubMed search from 1990 to 2013 using the key-words "diet and prostate cancer", "nutrition and prostate cancer", "dietary factors and prostate cancer", "prostate cancer epidemiology", "prostate cancer prevention", "prostate cancer progression". RESULTS: Red meat, dietary fat and milk intake should be minimised as they appear to increase the risk of prostate cancer. Fruit and vegetables and polyphenols may be preventive in prostate cancer, but further studies are needed to draw more solid conclusions and to clarify their role in patients with an established diagnosis of prostate cancer. Selenium and vitamin supplements cannot be advocated for the prevention of prostate cancer and indeed higher doses may be associated with a worse prognosis. There is no specific evidence regarding benefits of probiotics or prebiotics in prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: From the wealth of evidence available, many recommendations can be made although more randomised control trials are required. These need to be carefully designed due to the many confounding factors and heterogeneity of the population.

The role of dietary factors in prevention and progression of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading global cause of cancer-related death in women. There is growing evidence for a role for dietary factors in BC pathophysiology. The aim of the present review was to evaluate the impact of dietary factors in BC risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bibliographical searches were performed in PubMed, using the following terms: "nutrition and breast cancer", "nutrition and breast carcinoma", "dietary factors and breast cancer", "risk factors and breast cancer", "diet and breast cancer, "breast cancer epidemiology", "breast cancer and prevention". RESULTS: Consumption of well-done red meat appears to be associated with increased risk of BC, whereas fish may be protective. Total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and glycaemic load should be monitored and controlled in at risk populations because they may be associated with increased risk of BC, although the exact mechanisms involved are not clear. Alcohol intake should be minimized since it is a risk factor for BC. High intake of polyphenol/phyto-oestrogen -rich food (i.e. flavonoids, soya products), as well as fibres, fruits and vegetables, may have potential protective effects against BC occurrence but the results might vary according to hormonal status. Vitamin D supplements appear protective against BC development and similarly other vitamins and oligo-elements might decrease BC risk, although further large prospective studies are required. CONCLUSION: There exist increasing evidence that dietary factors can play an important role in both the development and prevention of BC. Large randomized clinical and epidemiological studies are required but are difficult to design due to the number of variable factors.

The impact of diet and nutrition in the prevention and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. There is growing evidence for a chemopreventive role of nutrition in the development of HCC in at risk populations. Bibliographical searches were performed in PubMed for the terms 'nutrition and hepatocellular carcinoma', 'nutrition and liver cancer', 'nutrition and hepatic cancer', 'diet and hepatocellular carcinoma', 'diet and liver cancer'. High dietary sugar intake should be discouraged in at risk populations. Coffee, polyphenols, vanadium, dietary fibre, fruits and vegetables show encouraging results in terms of chemoprevention. Red meat intake may be associated with increased risk of HCC. The evidence for fatty acids is inconclusive, but they might exert anti-cancer effects. Inconclusive results are available on vitamins, selenium probiotics and prebiotics. There is increasing evidence that diet may play an important role in the development of HCC, and may also have a chemopreventive role in at risk populations.

Diet and supplements and their impact on colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the third commonest cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death among men and women. It has been proposed that dietary factors are responsible for 70-90% of colorectal cancer and diet optimization may prevent most cases. AIM: To evaluate the role of dietary components and supplements in colorectal cancer. METHODS: Bibliographical searches were performed in Pubmed for the terms "diet and colorectal cancer", "diet and colon cancer", "diet and rectal cancer", "nutrition and colorectal cancer", "probiotics and colorectal cancer", "prebiotics and colorectal cancer", "alcohol and cancer" and "colorectal cancer epidemiology". RESULTS: Consumption of processed or red meat, especially when cooked at high temperatures may be associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer. The evidence for dietary fibre is unclear but foods that contain high amounts of fibre are usually rich in polyphenols which have been shown to alter molecular processes that can encourage colorectal carcinogenesis. Meta-analyses provide evidence on the benefits of circulating, diet-derived and supplemented, vitamin D and Calcium. We also found that diets rich in Folate may prevent colorectal carcinoma. The evidence on dietary micronutrients such as Zinc and Selenium in association with colorectal cancer is not conclusive. It has been suggested that there may be a direct association between alcohol intake and colorectal cancer. In vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted a possible protective role of prebiotics and probiotics. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of randomized trials and the presence of confounding factors including smoking, physical activity, obesity and diabetes may often yield inconclusive results. Carefully designed randomized trials are recommended.