Top stories in gastroenterology: Breath test identifies pancreatic cancer, biologics for Crohn’s disease study underway

Among the top stories in gastroenterology this week was research indicating a breath test could effectively identify patients with pancreatic cancer, the start of a new trial comparing two biologics for the treatment of Crohn’s disease, a study showing that augmenting the lower esophageal sphincter was more effective than increasing proton pump inhibitor therapy for treating regurgitation in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and the finding that mailed fecal immunochemical tests kits nearly double colon cancer screening rates. – by Alaina Tedesco

Biologics comparison study underway for Crohn’s disease

A new trial underway through Janssen Scientific Affairs will pit two biologics against each other for the treatment of Crohn’s disease. Read more.

Breath test analysis spots pancreatic cancer

Identifying certain compounds found in breath samples helped distinguish patients with pancreatic cancer from those without, according to research published in the British Journal of Surgery. Read more.

Magnetic sphincter augmentation bests proton pump inhibitors in treating refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease

Augmentation of the lower esophageal sphincter with a magnetic ring placed during a minimally invasive procedure was more effective than increasing proton pump inhibitor therapy for treating regurgitation in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, according to research published in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Read more.

Mailed fecal immunochemical test kits nearly double colon cancer screening rates

Mailing fecal immunochemical tests directly to patients insured by Medicaid helped improve colorectal cancer screening rates, according to research published in Cancer. Read more.

U.S. News & World Report ranks Mayo Clinic best hospital for gastroenterology, gastrointestinal surgery

Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic received top honors among hospitals for gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, as recently announced in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Hospitals survey. Read more.