Colorectal cancer surveillance in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: What is new?

Ulcerative Colitis-Induced Colorectal Carcinoma: A Deleterious Concatenation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal ailment that encompasses Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is an idiopathic, chronic inflammatory condition of the colonic mucosa that begins in the rectum and progresses proximally in a continuous way over a portion of the entire colon. Chronic inflammation is linked to cancer, and IBD-related chronic colonic inflammation raises the risk of colorectal cancer. Chronic inflammation has been linked to cancer, and chronic colonic inflammation caused by IBD increases the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). When CRC arises in people with IBD, unlike sporadic CRC, the lesions are difficult to identify due to mucosal alterations produced by inflammation. The total prevalence of IBD-associated CRC is increasing due to the rapidly increasing frequency of IBD. Screening and surveillance colonoscopy in IBD patients is considered to allow for the early diagnosis of dysplasia and cancer, improving the prognosis of IBD-related CRC by giving patients proactive therapy. This article has reviewed literature pertaining to the mechanisms related to CRC development in UC and its clinical and therapeutic implications.

Staging Pouch Surgery in Ulcerative Colitis in the Biological Era

Restorative proctocolectomy, or ileal pouch anal anastomosis, is considered the standard treatment for intractable ulcerative colitis. When the pelvic pouch was first introduced in 1978, a two-stage procedure with proctocolectomy, construction of the pelvic pouch, and a diverting loop with subsequent closure were suggested. Over the decades that the pelvic pouch has been around, some principal technical issues have been addressed to improve the method. In more recent days the laparoscopic approach has been additionally introduced. During the same time-period the medical arsenal has developed far more with the increasing use of immune modulators and the introduction of biologicals. Staging of restorative proctocolectomy with a pelvic pouch refers to how many sessions, or stages, the procedure should be divided into. The main goal with restorative proctocolectomy is a safe operation with optimal short- and long-term function. In this paper we aim to review the present knowledge and views on staging of the pouch procedure in ulcerative colitis, especially with consideration to the treatment with biologicals.

Adherence to Recommendations and Quality of Endoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surveillance in Long-Standing Ulcerative Colitis

Background

Long-standing ulcerative colitis has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Current guidelines recommend endoscopic CRC screening after 8 years of disease duration. The objectives of our study were to assess the adherence to recommendations and the quality of endoscopic procedure in long-standing ulcerative colitis.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study. We selected patients included in the Swiss IBD cohort with a disease duration of ≥8 years and an extension above the rectosigmoid junction. The complementary medical chart review focused on endoscopy and associated histological reports in 8 Swiss centers. Descriptive analyses focused on patients and their colonoscopies.

Results

309 colonoscopies were conducted among 116 patients with the following characteristics: women 47%, mean age at diagnosis 31 years, and pancolitis disease extent in 65.5% of cases; 38.8% of patients had a first screening colonoscopy <8 years, 13.8% between 8 and 10 years, and 47.4% >10 years. Cecal intubation was performed in 94.5% of cases, and bowel preparation was good to excellent in 61.5% of endoscopies. Chromoendoscopy was used in 7.4% of cases, and the mean withdrawal time was 16.4 min. Dysplasia was found in 6.2% of cases.

Conclusion

Despite current international recommendations, a significant number of patients did not receive a proper endoscopic surveillance. An increased use of chromoendoscopy, monitoring of withdrawal time, and appropriate bowel preparation would increase the quality of CRC screening. The adherence to screening guidelines and endoscopic quality should be promoted and standardized.

Interval Colorectal Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Role of Guideline Adherence

BACKGROUND

Factors associated with interval colorectal cancer (CRC) development in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) population remain unclear.

AIMS

Among a cohort of patients with interval CRC, we aimed to evaluate IBD characteristics, colonoscopy quality indicators, and surveillance guideline adherence.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of IBD- and non-IBD-associated interval CRCs diagnosed between January 2007 and December 2014 within a large US healthcare system. We evaluated risk factors for CRC among patients with IBD. We assessed adherence to surveillance guidelines according to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (IBD surveillance) and the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer (polyp surveillance). We compared colonoscopy quality measures between patients with and without IBD.

RESULTS

Among 5345 cases of colonic adenocarcinoma, we detected 15 IBD-associated cases of interval CRC and 230 non-IBD-associated cases of interval CRC. Compared to patients without IBD, IBD patients were younger (54.5 vs. 70.4 years; p < 0.0001) and experienced a shorter interval between index colonoscopy and CRC diagnosis (20.7 vs. 35.1 months; p = 0.0009). Fifty three percent (8/15) of interval CRCs in IBD patients were detected within surveillance guidelines. All IBD patients with interval CRC detected after guideline surveillance interval had high-risk features, including active inflammation, previous low-grade or indefinite dysplasia, multiple pseudopolyps on index colonoscopy, or a first-degree relative with CRC. There were no differences in colonoscopy quality measures between patients with and without IBD.

CONCLUSIONS

This study stresses the importance of strict short-interval surveillance for IBD patients with high-risk features, including active inflammation on index colonoscopy.

Surgical Management of Dysplasia and Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at an increased risk of cancer secondary to long-standing intestinal inflammation. Surgical options must take into account the significant risk of synchronous disease at other colonic sites. Ileal pouch anal anastomosis is a viable option for patients with ulcerative colitis, but this should be restricted to early cancers that are unlikely to require preoperative or postoperative radiation treatment.

A comprehensive review and update on ulcerative colitis. Dis Mon. 2019;65:100851. [PMID: 30837080 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2019.02.004]

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disorder of the colon that causes continuous mucosal inflammation extending from the rectum to the more proximal colon, with variable extents. UC is characterized by a relapsing and remitting course. UC was first described by Samuel Wilks in 1859 and it is more common than Crohn's disease worldwide. The overall incidence and prevalence of UC is reported to be 1.2-20.3 and 7.6-245 cases per 100,000 persons/year respectively. UC has a bimodal age distribution with an incidence peak in the 2nd or 3rd decades and followed by second peak between 50 and 80 years of age. The key risk factors for UC include genetics, environmental factors, autoimmunity and gut microbiota. The classic presentation of UC include bloody diarrhea with or without mucus, rectal urgency, tenesmus, and variable degrees of abdominal pain that is often relieved by defecation. UC is diagnosed based on the combination of clinical presentation, endoscopic findings, histology, and the absence of alternative diagnoses. In addition to confirming the diagnosis of UC, it is also important to define the extent and severity of inflammation, which aids in the selection of appropriate treatment and for predicting the patient's prognosis. Ileocolonoscopy with biopsy is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of UC. A pathognomonic finding of UC is the presence of continuous colonic inflammation characterized by erythema, loss of normal vascular pattern, granularity, erosions, friability, bleeding, and ulcerations, with distinct demarcation between inflamed and non-inflamed bowel. Histopathology is the definitive tool in diagnosing UC, assessing the disease severity and identifying intraepithelial neoplasia (dysplasia) or cancer. The classical histological changes in UC include decreased crypt density, crypt architectural distortion, irregular mucosal surface and heavy diffuse transmucosal inflammation, in the absence of genuine granulomas. Abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scanning is the preferred initial radiographic imaging study in UC patients with acute abdominal symptoms. The hallmark CT finding of UC is mural thickening with a mean wall thickness of 8 mm, as opposed to a 2-3 mm mean wall thickness of the normal colon. The Mayo scoring system is a commonly used index to assess disease severity and monitor patients during therapy. The goals of treatment in UC are three fold-improve quality of life, achieve steroid free remission and minimize the risk of cancer. The choice of treatment depends on disease extent, severity and the course of the disease. For proctitis, topical 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) drugs are used as the first line agents. UC patients with more extensive or severe disease should be treated with a combination of oral and topical 5-ASA drugs +/- corticosteroids to induce remission. Patients with severe UC need to be hospitalized for treatment. The options in these patients include intravenous steroids and if refractory, calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine, tacrolimus) or tumor necrosis factor-α antibodies (infliximab) are utilized. Once remission is induced, patients are then continued on appropriate medications to maintain remission. Indications for emergency surgery include refractory toxic megacolon, colonic perforation, or severe colorectal bleeding.

Colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel disease: review of the evidence

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-related colorectal cancer (CRC) is responsible for approximately 2% of the annual mortality from CRC overall, but 10-15% of the annual deaths in IBD patients. IBD-related CRC patients are also affected at a younger age than sporadic CRC patients, and have a 5-year survival rate of 50%. Despite optimal medical treatment, the chronic inflammatory state inherent in IBD increases the risk for high-grade dysplasia and CRC, with additional input from genetic and environmental risk factors and the microbiome. Recognizing risk factors, implementing appropriate surveillance, and identifying high-risk patients are key to managing the CRC risk in IBD patients. Chemoprevention strategies exist, and studies evaluating their efficacy are underway. Once dysplasia or invasive cancer is diagnosed, appropriate surgical resection and postoperative treatment and surveillance are necessary. Here, we discuss the current state of IBD-related CRC, prevalence, risk factors, and evidence for surveillance, prophylaxis, and treatment recommendations.

Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 facilitates tumorigenesis in a mouse model of colitis-associated colon cancer

Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1R) has been shown to be up-regulated in the adenocarcinomas of colorectal cancer patients, which is associated with a poor prognosis. In a spontaneous model of colon cancer, CysLT1R disruption was associated with a reduced tumor burden in double-mutant female mice (ApcMin/+/Cysltr1-/-) compared to ApcMin/+ littermates. In the current study, we utilized a genetic approach to investigate the effect of CysLT1R in the induced azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS) model of colitis-associated colon cancer. We found that AOM/DSS female mice with a global disruption of the Cysltr1 gene (Cysltr1-/-) had a higher relative body weight, a more normal weight/length colon ratio and smaller-sized colonic polyps compared to AOM/DSS wild-type counterparts. The Cysltr1-/- colonic polyps exhibited low-grade dysplasia, while wild-type polyps had an adenoma-like phenotype. The Cysltr1-/- colonic polyps exhibited significant decreases in nuclear β-catenin and COX-2 protein expression, while the normal crypts surrounding the polyps exhibited increased Mucin 2 expression. Furthermore, Cysltr1-/- mice exhibited an overall reduction in inflammation, with a significant decrease in proinflammatory cytokines, polyp 5-LOX expression and infiltration of CD45 leukocytes and F4/80 macrophages. In conclusion, the present genetic approach in an AOM/DSS model further supports an important role for CysLT1R in colon tumorigenesis.

Colon Cancer: Inflammation-Associated Cancer

Colitis-associated cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer with an unclear pathogenesis. Colitis-associated cancer serves as a prototype of inflammation-associated cancers. Advanced colonoscopic techniques are considered standard of care for surveillance in patients with long-standing colitis, especially those with other risk factors, including sclerosing cholangitis and a family history of colorectal cancer. When colitis-associated cancer is diagnosed, the standard operation involves total proctocolectomy. Restorative procedures and surveillance after colectomy require special considerations. In these contexts, new 3-dimensional human models may be used to usher in personalized medicine.

Role of new endoscopic techniques in inflammatory bowel disease management: Has the change come?

Despite significant therapeutic progress in recent years, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, remains a challenge regarding its pathogenesis and long-term complications. New concepts have emerged in the management of this disease, such as the “treat-to-target” concept, in which mucosal healing plays a key role in the evolution of IBD, the risk of recurrence and the need for surgery. Endoscopy is essential for the assessment of mucosal inflammation and plays a pivotal role in the analysis of mucosal healing in patients with IBD. Endoscopy is also essential in the detection of dysplasia and in the identification of the risk of colon cancer. The current surveillance strategy for dysplasia in IBD patients indicates white-light endoscopy with non-targeted biopsies. The new chromoendoscopy techniques provide substantial benefits for both clinicians and patients. Narrow-band imaging (NBI) has similar rates of dysplastic lesion detection as white-light endoscopy, and it seems that NBI identifies more adenoma-like lesions. Because it is used instinctively by many endoscopists, the combination of these two techniques might improve the rate of dysplasia detection. Flexible spectral imaging color enhancement can help differentiate dysplastic and non-dysplastic lesions and can also predict the risk of recurrence, which allows us to modulate the treatment to gain better control of the disease. The combination of non-invasive serum and stool biomarkers with endoscopy will improve the monitoring and limit the evolution of IBD because it enables the use of a personalized approach to each patient based on that patient’s history and risk factors.

Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Colonic Dysplasia in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is estimated at 3.7%. Risk factors for CRC include more severe disease (as reflected by the extent of disease and the duration of poorly controlled disease), family history of CRC, pseudopolyps, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and male sex. In addition, both early and late onset of IBD have been shown to be risk factors in different studies. Most societal guidelines recommend initiation of surveillance colonoscopy at 8 to 10 years after IBD symptom onset, followed by subsequent surveillance in 1- to 2-year intervals. A recent paradigm shift has led to a focus on targeted biopsies using high-definition colonoscopy or chromoendoscopy rather than traditional white-light endoscopy, as most dysplasia has proven to be visible with these advances in technology. With this shift, endoscopic resection of focal dysplasia, rather than early recommendation for colectomy, has become commonplace. Future studies should focus on newer methods of dysplasia detection, along with comparative effectiveness trials, to determine the optimal approach. Individual risk stratification may also prove beneficial in determining optimal surveillance strategies and intervals.

Colorectal Cancer in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Need for a Real Surveillance Program

The association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) has been widely shown. This association is responsible for 10% to 15% of deaths in patients with IBD, even if according to some studies, the risk of developing CRC seems to be decreased. An adequate surveillance of patients identified as at-risk patients, might improve the management of IBD-CRC risk. In this article we review the literature data related to IBD-CRC, analyze potential risk factors such as severity of inflammation, duration, and extent of IBD, age at diagnosis, sex, family history of sporadic CRC, and coexistent primary sclerosing cholangitis, and update epidemiology on the basis of new studies. Confirmed risk factors for IBD-CRC are severity, extent, and duration of colitis, the presence of coexistent primary sclerosing cholangitis, and a family history of CRC. Current evidence-based guidelines recommend surveillance colonoscopy for patients with colitis 8 to 10 years after diagnosis, further surveillance is decided on the basis of patient risk factors. The classic white light endoscopy, with random biopsies, is now considered unsatisfactory. The evolution of technology has led to the development of new techniques that promise to increase the effectiveness of the monitoring programs. Chromoendoscopy has already proved highly effective and several guidelines suggest its use with a target biopsy. Confocal endomicroscopy and autofluorescence imaging are currently being tested and for this reason they have not yet been considered as useful in surveillance programs.

Inflammatory bowel disease associated neoplasia: A surgeon’s perspective

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

Hyperhomocysteinemia as a potential contributor of colorectal cancer development in inflammatory bowel diseases: A review

Homocysteine is an amino acid generated metabolically by the S-adenosylmethionine-dependent transmethylation pathway. In addition to being a well-known independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, is also a risk factor for cancer. Patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer in comparison to healthy individuals. Furthermore, the risk of hyperhomocysteinaemia is significantly higher in IBD patients when compared with controls. In the present article, we review the mechanisms in which hyperhomocysteinemia may contribute to increased risk of colorectal cancer in IBD patients.

Predictive value of rectal aberrant crypt foci for intraepithelial neoplasia in ulcerative colitis - a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are important biomarkers of sporadic CRC risk. Their correlation with the risk of intraepithelial neoplasia (IN) in UC remains unclear.

AIMS

To assess whether ACF are a risk factor for IN in long-standing UC and to investigate any correlation between the clinico-epidemiological characteristics and prevalence/number of ACF in these patients.

METHODS

Seventy-six patients with long-standing UC were prospectively screened by colonoscopy with chromoendoscopy-guided endomicroscopy. ACF were sought in the lower rectum.

RESULTS

Eight INs were detected in seven (9.2%) patients. The ACF prevalence and mean number were 60.5% and 2.4 ± 2.8, respectively. The number of ACF was independently associated with the risk of having IN (odds ratio = 1.338; 95% confidence interval 1.030-1.738). ACF number revealed a good calibration (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.829) and discriminative ability (p = 0.205, Hosmer-Lemeshow test) for the prediction of synchronous IN. Patients with ≥3 ACF have a significantly higher prevalence of IN than patients with <3 ACF (22.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.001). Using this cut-off value, the performance of ACF in predicting the presence of IN was as follows: sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 65.2%, positive predictive value = 22.6%, and negative predictive value = 100%. Age >40 years, family history of CRC, and increased body mass index (BMI) were associated with a significantly higher number of ACF.

CONCLUSION

Long-standing UC patients with ≥3 ACF have a significantly higher likelihood of having IN. Age >40 years, family history of CRC, and increased BMI have significant positive associations with the number of ACF.

Colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel disease: The risk, pathogenesis, prevention and diagnosis

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC), although the overall incidence of IBD-associated CRC has been diminishing in recent decades in western countries. As demonstrated in previous studies, the risk of CRC in IBD increases with longer duration, extent of colitis, a familial history of CRC, coexistent primary sclerosing cholangitis, and the degree of inflammation. The pathogenesis of CRC in IBD is poorly understood. Similar to sporadic CRC, IBD-associated CRC is a consequence of sequential episodes of genomic alteration. Multiple inter-related pathways, including immune response by mucosal inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress, and intestinal microbiota, are also involved the pathogenesis of IBD-associated CRC. Continuing colonic inflammation appears to be a factor in the development of CRC; therefore, anti-inflammatory agents such as 5-aminosalicylate compounds and immune modulators have been considered as potential chemopreventive agents. Colonoscopic surveillance is widely accepted as being effective in reducing the risk of IBD-associated CRC, although no clear evidence has confirmed that surveillance colonoscopy prolongs survival in patients with extensive colitis. The traditional recommendation has been quadrantic random biopsies throughout the entire colon; however, several guidelines now have endorsed chromoendoscopy with a target biopsy because of increasing diagnostic yields and reduced workloads for endoscopists and pathologists. New technologies such as narrow band imaging, confocal endomicroscopy, and autofluorescence imaging have not yet been confirmed as surveillance strategies in IBD.

Anemia in inflammatory bowel disease: A neglected issue with relevant effects

Anemia, a common complication associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is frequently overlooked in the management of IBD patients. Unfortunately, it represents one of the major causes of both decreased quality of life and increased hospital admissions among this population. Anemia in IBD is pathogenically complex, with several factors contributing to its development. While iron deficiency is the most common cause, vitamin B₁₂ and folic acid deficiencies, along with the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hemolysis, drug therapies, and myelosuppression, have also been identified as the underlying etiology in a number of patients. Each of these etiological factors thus needs to be identified and corrected in order to effectively manage anemia in IBD. Because the diagnosis of anemia in IBD often presents a challenge, combinations of several hematimetric and biochemical parameters should be used. Recent studies underscore the importance of determining the ferritin index and hepcidin levels in order to distinguish between iron deficiency anemia, anemia due to chronic disease, or mixed anemia in IBD patients. With regard to treatment, the newly introduced intravenous iron formulations have several advantages over orally-administered iron compounds in treating iron deficiency in IBD. In special situations, erythropoietin supplementation and biological therapies should be considered. In conclusion, the management of anemia is a complex aspect of treating IBD patients, one that significantly influences the prognosis of the disease. As a consequence, its correction should be considered a specific, first-line therapeutic goal in the management of these patients.

Follow-up intervals for precancerous colorectal conditions

Colorectal cancer screening is useful not only in detecting colorectal cancer at an early stage, but also in finding people with precancerous conditions. Proper interference in precancerous patients is good for reducing the occurrence of cancer. The precancerous conditions vary from patient to patient, so is the risk of malignant transformation. However, the lack of clear definition and classification for precancerous colorectal conditions in China makes standard treatment and follow-up management of these people difficult. This review summarizes basic definition and classification for precancerous colorectal conditions, clarifies different risks among people, and introduces the latest progress in follow-up intervals worldwide.

Chromoendoscopy and Advanced Imaging Technologies for Surveillance of Patients with IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease patients with long-standing colitis have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The high rate of interval colitis-associated cancers among patients who adhere to a nontargeted, random biopsy surveillance strategy underlies the need for improved methods of early dysplasia detection. Compelling evidence supports the efficacy of chromoendoscopy for increasing the detection rate of dysplasia; however, this technology is currently underutilized in the clinical setting. Other contrast-based technologies-including confocal laser endomicroscopy (Pentax), endocytoscopy, multiband imaging, i-scan (Pentax), and molecular-targeted techniques-show promise in the detection of dysplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The strategies currently available for identifying patients with dysplasia or colitis-associated cancers remain inadequate and need to demonstrate both cost and time efficiency before they can be adopted in community-based practices.