Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

A new study by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Epidemiology confirms the need for continued colonoscopy surveillance in patients at risk for colorectal cancer, especially those with a history of precancerous polyps. It also highlights the importance for polyps, especially those that are precancerous, to be completely removed since cancer may develop at the site of polyp removal if residual tissue remains.

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The annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in San Diego, Calif., is conjuring up even more good news for consumers, especially those who have to undergo colonoscopies anytime soon. The procedure – which is recommended for those 50 years and older, those with a family history of colon cancer, or those experiencing symptoms of the disease – is getting more accurate, thanks to better techniques and equipment such as a camera that helps detect polyps and other lesions in the colon and the intestines, according to a report on Web MD.

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Clinical trials of a vaccine designed to trigger the body to attack a protein linked to colon cancer are currently being conducted by scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The vaccine activates the immune system to target a defective protein which is prevalent in colorectal cancer tissue and other precancerous tissues. Researchers hope, if proven successful, the vaccine may eliminate the need for repeated colon screenings in high-risk patients. These patients tend to have multiple precancerous polyps, called advanced adenomas, in their intestines. Routine colonoscopies look for signs of recurrence of the polyps.

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