Endoscopic surveillance of gastrointestinal premalignant lesions: current knowledge and future directions

Future of Endoscopy in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs)

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy has transformed over the years in scope, safety, accuracy, acceptability, and cost effectiveness of the clinical practice. There has been a reduction in the superiority of the endoscopic devices as innovations have taken place and increased the diagnostic values with certain limitations. There are particular difficulties in striking a balance between the development of new technology and the device's acceptance. The wide use of endoscopy for investigating GI lesions and diagnosis has led to an increase in more advanced methods and their broad application. It can simultaneously diagnose pre-malignant and malignant lesions, and newer interventions have made the biopsy specimen uptake possible. In this review article, we focus on the more recent roles, indications, applications, and usage of the innovative methods of endoscopy.

Value of endoscopy with narrow-band imaging and probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy in the diagnosis of preneoplastic lesions of gastrointestinal tract

INTRODUCTION

Amongst all malignant tumors, cancers of the digestive tract rank first in terms of yearly deaths. Patients above 60 years of age are the most affected, as the diagnosis is frequently made in advanced stages of the disease when therapy is less effective. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of narrow-band imaging (NBI) endoscopy and probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) in the correct diagnosis of preneoplastic lesions in the upper and lower digestive tract.

PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included 46 patients with digestive preneoplastic lesions, who underwent either upper or lower digestive endoscopy, followed by NBI and pCLE. We recorded 5-10 frames per each lesion, from different angles and distances during white-light endoscopy and selected frames from full recordings of NBI and pCLE. Usual preparation was used for the endoscopic procedures; pCLE required in vivo administration of 10% Sodium Fluorescein as a contrast agent. Pathology was performed in case of solid tumors. Three medical professionals with different levels of training, blinded to the results, interpreted the data.

RESULTS

The experienced physician correlated very well the NBI findings with pathology (0.93, p=0.05), while the resident physician and the experienced nurse obtain lower, albeit still statistically significant, values (0.73 and 0.62, respectively). For pCLE, the experienced physician obtained near-perfect correlation with pathology (0.96), followed closely by the resident physician (0.93). The nurse obtained a modest correlation (0.42). All examiners obtained approximately equal performances in discerning between malignant and benign lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Digestive endoscopy in NBI mode proved its effectiveness. Even less experienced endoscopists can achieve good results, while an experienced nurse can positively influence the diagnosis. In the case of pCLE, when available, it can greatly reduce diagnostic times, while requiring higher expertise and specialty training.

Diagnosis and Management of Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia: Current Status and Future Directions

Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) is a known premalignant condition of the human stomach along the pathway to gastric cancer (GC). Histologically, GIM represents the replacement of normal gastric mucosa by mucin-secreting intestinal mucosa. Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common etiologic agent of GIM development worldwide. The prevalence of GIM is heterogeneous among different regions of the world and correlates with the population endemicity of H. pylori carriage, among other environmental factors. GC remains the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. GIM is usually diagnosed by upper endoscopy with biopsy, and histologic scoring systems have been developed to risk-stratify patients at highest risk for progression to GC. Several recent endoscopic imaging modalities may improve the optical detection of GIM and early GC. Appropriate surveillance of GIM may be cost effective and represents an opportunity for the early diagnosis and therapy of GC. Certain East Asian nations have established population-level programs for the screening and surveillance of GIM; guidelines regarding GIM surveillance have also recently been published in Europe. By contrast, few data exist regarding the appropriateness of surveillance of GIM in the United States. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of GIM with an emphasis on the role of appropriate endoscopic surveillance.

Predictability of gastric intestinal metaplasia by patchy lavender color seen on linked color imaging endoscopy

We aimed to investigate the ability of linked color imaging (LCI) versus white light endoscopy (WLE) to detect gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM). One hundred and seven participants who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were included. Under WLE endoscopy, biopsies were performed on any suspected abnormal mucosal changes. Under LCI endoscopy, we tested whether the specific color feature of patchy lavender color (PLC) pathologically indicated GIM. Biopsies were randomly performed in participants who had neither PLC nor suspected lesions. The detection abilities of LCI and WLE were assessed by comparison of histological and endoscopic findings. A total of 41 participants had histological GIM. The total diagnostic accuracy rate for GIM by LCI was 79.44%, higher than that of WLE (40.19%) (P < 0.001). Moreover, LCI with targeted biopsies showed a significantly increased ability to detect GIM (P < 0.001). PLC observed in the gastric mucosa on LCI can guide endoscopic biopsies and increase the detection rate of GIM. Thus, LCI could be a good tool for detecting GIM. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: ChiCTR-DDD-17011326).

Occurrence of gastric cancer in patients with atrophic gastritis during long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Additional data on the incidence of gastric neoplasia in the Chinese atrophic gastritis (AG) population during long-term follow-up are needed and the influence of the endoscopic surveillance interval on gastric neoplasia occurrence remains unknown.

AIMS

Retrospectively investigated the occurrence of gastric cancer (GC) and precancerous lesions in AG patients during long-term follow-up and assessed risk factors, such as the endoscopic surveillance interval for the development of gastric neoplasia.

METHODS

This study enrolled 332 AG patients who underwent initial gastroscopy from 2002 to 2005. Following parameters were collected: age, gender, smoking history, H. pylori infection, location of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia (IM), surveillance interval, follow-up duration, and neoplasia occurrence.

RESULTS

Gastric neoplasia was diagnosed in 16 patients. The annual incidence rates per person-year of total gastric neoplasia, gastric high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN), early GC and advanced GC were 0.53%, 0.07%, 0.20% and 0.33%, respectively. A multivariate Cox analysis not accounting for the extent of AG and/or IM showed that the risk factors for GC development among AG patients included the presence of AG and/or IM involving both antral and corporal (p<.001, HR 2.898) and H. pylori infection (p=.018, HR 3.946). In the extensive AG and/or IM group, a 2- to 3-year surveillance interval might be instructive in early detection of GC (p=.008, HR 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data reveal an annual incidence rate of 0.53% per person-year for GC and HGIN in AG patients. A 2- to 3-year surveillance interval may be suitable for patients with extensive AG and/or IM.

Targeted Optical Imaging Agents in Cancer: Focus on Clinical Applications

Molecular imaging is an emerging strategy for in vivo visualization of cancer over time based on biological mechanisms of disease activity. Optical imaging methods offer a number of advantages for real-time cancer detection, particularly in the epithelium of hollow organs and ducts, by using a broad spectral range of light that spans from visible to near-infrared. Targeted ligands are being developed for improved molecular specificity. These platforms include small molecule, peptide, affibody, activatable probes, lectin, and antibody. Fluorescence labeling is used to provide high image contrast. This emerging methodology is clinically useful for early cancer detection by identifying and localizing suspicious lesions that may not otherwise be seen and serves as a guide for tissue biopsy and surgical resection. Visualizing molecular expression patterns may also be useful to determine the best choice of therapy and to monitor efficacy. A number of these imaging agents are overcoming key challenges for clinical translation and are being validated in vivo for a wide range of human cancers.

Ability of blue laser imaging with magnifying endoscopy for the diagnosis of gastric intestinal metaplasia

We aimed to determine the utility of blue laser imaging (BLI) with magnifying endoscopy (BLI-ME) for the prediction and diagnosis of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM). Participants, aged between 40 and 75 years, undergoing gastroscopy from January to April 2017 were included in this study. The ability of BLI-ME and white light endoscopy (WLE) to detect GIM was assessed by comparing the endoscopic findings with the histological findings. The correlation between the grades of light blue crest (LBC) appearance and histology grade of GIM was calculated. We included 100 participants in this study. GIM was diagnosed in 27 participants; 20 participants were detected by both BLI and WLE, four by BLI only, and three exclusively by random biopsies. The values of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values for detecting GIM were 34.9, 38.9, 25.4, and 57.1%, respectively, for WLE and 88.9, 96.7, 94.1, and 93.3%, respectively, for BLI-ME. The diagnostic accuracy for GIM was 43% for WLE and 94.0% for BLI-ME. A good correlation between the grades of LBC and the grades of GIM on histology was observed (P < 0.01). BLI-ME achieved a good diagnostic efficiency for detection of GIM. LBC seen on BLI-ME is a typical indicator of GIM.

HIGH-RISK GASTRIC PATHOLOGY AND PREVALENT AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES IN PATIENTS WITH PERNICIOUS ANEMIA

OBJECTIVE

Pernicious anemia (PA) develops from atrophic gastritis due to autoimmune destruction of parietal cells and results in achlorhydria, vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies, anemia, neurologic deficits, and premalignant and malignant stomach lesions. We report the presentation, diagnosis and gastric complications of PA in patients from an endocrinology practice.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients (31 female, 3 male) with PA who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or gastrectomy were identified. Pertinent clinical, laboratory, and pathology findings were reviewed and summarized.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 58.6 ± 14.2 years; the onset of PA was age 50.2 ± 15.3 years. Anemia reflected vitamin B12 and/or iron deficiencies. Parietal cell antibodies (PCA) were detected in 97% of patients, and intrinsic factor blocking antibody (IFBA) was found in 52%. Fasting gastrin and chromogranin A levels were elevated (1,518.0 ± 1,588.3 pg/mL, and 504.9.1 ± 1,524.9 ng/mL respectively). Autoimmune or immunologic diseases (AIDs) were present in 32/34 patients. Stomach pathology showed premalignant or malignant lesions in 26 patients, including gastric neuroendocrine tumors (GNETs) in 6 and adenocarcinoma in 1. One patient presented with neurologic symptoms and subacute combined degeneration of the posterior column of the spinal cord.

CONCLUSION

PA should be suspected in patients with unexplained anemia or neurologic symptoms. The diagnosis of PA relies on fasting gastrin and gastric auto-antibody testing, in addition to hematologic evaluation. EGD with measurement of gastric pH and biopsies of the fundus and antrum identifies patients with achlorhydria, atrophic gastritis, and premalignant and malignant stomach lesions. EGD surveillance of patients with high-risk stomach lesions is recommended.

ABBREVIATIONS

AID = autoimmune or immunologic disease; EGD = esophagogastroduodenoscopy; GNET = gastric neuroendocrine tumor; IFBA = intrinsic factor blocking antibody; PA = pernicious anemia; PCA = parietal cell antibody; T1D = type 1 diabetes.

Do non-targeted gastric biopsies affect the management of patients, and can a simple protocol and education reduce the rate?

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether development of localised protocol could reduce the number of non-targeted gastric biopsies taken at endoscopy, without risking harm from non-detection of malignant conditions.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of patient records over a 3-month period in 2013, repeated in 2015 following intervention.

SETTING

Two UK teaching hospitals.

PATIENTS

Patient record data on indication for endoscopy, endoscopy findings, histopathology results and patient outcome.

INTERVENTIONS

Guidance on upper gastrointestinal biopsy in the form of a new trust-wide protocol, as well as lecture-based education.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Rates of non-targeted and targeted biopsies before and after intervention, and differences between grade of endoscopist.

RESULTS

Between 2013 and 2015, there was a 36% reduction in non-targeted biopsies (10.4% vs 6.7%, p=0.001), predominantly within registrar and nurse endoscopist groups, with reduction in non-targeted biopsies of 9.5% and 64%, respectively. Percentage of targeted biopsies remained relatively static, 7.9% and 8.2%. In 2013, 92% of non-targeted biopsies had no management change based on histology; in 2015 this was 90%. Of patients with alteration to management, only 0.4% and 0.7% were due to malignancy, in known high-risk patients. Reduction in non-targeted biopsies resulted in estimated annual savings in this trust of £36,000.

CONCLUSION

Development of local protocol reduces the numbers of non-targeted biopsies taken, without risk of harm from non-detection of malignant conditions, enabling a significant reduction in workload within busy histopathology services, with significant cost savings. Localised protocols are adaptable to local population demographics.

Quality indicators for esophagogastroduodenoscopy: A comparative study of outcomes after an improvement programme in a tertiary hospital

INTRODUCTION

There is an opportunity for improvement in the recording and measuring of quality indicators. However, no previous experiences exist in our field in terms of their compliance in esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

OBJECTIVE

To analyse compliance with EGD quality criteria and evaluate improvement after conducting a training programme.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Comparative study of 2 cohorts: one retrospective (control group) and one prospective (intervention group), before and after a training programme consisting of an information session and the report writing improvement programme. The quality indicators proposed by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American College of Gastroenterology were used.

RESULTS

A total of 1,200 EGDs were included in a sequential manner (600 in each group). Following the training programme, a significant improvement was observed in the following indicators: documented indication (93 vs. 99.8%; P<0.01), documented full examinations (94.7 vs. 97.3%; P<0.01), correct performance (63.7 vs. 87.9%; P<0.01), appropriate biopsies according to protocols (57.9 vs. 83.8%; P<0.01), photo-documentation of described lesions (84.1 vs. 94.9%; P<0.01), photo-documentation per segment (52.9 vs. 70.5%; P<0.01) and correct overall assessment (56,9 vs. 90.5%; P<0.01). Biopsies for coeliac disease, documented indication, full examination and correct performance, if it went ahead, exceeded the recommended standard.

CONCLUSION

A very simple training programme improves EGD quality indicators, with the majority reaching the standards recommended by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American College of Gastroenterology.

Global Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates and Trends--An Update

There are limited published data on recent cancer incidence and mortality trends worldwide. We used the International Agency for Research on Cancer's CANCERMondial clearinghouse to present age-standardized cancer incidence and death rates for 2003-2007. We also present trends in incidence through 2007 and mortality through 2012 for select countries from five continents. High-income countries (HIC) continue to have the highest incidence rates for all sites, as well as for lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer, although some low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) now count among those with the highest rates. Mortality rates from these cancers are declining in many HICs while they are increasing in LMICs. LMICs have the highest rates of stomach, liver, esophageal, and cervical cancer. Although rates remain high in HICs, they are plateauing or decreasing for the most common cancers due to decreases in known risk factors, screening and early detection, and improved treatment (mortality only). In contrast, rates in several LMICs are increasing for these cancers due to increases in smoking, excess body weight, and physical inactivity. LMICs also have a disproportionate burden of infection-related cancers. Applied cancer control measures are needed to reduce rates in HICs and arrest the growing burden in LMICs.

Global cancer statistics, 2012

Cancer constitutes an enormous burden on society in more and less economically developed countries alike. The occurrence of cancer is increasing because of the growth and aging of the population, as well as an increasing prevalence of established risk factors such as smoking, overweight, physical inactivity, and changing reproductive patterns associated with urbanization and economic development. Based on GLOBOCAN estimates, about 14.1 million new cancer cases and 8.2 million deaths occurred in 2012 worldwide. Over the years, the burden has shifted to less developed countries, which currently account for about 57% of cases and 65% of cancer deaths worldwide. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among males in both more and less developed countries, and has surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer death among females in more developed countries; breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among females in less developed countries. Other leading causes of cancer death in more developed countries include colorectal cancer among males and females and prostate cancer among males. In less developed countries, liver and stomach cancer among males and cervical cancer among females are also leading causes of cancer death. Although incidence rates for all cancers combined are nearly twice as high in more developed than in less developed countries in both males and females, mortality rates are only 8% to 15% higher in more developed countries. This disparity reflects regional differences in the mix of cancers, which is affected by risk factors and detection practices, and/or the availability of treatment. Risk factors associated with the leading causes of cancer death include tobacco use (lung, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancer), overweight/obesity and physical inactivity (breast and colorectal cancer), and infection (liver, stomach, and cervical cancer). A substantial portion of cancer cases and deaths could be prevented by broadly applying effective prevention measures, such as tobacco control, vaccination, and the use of early detection tests.