The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recently developed recommendations for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
More Research Needed on MMPs, Especially in CRC Patients With IBD
An important research focus in colorectal cancer concerns the enzymes comprising the 24-member matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of zinc- and calcium-dependent endopeptidases.
Understanding of KRAS Variations and Their Management Is Evolving
Since 2010, KRAS molecular testing has been guideline-recommended in the VA healthcare system. The goal has been to help determine how metastatic cancer is likely to respond to anti-EGFR drug therapy.
VA Pushes to Increase Uptake of Genomic, Other Precision-Testing in CRC
Patients receiving oncology care within a VHA facility are eligible for genomic- and other precision-testing, if they have an advanced-stage tumor or blood cancer and can tolerate recommended therapies.
Epidemiological Changes in CRC Will Have Significant Impact on VHA
The VA treats about 3% of all cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the United States each year—6% among cases in men. So, any epidemiological changes have an outsized effect on the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system.
Signage, Targeted Education Can Improve Acute Appendicitis Care
Targeted in-person education and visible signs in the emergency department can increase adherence to institutional protocols designed to improve compliance with best practices for treating uncomplicated acute appendicitis, according to a recent study.
Not Just a Bulging Belly: DRA Causes Problems for Military Women
Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a common condition in pregnant and postpartum women, occurring when the rectus abdominis muscles, commonly called the six-pack ab muscles, separate from being stretched.
Combat-Related Extremity Amputation Negatively Affects Metabolic Regulation
Although amputations are medically necessary and could decrease pain, improve mobility and expedite return to activity, limb loss could negatively impact metabolic regulation and contribute to a higher risk of obesity, according to a recent military study.
Sooner Is Better for Obscure GI Bleeding Evaluation
Small-bowel evaluation through video-capsule endoscopy (VCE) or double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is often necessary to determine the cause of overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OOGIB).
Significant Increase in Celiac Disease Found in Military Population
The incidence and prevalence of celiac disease increased significantly in the U.S.
JAK Inhibitors: Effective Oral Treatment For Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease
A few months ago, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first JAK Inhibitor for adults with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more tumor necrosis factor blockers.
Folasade P. May Works to Remove Obstacles Keeping Minorities From CRC Screening
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable of cancers, despite being one of the most prevalent, ranking as the second-leading cause of cancer death in adults.
Veterans Surviving COVID-19 at Much Higher Risk of Gastrointestinal Disorders
Survivors of COVID-19 are at heightened risk of developing gastrointestinal (GI) disorders within a year after infection compared with those who were never infected, according to a new study of veterans being treated by the VHA.
HCC Surveillance Rebounded at VA, Still Low
How did the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic affect hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance and factors associated with completion at the VA?
Study Examines Reasons for Vaccine Hesitancy in Patients With IBD
Even after years of the COVID-19 pandemic, data remains somewhat limited on the safety profile of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients taking immunosuppressive medications.
Pandemic Didn’t Delay Colonoscopies for Veterans With ‘Red Flag’ Symptoms
Concerns have been raised over the past few years that, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, VHA patients with “red flag signs or symptoms” of colorectal cancer (CRC) did not receive prompt colonoscopy workups.
VA Study Calls for Greater Use of Fecal Immunochemical Testing for CRC
Backlogs in high-volume gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures, such as colonoscopy, occurred during the current COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the early days.
Minimally Invasive Surgery Is Safe, Feasible Option for Diverticulitis
Patients with right colon diverticulitis can consider minimally invasive surgery a safe, feasible treatment option, according to a recent study.
NAFLD to MAFLD? New Terminology Urged for Fatty Liver Disease
International experts recommend replacing the disease acronym nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD); the new terminology would allow additional reasons for liver disease and more clearly specifies the probable reason for illness, according to a recent veterans study.
GI Symptoms, IBS Are More Prevalent Among Veterans with PTSD
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a syndrome characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.
Colonoscopy Findings Can Offer Clues to Future Non-CRC Mortality
A new study from the Durham, NC, VAMC and Duke University argued that an opportunity to improve health status is being missed by focusing only on cancer screening.
Study Calls for Greater Use of Fecal Immunochemical Testing for CRC
Backlogs in high-volume gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures, such as colonoscopy occurred during the current COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the early days.
Military Researchers Strongly Urge Curbing Steroid Use in IBD Patients
Finding alternatives to steroids in treating inflammatory bowel disease has taken on new urgency with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Levothyroxine Therapy Overused in Patients With Sub-clinical Hypothyroidism
An ongoing problem in treating hypothyroidism is dealing with patients who fall into the sub-clinical category. The result is that more than half of U.S. patients initiating levothyroxine therapy in a 10-year period failed to meet the threshold for benefit, according to a new study.
High Failure Rate of BCG Therapy Creates Challenges for VA Clinicians
In Bacillus Calmette Guerin intravesical immunotherapy treatment, medication is inserted directly into the bladder through a catheter. Yet, although BCG is the main immunotherapy used to treat early-stage bladder cancer, it has high failure rates.
Oral Cavity Cancer Increasing in Military Men Compared to Civilians
Men in the active-duty military population differ somewhat from the United States’ general population in rates of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer incidence, according to a recent study.
VHA Study: No Link Between Ranitidine, Gastric Cancer
With the Food and Drug Administration requesting withdrawal of ranitidine formulations due to a potentially carcinogenic contaminant, N-nitrosodimethylamine, a new study evaluated whether ranitidine use is associated with gastric cancer.
Delayed Colorectal Cancer Screening Follow-up Increases Veterans’ Death Rates
With about 4,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed each year, the VA has fought to increase screening for the condition, which is in the top five cancers afflicting veterans.
IBD Drugs Linked to Increased Leukemia Risk
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) are rare myeloid clonal disorders that commonly affect the elderly population and have poor prognosis.
VA Patients With New Anemia Are Under-Evaluated
Anemia occurs frequently, and clinicians often underappreciate its importance, even though up to 10% of adults with incident iron deficiency anemia (IDA) could have gastrointestinal cancer, according to a new study.