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…
Author: Abhay Panchal
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…
Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) has announced its definitive agreement to acquire Specialty Networks for $1.2 billion in cash. Specialty Networks is a technology-enabled multi-specialty group purchasing and practice enhancement organization, operating in urology, rheumatology, and gastroenterology. This acquisition is a strategic move by Cardinal Health to accelerate growth in its Specialty business and enhance its technology and service offerings. Key Points: The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to positively impact Cardinal Health’s non-GAAP earnings per share 12 months following the close.
While overall cancer mortality is declining, the rise in colorectal cancer deaths, especially among younger adults, and the increasing incidence of certain cancers highlight the need for continued efforts in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Overall Decline in Cancer Mortality: Despite an overall projected decline in cancer mortality in the U.S. in 2024, the number of new cancer diagnoses is expected to exceed 2 million for the first time, according to an annual report from the American Cancer Society. Rise in Colorectal Cancer Deaths: Colorectal cancer has risen from the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the late 1990s…
Key points from the article include: Importance of Quality in Colonoscopy: Quality is crucial in using colonoscopy to reduce the risk of cancer. There are several performance improvements that can be made in practices to enhance the quality of colonoscopies. Increasing the Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR): The current nationally recommended benchmark for ADR is 25%, which is considered low. The GIQuIC registry data shows an ADR rate closer to 39%, and in high-level detectors, it’s over 50%. Techniques to increase ADR include using mucosal exposure techniques, electronic chromoendoscopy, and new artificial intelligence options, which can increase ADR by approximately 10%.…
Novigenix’s LITOSeek™, powered by AI and RNA analysis, represents a significant advancement in personalized cancer treatment and drug development. It offers the potential to reshape how biopharma companies approach therapeutic discoveries in the field. Personalized Cancer Treatment: Novigenix focuses on improving cancer treatment by leveraging advanced AI and RNA analysis from routine blood draws. This approach provides more precise insights into patient immune responses to cancer treatments compared to conventional DNA liquid biopsies. Introduction of LITOSeek™: Novigenix will debut LITOSeek™ at the Precision Medicine World Conference in Silicon Valley. LITOSeek™ is a groundbreaking solution designed to expedite drug development for…
Whether retirement is looming on the horizon or you’re tapering down your work hours, you’re probably wondering what to do next. For many retirees, the primary aim is to engage in a meaningful activity while bringing in some extra income. Roughly 1 in 6 retirees in the United States is currently mulling over a return to the workforce, according to a 2023 study from Paychex. Retired physicians have a range of options when it comes to part-time gigs, both in the clinical and nonclinical spaces. Are you considering a part-time job? Explore these 20 top options in in-demand industries, selected…
AspyreRx is a digital therapeutic that has shown potential in helping patients with Type 2 Diabetes manage their condition more effectively and economically. The study suggests that integrating digital therapeutics like AspyreRx into clinical practice could be a cost-effective approach to diabetes management. Functionality of AspyreRx: AspyreRx is a prescription digital therapeutic that uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients with diabetes lower their hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). It features interactive lessons, skill-building modules, and weekly goal setting and tracking, enabling patients to connect changes in behavior to improvements in blood sugar and other biometrics. FDA Authorization: The FDA authorized AspyreRx…
Prior authorizations are one of the biggest roadblocks for gastroenterologists to secure reimbursements. Eugenio Hernandez, MD, senior vice president of clinical affairs for Miami-based Gastro Health, joined Becker’s to discuss how prior authorizations affect colonoscopy reimbursements. Question: What payer trend is affecting ASCs the most right now?Dr. Eugenio Hernandez: The most challenging payer trends affecting ASCs right now are the policies that require prior authorization or advanced notification for colonoscopies and other relatively routine endoscopic procedures. While these policies place an additional administrative burden on ASCs, the bigger issue is that they could potentially harm patients because of limited, delayed,…
In this edition of Sharma’s Endoscopy Insights, I focus on high-quality endoscopy. We continue to miss lesions during endoscopic examination, highlighting the need for improved quality in surveillance. Phone apps may be able to help with that, especially in improving adherence to recommended surveillance guidance. Finally, keep an eye out for patients who have positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) results—some also may harbor upper GI cancer. Gastric cancer can be missed. In the first study, approximately 4% of patients undergoing endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer had previously missed gastric cancer. This finding again highlights the importance of a high-quality…