A new investigational blood test for colorectal cancer (CRC) demonstrated encouraging results in the PREEMPT CRC study, the largest trial of any blood-based CRC screening test to date. Presented at ASCO GI 2025, the study reported 79.2% sensitivity and 91.5% specificity for CRC detection among 27,010 average-risk adults. While the test met primary endpoints, its sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions was only 12.5%, indicating the need for further optimization.
Author: Abhay Panchal
Albany Gastroenterology Associates (Albany Gastro) has reported a data breach to the Vermont Attorney General, revealing that an unauthorized party accessed sensitive patient information, including names and Social Security numbers. The breach, detected on November 19, 2024, compromised files as early as November 10, 2024. Following an internal investigation with cybersecurity experts, Albany Gastro began notifying affected individuals on January 28, 2025.
In this week’s Impact Factor, Dr. F. Perry Wilson delves into the latest study on GLP-1 receptor agonists—drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro—published in Nature Medicine. Initially developed for diabetes, these drugs have shown remarkable benefits beyond blood sugar control, including significant weight loss and reductions in smoking, alcohol use, and even compulsive behaviors. While concerns remain about long-term effects and applicability to broader populations, the study suggests that these drugs may be the ultimate “anticonsumption” therapy—addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of modern society. Could we be looking at the most transformative drug class of our era?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly shaping the landscape of gastroenterology and endoscopy, offering new opportunities to improve diagnostics, treatment, and workflow efficiency. Despite numerous AI applications being explored in academic research, regulatory authorization remains a bottleneck, limiting real-world adoption. This paper explores the role of industry in fostering AI integration by addressing ethical considerations, regulatory pathways, data security, and commercialization strategies.
Gastroenterology experts recently joined Becker’s to highlight the most promising areas for Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) growth in the coming years. With increasing demand for cost-effective, high-quality GI care, ASCs are well-positioned to expand their role in the healthcare landscape. Here are three key areas they identified:
Iterative Health and Unio Specialty Care are revolutionizing colorectal cancer screening in California by integrating AI-powered SKOUT technology into surgery centers. With colorectal cancer remaining the second deadliest cancer in the U.S., SKOUT enhances colonoscopy precision by detecting hard-to-spot sessile polyps in real time, supporting both patients and overburdened physicians. By nearly doubling detection speed and boosting sensitivity by ~40%, this collaboration represents a major leap forward in AI-assisted gastroenterology care. Could this be the turning point for AI’s role in early cancer detection?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is committed to a robust Marketplace Open Enrollment process for consumers so they can effortlessly purchase quality, affordable health care coverage. CMS reports that 24.2 million1 consumers selected plan year 2025 coverage through the Marketplaces during the 2025 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period, including 3.9 million new consumers. That represents more than double the number of enrollees compared to the 2021 Open Enrollment Period.
In one of his first acts as president, Donald Trump issued an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing grievances over its handling of COVID-19, “onerous payments,” and a perceived bias toward China. This move, following years of Trump’s criticism of the agency, will disrupt U.S. access to critical global health data and collaborative networks. While supporters applaud the emphasis on sovereignty, public health experts warn that this decision undermines global health security and diminishes America’s leadership in confronting international health crises.
In a significant move to reduce healthcare costs, CMS announced the selection of 15 new drugs for Medicare Part D price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act, with price reductions set to take effect in 2027. These drugs, treating conditions like cancer, type 2 diabetes, and asthma, accounted for 14% of Part D’s gross prescription costs from November 2023 to October 2024, impacting 5.3 million beneficiaries. The process builds on the success of the first cycle, which saw cuts to 10 drugs. With the scope of negotiations set to expand annually, the initiative aims to ensure broader access to life-saving…
Navigating the intricate regulatory framework surrounding ASC ownership, particularly for multispecialty centers, demands strict adherence to laws like the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law. Compliance hinges on structuring ownership agreements at fair market value, meeting safe harbor standards, and ensuring profit distributions align with ownership rather than referrals. Missteps, such as overpaying for controlling interest or underpricing non-controlling stakes, can lead to severe penalties. Yet, with the right safeguards in place, ASCs can thrive within these constraints. The question remains: as regulations evolve, will ASCs continue to adapt while maintaining their profitability and compliance?