Role of microsatellite instability in the management of colorectal cancers.

Microsatellite instability is the consequence of a deficient mismatch repair system. It has a key role in the diagnostic strategy of Lynch syndrome, where tumours are all characterized by the presence of this phenotype. Microsatellite instability is therefore essential in the selection of colorectal cancer patients in whom a germline analysis of Mismatch Repair genes is possibly indicated.

Chemotherapy in the treatment of anal canal carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinomas of the anal canal are generally diagnosed at a localized or locally advanced stage and only 5% are metastatic at the time of diagnosis. Advanced forms are therefore much rarer than localized forms and usually correspond to metachronous metastases of initially localized disease. Systemic chemotherapy is indicated for the treatment of both localized disease, in combination with radiotherapy, and metastatic disease.

[Appropiateness of colonoscopy in a gastrointestinal unit in 2001: a prospective study using criteria established by a European panel of experts].

Unlabelled: Criteria for appropriateness of colonoscopy have been elaborated by an European Panel (EPAGE).

Objectives: 1) To assess the feasibility of EPAGE criteria in clinical practice, 2) to assess colonoscopy appropriateness using EPAGE criteria, 3) to compare colonoscopy appropriateness and findings.

Patients And Methods: Four hundred and six consecutive examinations were included.