Top in GI: Controversial colonoscopy data; biosimilars effective for IBD

The American Gastroenterology Association recently spoke out about data that showed colonoscopy screening had a modest benefit in colorectal cancer.

David LiebermanMD, AGAF, chair of the AGA’s Colorectal Cancer Task Force, said in a statement that “colonoscopy screening is effective if it is completed.”

“Only 42% of patients randomized to colonoscopy completed the test,” he said about the study. “Among patients who actually got the colonoscopy, results are much more impressive in CRC prevention (31% decrease) and mortality (50% decrease).”

This was the top story in gastroenterology last week.

Another top story covered a study that demonstrated the effectiveness of two Humira biosimilars, Hyrimoz (adalimumab-adaz) and Hulio (adalimumab-fkjp), in patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Read these and more top stories in gastroenterology below:

AGA speaks out on controversial NordICC data citing modest colonoscopy benefit for CRC

Following publication of NordICC trial data in The New England Journal of Medicine, which found a modest benefit for colonoscopy screening in colorectal cancer, the AGA fired back, noting that colonoscopy is only effective “if it is completed.” Read more.

Humira biosimilars Hyrimoz, Hulio show ‘positive clinical outcomes’ for patients with IBD

Two adalimumab biosimilars, adalimumab-adaz and adalimumab-fkjp, demonstrated safety and effectiveness in patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, according to a study in PLOS One. Read more.

First US patient enrolled in Abivax’s phase 3 trial of obefazimod for ulcerative colitis

Abivax announced that the first U.S. patient has been enrolled in its global phase 3 clinical trial of its oral small-molecule inhibitor obefazimod for the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. Read more.

Gastroenterologists play ‘important role’ in addressing sexual dysfunction in patients

Sexual dysfunction is a common problem for patients with gastrointestinal disorders. The sensitive nature of the topic can cause patients and providers to avoid discussing it, resulting in many patients not receiving access to treatment. Read more.

VIDEO: Mirikizumab induces ‘rapid control’ of bowel urgency, symptomatic remission in UC

VIENNA — In a Healio video exclusive, Maria T. Abreu, MD, reported mirikizumab induced “rapid control” of bowel movement urgency and fatigue among patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Watch video.