Top gastroenterology stories: 40 new genetic links to colorectal cancer discovered, PPI co-therapy reduces upper GI bleeding

The top story in gastroenterology this past week was the discovery of 40 new genetic variants that point to an increased risk for colorectal cancer.

Other popular stories included research findings revealing that proton pump inhibitor co-therapy reduces upper GI bleeding hospitalizations among patients on oral anticoagulants, the recent upswing in rates of young-onset colorectal cancer has mostly been due to an increase in rectal cancer among whites, many patients prefer to continue low-value colonoscopy screenings and balloon dilation provides alternative for upper GI Crohn’s strictures.

Genome-wide association study reveals 40 new genetic links to colorectal cancer

A genome-wide analysis of more than 100,000 individuals identified 40 new genetic variants that point to an increased risk for colorectal cancer, according to research published in Nature Genetics. Read more.

Proton pump inhibitor co-therapy reduces upper GI bleeding hospitalizations among patients on oral anticoagulants

The incidence of hospitalization for upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding for patients taking an anticoagulant was lower among patients who were also taking a proton pump inhibitor, according to research published in JAMA. Read more.

Young-onset colorectal cancer uptick ‘driven’ by more rectal cancers among whites

The recent upswing in rates of young-onset colorectal cancer has mostly been due to an increase in rectal cancer, particularly among white patients, according to research published in Gastroenterology. Read more.

Many patients prefer to continue low-value colonoscopy screenings

Many patients prefer to not stop undergoing screening colonoscopies even if their doctors believe the benefits of continued screening may be low, according to research published in JAMA Open Network. Read more.

Balloon dilation provides alternative for upper GI Crohn’ s strictures

Endoscopic balloon dilation appeared to be a viable alternative to surgery for patients with Crohn’s disease who experience stricturing in the upper gastrointestinal tract, according to a meta-analysis published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Read more.