International conference showcases new diagnostic tools for digestive diseases

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Advances in the treatment of pancreatic and colon cancer are among the findings being presented at Digestive Disease Week 2007 in Washington, D.C., the largest international gathering of medical and research professionals involved in liver and gastroenterology issues.

One of the first studies presented, by Ananya Das, M.D., Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, looks at the incidence of colorectal cancer in relation to race, gender and age. Das analyzed the database of the National Cancer Institute to identify all patients with confirmed primary colorectal cancer between 1973 and 2003.

He reports that although overall colon cancer rates gradually declined in those 30 years, rates of proximal colon cancer rose significantly for African-Americans - and African-American men, in particular, beginning in the mid-1990s.

Proximal colon cancer is the most common type of colon cancer, occurring on the right side of the colon.

The best tool for screening proximal colon cancer is colonoscopy, where a flexible, lighted tube is guided into the rectum to view the entire colon. "These results should be used to plan for 'targeted' screening interventions among the African-American population that include more full colonoscopies," Das recommends.

A second study presented by Das reveals that digital analysis of endoscopic ultrasound images can better differentiate between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis, a chronic inflammation of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound, via a guided, lighted instrument with an ultrasound probe, can provide detailed, cost-effective, nonsurgical assessment of the pancreas.

The texture changes revealed by endoscopic ultrasound were quite accurate in differentiating pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis, according to Das, senior study author. "Using mathematical models and texture analyses, we can enhance imaging techniques to more accurately diagnose pancreatic cancer - without the need for invasive diagnostic procedures," he said.

The meeting, taking place May 19-24, showcases more than 5,000 abstracts and lectures on the latest advances in gastroenterology research, medicine and technology.

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center is one of only 39 U.S. medical centers that have been named as a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Center. To receive this designation, an institution must meet rigorous standards demonstrating clinical excellence in treating cancer patients and scientific excellence in its research programs. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center is ranked by the NCI as one of the top 10 cancer centers in the nation, and is the only national, multi-site center with the NCI's Comprehensive Cancer Center designation. In Arizona, Mayo's clinical and research experts work together to address the complex needs of cancer patients, with a dedication to understanding the biology of cancer; discovering new ways to predict, prevent, diagnose and treat cancer; and transforming the quality of life for cancer patients today and in the future.

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