The relationship between vitamin D and chemotherapy-induced toxicity - a pilot study.

Background: There are anecdotal data that lower levels of vitamin D may be associated with increased levels of toxicity in individuals receiving chemotherapy; we therefore wished to investigate this further.

Methods: From a cohort of over 11 000 individuals, we included those who had vitamin D levels (serum 1,25(OH)(2)D3) measured before and during chemotherapy. They were analysed for side effects correlating Chemotherapy Toxicity Criteria with vitamin D levels, normalising data for general markers of patient health including C-reactive protein and albumin.

Thirty-year analysis of a colonoscopic surveillance program for neoplasia in ulcerative colitis.

Background & Aims: The value of colonoscopic surveillance for neoplasia in long-standing extensive ulcerative colitis remains controversial. This study reports on prospectively collected data from a surveillance program over a 30-year period.

Methods: Data were obtained from the prospective surveillance database, medical records, colonoscopy, and histology reports.

Cancer surveillance in longstanding ulcerative colitis: endoscopic appearances help predict cancer risk.

Background And Aims: The risk of colorectal cancer is increased in ulcerative colitis (UC). Patients with UC have diverse colonoscopic appearances. Determining colonoscopic markers for cancer risk could allow patient risk stratification.

Severity of inflammation is a risk factor for colorectal neoplasia in ulcerative colitis.

Background & Aims: Patients with ulcerative colitis are at increased risk of colorectal cancer. It is widely believed that this is secondary to colonic inflammation. However, the severity of colonic inflammation has never been shown to be a risk factor.