TOPLINE:Biomarker testing completion rates in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) has increased over time in alignment with guidelines and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals, but disparities by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status persist. METHODOLOGY:
Author: Abhay Panchal
Low reimbursement rates have plagued gastroenterology for years. Here’s what gastroenterologists have to say about how it’s affecting the field. Note: These responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity. Vivek Kaul, MD. Segal-Watson Professor of Medicine in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division at the University of Rochester (N.Y.) Medical Center: There is the well-known issue of decreasing reimbursement over time for procedures that already have existing CPT codes, and that too in the face of the post-pandemic increased demand, higher costs of doing business and staffing issues. In addition, a real challenge we are facing is the inability…
A new vaccine shows encouraging early results as a potential off-the-shelf treatment for certain patients with pancreatic or colorectal cancer, according to a study co-led by researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). The vaccine targets tumors with mutations (or changes) in the KRAS gene, a driving force in many cancers. This cancer vaccine is different from another type of pancreatic cancer vaccine, which is custom-made for each patient using messenger RNA (mRNA). Both are therapeutic vaccines given after surgery to prevent or delay the cancer from coming back in high-risk patients. “Having a vaccine that’s ‘off-the-shelf’ would make…
From new procedures to evolving uses of artificial intelligence, here are seven notes on gastroenterological technology that ASCs and providers should monitor over the next five years: Artificial intelligence
This could be a breakthrough for colon cancer prevention.Researchers at the Australian National University have learned how to use medicine to activate a cancer-blocking protein that can clear harmed DNA from the body “like a light switch.” “In its activated state, the protein acts like a surveillance system, detecting signs of damaged DNA in our cells,” researcher Dr. Abhimanu Pandey said of protein Ku70. He added that “damaged DNA” is a typically early warning sign that cells can become cancerous. Ku70 has the potential to reverse or at least halt the damage. “Our research shows that Ku70 can ‘cool off’…
In a recent Healio exclusive, Kelly Cushing-Damm, MD, MSCI, discussed emerging strategies for monitoring inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that could benefit both patients and medical practices. The key points from this discussion include: High Risk of Disease Progression: Patients with IBD are at a high risk of disease progression or complications due to uncontrolled inflammation. It’s crucial to confirm minimal residual inflammation after starting treatment. Use of Objective Markers: Since patient symptoms don’t always align with the level of inflammation, it’s important to use objective markers alongside symptom assessments to confirm remission. Current guidelines include symptom assessment, noninvasive markers like…
A study presented at the Crohn’s & Colitis Congress revealed a significant increase in the cost of treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from 2009 to 2019. The key findings of the study include: Rising Costs Over a Decade: The average cost of treating an IBD patient rose from $8,477 in 2009 to $15,786 in 2018-2019. This represents an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 6.28%. Biologics as a Major Cost Factor: A substantial portion of this increase is attributed to the annual cost of biologics. While the cost for biologic medications increased, the average annual cost for nonbiologic IBD-related medications…
GI Alliance, a leading network of gastroenterology providers in the United States, has partnered with Ambience Healthcare to develop a comprehensive suite of AI documentation tools tailored for gastroenterology. This collaboration aims to enhance clinical documentation and improve patient care in the field. Key Highlights of the Partnership: Efficiency in Documentation: The AI tools developed by Ambience Healthcare have been deployed in regional GI practices across the U.S. These tools have significantly reduced the time required for new patient documentation by 83%, allowing clinicians to focus more on patient care and see additional patients. Customized AI Solutions: The partnership addresses…
A new narrative review has highlighted a significant trend in colorectal cancer (CRC) epidemiology, known as the birth cohort effect. This phenomenon indicates a rising risk of CRC in successive generations, particularly those born after 1960. Key findings from the review include: Increasing Incidence in Younger Populations: There’s a notable rise in early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), defined as CRC occurring before age 50. This increase is more pronounced in rectal cancer compared to colon cancer, and in distant-stage diagnoses over local-stage ones. Generational Trends: Generation X (born 1965-1980) has seen a rise in EOCRC, with incidence rates 1.22 to 1.58…
A more proactive approach to colorectal cancer screening using fecal immunochemical tests resulted in high participation and detection rates across a large health system, according to data presented at the 2023 annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology. Results of the innovative outreach initiative, which identified high-risk individuals outside the traditional healthcare system, achieved an impressive 32% response rate. More importantly, 7% of individuals who followed through with a colonoscopy ultimately were diagnosed with CRC. “This speaks to a population that was higher risk and needed to be screened but hadn’t done so because they weren’t visiting a primary…