Canadian colorectal cancer screening programs: How do they measure up using the International Agency for Research on Cancer criteria for organized screening?

Background: Canada has one of the highest incidences of colorectal cancer (CRC) worldwide. CRC screening improves CRC outcomes and is cost-effective. This study compares Canadian CRC screening programs using essential elements of an organized screening program outlined by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Improved Survival in a Cohort of Patients Aged 75 Years and Older With Fecal Immunochemical Testing-Detected Colorectal Cancer.

Background: Fecal immunochemical testing is an accepted form of colorectal cancer screening and is recommended for adults up to the age of 75 years in Canadian guidelines. However, many individuals 75 years and older continue to receive fecal immunochemical testing despite being outside accepted guidelines.

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether patients aged 75 years and older with screen-detected cancer demonstrated improved outcomes and survival compared with patients with non-screen-detected cancer.

The Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic on Current and Future Endoscopic Personal Protective Equipment Practices: A National Survey of 77 Endoscopists.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness about the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE). We aimed to study and compare PPE practices among Canadian endoscopists before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A 74-item questionnaire was emailed from June 2020 to September 2020 to practicing endoscopists in Canada.

Initial experience with a novel EUS-guided core biopsy needle (SharkCore): results of a large North American multicenter study.

Background And Aims: The ability to safely and effectively obtain sufficient tissue for pathologic evaluation by using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance remains a challenge. Novel designs in EUS needles may provide for improved ability to obtain such core biopsies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of core biopsy specimens obtained using a novel EUS needle specifically designed to obtain core biopsies.

Prospective Study of the Quality of Colonoscopies Performed by Primary Care Physicians: The Alberta Primary Care Endoscopy (APC-Endo) Study.

Background: The quality of colonoscopies performed by primary care physicians (PCPs) is unknown.

Objective: To determine whether PCP colonoscopists achieve colonoscopy quality benchmarks, and patient satisfaction with having their colonoscopy performed by a primary care physician.

Design: Prospective multi-center, multi-physician observational study.

Argon plasma coagulation for the treatment of hemorrhagic radiation colitis.

Radiation colitis is a common consequence of pelvic radiation. Its complications may include anemia due to chronic bleeding requiring transfusions. Many of these patients are managed with rectal medications which are often inadequate for control.

The sensitivity and specificity of guaiac and immunochemical fecal occult blood tests for the detection of advanced colonic adenomas and cancer.

Purpose: Fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) have been developed to address analytical problems inherent in the older guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests (g-FOBTs). Our aim was to compare the performance characteristics of one g-FOBT (Hemoccult II) and two FITs (the Hemoccult ICT and MagStream HemSp) relative to colonoscopy for the detection of colorectal cancer and significant precursor lesions. We also examined whether a 1-day collection strategy would negatively impact test diagnostic performance.

A prospective audit of patient experiences in colonoscopy using the Global Rating Scale: a cohort of 1,187 patients.

Background: The Global Rating Scale (GRS) comprehensively evaluates the quality of an endoscopy department, providing a patient-centred framework for service improvement.

Objective: To assess patient experiences during colonoscopy and identify areas that need service improvement using the GRS.

Methods: Consecutive outpatients undergoing colonoscopy were asked to complete a pre- and postprocedure questionnaire.

Practices in peptic ulcer bleeding controversies among university- versus nonuniversity-affiliated gastroenterologists.

Background: Practices relating to acute peptic ulcer bleeding (APUB) outside of guideline recommendations are unknown.

Objective: To evaluate the practices of university-affiliated (UA) versus nonuniversity-affiliated (non-UA) gastroenterologists in controversial APUB issues.

Methods: Gastroenterologists in Canada were mailed an anonymous questionnaire (January 2008) regarding APUB management.

Increased risk of colorectal cancer in ulcerative colitis patients diagnosed after 40 years of age.

Background: The association between ulcerative colitis (UC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) is well established. Retrospective data show a 5.4% CRC incidence rate among patients with pancolitis and suggest that cancer surveillance should be provided to patients following eight to 10 years of extensive UC.

Synergistic activity of troxacitabine (Troxatyl) and gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer.

Background: Gemcitabine, a deoxycytidine nucleoside analog, is the current standard chemotherapy used as first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancer of the pancreas, and extends life survival by 5.7 months. Advanced pancreatic cancer thus remains a highly unmet medical need and new therapeutic agents are required for this patient population.