Prediction of advanced colonic neoplasm in symptomatic patients: a scoring system to prioritize colonoscopy (COLONOFIT study).

Background: Fast-track colonoscopy to detect patients with colorectal cancer based on high-risk symptoms is associated with low sensitivity and specificity. The aim was to derive a predictive score of advanced colonic neoplasia in symptomatic patients in fast-track programs.

Methods: All patients referred for fast-track colonoscopy were evaluated.

Capsule endoscopy capture rate: has 4 frames-per-second any impact over 2 frames-per-second?

Aim: To compare the current capsule and a new prototype at 2 and 4 frames-per-second, respectively, in terms of clinical and therapeutic impact.

Methods: One hundred patients with an indication for capsule endoscopy were included in the study. All procedures were performed with the new device (SB24).

Nanofluidic digital PCR for KRAS mutation detection and quantification in gastrointestinal cancer.

Background: Concomitant quantification of multiple mutant KRAS (v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) alleles may provide information in addition to that provided by standard mutation-detection procedures. We assessed the feasibility of a nanofluidic digital PCR array platform to detect and quantify KRAS mutations simultaneously in clinically relevant samples.

Methods: We assessed 2 groups of patients (colorectal and pancreatic disease): Group 1 consisted of 27 patients with colorectal carcinomas, 14 patients with adenomas, and 5 control individuals; group 2 consisted of 42 patients with pancreatic carcinoma, 4 with adenocarcinomas of the ampulla, and 6 with chronic pancreatitis).

Novel methylation panel for the early detection of neoplasia in high-risk ulcerative colitis and Crohn's colitis patients.

Background: Patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's colonic disease are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of the study was to analyze the methylation status of selected genes as a risk marker for CRC in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

Methods: We evaluated the methylation status of four genes (TGFB2, SLIT2, HS3ST2, and TMEFF2) in biopsies of four groups of patients: 60 patients with sporadic CRC, 32 patients with IBD-associated neoplasia, 85 patients with IBD without associated neoplasia (20 at high risk and 65 at low risk), and 28 healthy controls.

[Wireless capsule endoscopy: basic principles and clinical utility].

Wireless capsule endoscopy (PillCam) represents a major advance in the study of small bowel disease since this procedure allows images of hitherto unreachable areas to be obtained. Approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration in August 2000, capsule endoscopy is currently a first line procedure in the study of small bowel disease. This technique consists of a non-reusable swallowable capsule (length 26 x 11 mm) that acquires video images while moving through the gastrointestinal tract propelled by natural peristalsis.