In the News
USPSTF continues to recommend against screening for pancreatic cancer
There is no evidence that screening for pancreatic cancer or treating screen-detected disease improves disease-specific morbidity or all-cause mortality in average-risk adults with no symptoms, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concluded.
Antibiotics may be associated with colon cancer risk in dose-dependent fashion
A case-control study found that patients who developed colon cancer, particularly in the proximal colon, were more likely to have taken antibiotics, whereas antibiotic use was not associated with increased risk of rectal cancer.
Safe to stop 5-ASA therapy for Crohn's disease when anti-TNF agent is started, study finds
A retrospective trial showed no increase in new corticosteroid therapy or disease-related hospitalization or surgery among patients who discontinued 5-aminosalycilate (5-ASA) therapy when initiating an anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agent.
MKSAP quiz: Treatment of amebic liver abscess
This month's quiz asks readers to determine the most appropriate treatment for a 46-year-old man with an amebic liver abscess.
Spotlight on irritable bowel syndrome
In the past month, researchers assessed potential treatments of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reviewed likely causes of the condition, and quantified the daily challenges facing patients with IBS.
New boxed warning for ulcerative colitis drug
Based on data from an ongoing safety trial, the FDA has approved a new warning about an increased risk of blood clots and of death with the 10-mg twice-daily dose of tofacitinib (Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR).
Lipophilic statins associated with significantly reduced hepatocellular carcinoma incidence, mortality in hepatitis
Potential benefits of lipophilic statins appeared to be dose- and duration-dependent, with the greatest reduction in hepatocellular carcinoma risk seen with use of a moderate-dose statin for about two years, according to data from a registry of Swedish patients with hepatitis B or C.
Experts go ‘Beyond the Guidelines' to debate screening, management of NAFLD
Hepatologists from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and University of Michigan Medical Center offered differing opinions on screening and management for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Aspirin before fecal immunochemical testing did not increase sensitivity for detecting advanced colorectal neoplasms
The results of the randomized trial do not support routinely recommending aspirin before fecal immunochemical testing for colorectal cancer screening, according to an ACP Journal Club commentary.
In compensated cirrhosis with portal hypertension, beta-blockers reduced a composite of decompensation or death
The trial results cannot be generalized to all patients with cirrhosis, and future trials should look at whether similar effects could be achieved simply by limiting salt intake, an ACP Journal Club commentary said.