ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS

WHAT'S HOT IN THE LITERATURE

Primary surgery vs. Anti-TNF in Crohn's
Gastroenterology
This study further supports the use of ICR as a reasonable first-line therapy for CD. Primary surgery may be a particularly important option in resource-limited settings given the cost of anti-TNF and the need for ongoing treatment. Surgery might also be favored in locations where latent tuberculosis (a contraindication to anti-TNF therapy) is common. read more

Review by Prof. Mark Topazian (USA)

Global trends in GI diseases — the good news and the bad news
Gastroenterology
GI problems are common worldwide but detailed epidemiological data are limited to the developed world. Using the Global Burden of Diseases survey, this study examined trends in common GI diseases between 1990 and 2019. While GI diseases remained very common (incidence 7.3 billion cases — largely due to enteric infections) and important (8 million deaths — cirrhosis a major factor) prevalence remained stable. read more

Review by Prof. Eamonn Quigley (USA)

GI NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

Increased cold snare polypectomy use associated with higher ADRs
Gastreoenterology & Endoscopy News
A large-scale study in the United States found that only about half of colonoscopists follow the cold snare polypectomy guideline for excision of small polyps smaller than 1 cm in size. However, the removal of small polyps with cold snares was "lower than expected" with significant variations by region, GI specialty, and other factors. Read More

AGA guideline endorses fecal microbiota transplant as treatment for recurrent C. diff infection
American Gastroenterological Association via News-Medical
In the first comprehensive evidence-based guideline on the use of fecal microbiota-based therapies for gastrointestinal disease, the American Gastroenterological Association recommends fecal microbiota transplant for most patients with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Read More

Digestive health and stem cells: Treating ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
Nature Communications
Stem cell therapy is a promising treatment for digestive system diseases like Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease, which significantly impact patients' quality of life. Traditional treatments focus on managing symptoms and inducing remission, but regenerative medicine offers a novel and potentially more effective avenue for treatment, offering a more effective approach to managing these conditions. Read More

Tissue-location-specific transcription programs drive tumor dependencies in colon cancer
Medical News Today
Proximal and distal colon cancers have distinct molecular dependencies for tumorigenesis, with BRAFV600E predominantly found in proximal colon cancers and increased DNA methylation phenotype. This study uses mouse colon organoids to show that proximal and distal colon stem cells have distinct transcriptional programs regulating stemness and differentiation. Read More

FDA approves first oral option for eosinophilic esophagitis
MedPage Today
Takeda has approved budesonide oral suspension (Eohilia) for adults and children aged 11 and older with eosinophilic esophagitis. The 12-week course, delivered twice daily, was based on data from two randomized trials involving EoE patients aged 11 to 56 years. More patients achieved histologic remission compared to placebo. Read More

WGO NEWS

EVENTS CALENDAR

HUG 2024
When: March 14-16, 2024
Location: Seoul, Korea
Organizer(s): Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research
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APASL 2024
When: March 27-31, 2024
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Organizer(s): Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver
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Scrubs and Heels Leadership Conference 2024
When: April 12-14, 2024
Location: Miami, Florida
Organizer(s): Scrubs and Heels
Learn More