Duodenal adenomatosis in familial adenomatous polyposis. DAF Project Group

Early Discovery Of Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma In a Patient Admitted For 4 Acute Intestinal Intussusception case report

Introduction

Malignant tumours of the small bowel are uncommon in clinical practice. Adenocarcinoma is the most common of these tumours, accounting for approximately 35–45% of all tumours. It may occur sporadically, in association with familial adenomatous polyposis coli or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, or in association with chronic inflammatory bowel changes (such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease).

Materials and methods

We report a case of Early Discovery Of Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma In A Patient Admitted For 4 Acute Intestinal Intussusception in the department of Emergency visceral surgery P35 of the ibn rochd hospital in casablanca.

Results

Our patient was admitted to the emergency room for sub-occlusive syndrome with generalized abdominal pain of chronic appearance dating back to one month before his admission With Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound showed: intestinal parietal thickening and minimal ascites (peritoneal and/or intestinal tuberculosis? Crohn's disease)

The patient underwent an abdominal-pelvic CT scan which showed: Presence of diffuse small bowel thickening, involving several small intestines and the colonic angle with intestinal invaginations (at least 3) suspecting an inflammatory or tumoral origin? To be compared with histological data and infiltration of the mesenteric fat in the sub-umbilical region with a peritoneal effusion in the Douglas. the patient was operated on in the emergency room, approached by laparotomy and found on exploration: Presence of 3 invaginations in the small intestine located at 20cm and 90cm from the Duodenojejunal Angle (DIA) as well as at 25cm from the Last part of the small intestine (DAI), with Presence of a colonic invagination at the level of the left colonic angle. the patient underwent 3 small bowel resections and one segmental colonic resection including segmental small bowel resections: the 1st one of 30 cm taking away an invagination of the small intestine at 20cm from the ADJ, the 2nd one taking away 60cm of invaginated located at 90cm from the ADJ the 3rd one taking away 20cm of invaginated located at 25cm from the DAI and a 4th resection taking away an invagination of the left colonic angle with 3 Anastomosis of the T-T small intestine and a transverse Colostomy in Bouilley Volkman.

On examination by the anapathomopathologist: consistent with a small bowel tumour: well-differentiated intestinal adenocarcinoma on degenerated adenomatous polyps measuring 2.5cm and 1.7cm with an estimated 10% mucinous component with no vascular emboli and no peri-nervous sheathing. TNM stage p: pT2 with healthy resection margins in the left colon: Presence of a tubular adenoma with low grade dysplasia.

Conclusion

The most common symptoms of adenocarcinoma of the small bowel are obstruction, overt or covert bleeding, weight loss and jaundice. Because the small bowel has long been relatively inaccessible to routine endoscopy, the diagnosis of small bowel adenocarcinoma was often delayed for several months after the onset of symptoms. Therefore, in case of suspicion of this type of cancer, a thorough evaluation should be undertaken. Nowadays, endoscopy of the small bowel is widely available, allowing an earlier non-invasive diagnosis.

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Acute Intestinal Intussusception as a cause of intestinal obstruction is often a diagnostic challenge mimicking a wide spectrum of diseases.

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Malignant tumours of the small bowel are uncommon in clinical practice. Adenocarcinoma is the most common of these tumours.

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Its diagnosis is still very difficult.

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The treatment of Acute Intestinal Intussusception is in most cases surgical.

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The diagnosis of Acute Intestinal Intussusception is histological.

Molecular Landscape of Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma

Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is a rare malignancy, with lower incidence, later stage at diagnosis, and poor overall prognosis compared to other cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Owing to the rarity of the disease along with the paucity of high-quality tissue samples and preclinical models, little is known about the molecular alterations characteristic of SBA. This is reflected by the fact that the clinical management of SBA is primarily extrapolated from colorectal cancer (CRC). Recent advances in genomic profiling have highlighted key differences between these tumors, establishing SBA as a molecularly unique intestinal cancer. Moreover, comprehensive molecular analysis has identified a relatively high incidence of potentially targetable genomic alterations in SBA, predictive of response to targeted and immunotherapies. Further advances in our knowledge of the mutational and transcriptomic landscape of SBA, guided by an increased understanding of the molecular drivers of SBA, will provide opportunities to develop novel diagnostic tools and personalized therapeutic strategies.

Natural history of ampullary adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis: a long-term follow-up study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Ampullary adenomas (AAs), common in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), are precursors to ampullary carcinoma. We assessed the natural history of AAs and factors associated with clinically significant progression (CSP).

METHODS

Consecutive FAP patients with AAs and at least 2 EGDs were identified from a hereditary GI cancer registry. We assessed the incidence of CSP (increase in size to ≥10 mm and/or development of advanced histology) of AAs. Clinical, endoscopic, and pathologic features between patients with CSP and nonprogressors were compared.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-three patients with AAs were included. Over a median follow-up of 7.8 years (interquartile range, 4.3-11.1), 41 patients (28.6%) developed CSP for an incidence of 35 per 1000 patient-years. Of 143 patients, 22 (15.6%) progressed to AAs ≥10 mm, 12 (8.5%) progressed to advanced histology, and 7 (4.9%) progressed both in size and histology. Two patients (1.4%) developed ampullary cancer. Male gender, abnormal appearance of the papilla at initial AA detection, prior cholecystectomy, and personal history of extracolonic malignancy were associated with CSP. Neither Spigelman stage nor the adenomatous polyposis coli gene pathogenic variants were associated with CSP. An intervention specifically for AA and not duodenal polyposis was performed in 24% of patients with AAs, including endoscopic papillectomy in 23 patients and duodenectomy in 3 patients at a median observation of 8.2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Most FAP patients with AAs did not experience CSP or require resection over 8 years of surveillance. Ampullary cancer was rare. Male gender, abnormal appearance of the papilla at AA detection, cholecystectomy, and history of extracolonic malignancy were associated with CSP. Our findings favor endoscopic surveillance of AAs over expedited resection for most patients with FAP.

Small Bowel Epithelial Precursor Lesions: A Focus on Molecular Alterations

The wider use of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures has led to an increased detection of small intestinal preneoplastic and neoplastic epithelial lesions, most of which are identified in the duodenum and ampullary region. Like their malignant counterparts, small intestinal glandular precursor lesions, which include adenomas and hamartomas, may arise sporadically or be associated with hereditary tumor syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis, MUTYH-associated polyposis, Lynch syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, juvenile polyposis syndrome, and Cowden syndrome. In addition, dysplastic, preinvasive lesions have been observed adjacent to small bowel adenocarcinomas complicating immune-related disorders, such as celiac or Crohn’s disease. Adenomatous lesions may exhibit an intestinal-type, gastric-type, or, very rarely, serrated differentiation, related to different molecular pathogenetic mechanisms. Finally, in the background of multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 syndrome, precursor neuroendocrine growths have been described. In this review we offer a comprehensive description on the histo-molecular features of the main histotypes of small bowel epithelial precursors lesions, including: (i) sporadic adenomas (intestinal-type and gastric-type; non-ampullary and ampullary); (ii) syndromic adenomas; (iii) small bowel dysplasia in celiac and Crohn’s disease; (iv) serrated lesions; (v) hamartomatous lesions; and (vi) neuroendocrine precursor lesions.

Sex-dependent lifespan extension of Apc Min/+ FAP mice by chronic mTOR inhibition

BACKGROUND

Apc Min/+ mice model familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a disease that causes numerous colon polyps leading to colorectal cancer. We previously showed that chronic treatment of Apc Min/+ females with the anti-aging drug, rapamycin, restored a normal lifespan through reduced polyposis and anemia prevention. Lifespan extension by chronic rapamycin in wildtype UM-HET3 mice is sex-dependent with females gaining the most benefit. Whether Apc Min/+ mice have a similar sex-dependent response to chronic mTOR inhibition is not known.

METHODS

To address this knowledge gap and gain deeper insight into how chronic mTOR inhibition prevents intestinal polyposis, we compared male and female Apc Min/+ mice responses to chronic treatment with a rapamycin-containing diet. Animals were fed a diet containing either 42 ppm microencapsulate rapamycin or empty capsules, one group was used to determine lifespan and a second group with similar treatment was harvested at 16 weeks of age for cross-sectional studies.

RESULTS

We found that the survival of males is greater than females in this setting (P < 0.0197). To explore the potential basis for this difference we analyzed factors affected by chronic rapamycin. Immunoblot assays showed that males and females exhibited approximately the same level of mTORC1 inhibition using phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) as an indirect measure. Immunohistochemistry assays of rpS6 phosphorylation showed that rapamycin reduction of mTORC1 activity was on the same level, with the most prominent difference being in intestinal crypt Paneth cells in both sexes. Chronic rapamycin also reduced crypt depths in both male and female Apc Min/+ mice (P < 0.0001), consistent with reduced crypt epithelial cell proliferation. Finally, chronic rapamycin prevented anemia equally in males and females.

CONCLUSIONS

In males and females, these findings link rapamycin-mediated intestinal polyposis prevention with mTORC1 inhibition in Paneth cells and concomitant reduced epithelial cell proliferation.

Hereditary Cancer Syndromes-A Primer on Diagnosis and Management, Part 2: Gastrointestinal Cancer Syndromes

Hereditary causes due to mutations and defects in certain genes account for roughly 5% to 10% of all colorectal cancers. These inherited syndromes have been associated with a 60% to 100% lifetime risk for development of colorectal cancer, depending on the genetic syndrome, and many also carry an increased risk for multiple extracolonic malignancies. In this second part of a review series on hereditary cancer syndromes, the focus will be to provide guidance on the features and management of the most commonly encountered hereditary colorectal cancers and polyposis conditions including Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, MUTYH-associated polyposis, and hamartomatous polyposis.

Epidemiology of Cancers of the Small Intestine: Trends, Risk Factors, and Prevention

The latest data from the United States and Europe reveal that rare small intestine cancer is on the rise, with the number of cases having more than doubled over the past 40 years in the developed world. Mortality has grown at a slower pace, thanks to improvements in early diagnosis and treatment, as well as a shift in the etiology of neoplasms affecting the small intestine. Nevertheless, 5-year survival for small intestine adenocarcinomas has lingered at only 35%. Lifestyle in developed nations, including the rise in obesity and physical inactivity, consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and red and processed meats, and occupational exposures may be to blame for the proliferation of this rare cancer. Identification of hereditary and predisposing conditions, likely to blame for some 20% of cases, may help prevent and treat cancers of the small intestine. Studies of the neoplasm have been limited by small sample sizes due to the rarity of the disease, leaving many questions about prevention and treatment yet to be answered.

Hereditary Colorectal Polyposis and Cancer Syndromes: A Primer on Diagnosis and Management

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer amongst men and women. Between 3 and 6% of all CRCs are attributed to well-defined inherited syndromes, including Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP), and several hamartomatous polyposis conditions. Identification of these patients through family history and appropriate genetic testing can provide estimates of cancer risk that inform appropriate cancer screening, surveillance and/or preventative interventions. This narrative review examines the hereditary colorectal cancer and polyposis syndromes, their genetic basis, clinical management, and evidence supporting cancer screening.

Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of Duodenal Neoplasia in Japanese Patients With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

BACKGROUND

After colorectal cancer and desmoid tumors, duodenal adenocarcinoma is the next leading cause of death in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients, but it has not been thoroughly investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

To investigate the clinical course of duodenal neoplasia, including adenoma and cancer, we investigated 77 Japanese FAP patients treated at the National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. We evaluated the clinicopathologic features, Spigelman severity score, and management of duodenal neoplasms. Data were acquired from a prospectively enrolled database.

RESULTS

Fifty-one (66%) of the 77 FAP patients had duodenal neoplasia during this observational period, and 47 of 51 patients had extra-ampulla duodenal neoplasia; 42 (58%) had duodenal neoplasms (extra-ampulla), 4 had duodenal adenomas with high-grade dysplasia (HGD), and 1 had invasive carcinoma. Among the 45 patients (extra-ampulla) with duodenal adenoma with HGD or low-grade dysplasia, 8 (18%) patients were treated using endoscopic resection (ER). During the short observation period, ER was performed only in HGD cases. None of the patients died from duodenal neoplasia. In total, during the surveillance period, duodenal HGD was detected in 5 (63%) of 8 patients graded as Spigelman stage IV; HGD was not detected in stage 0 (n=33), I (n=0), II (n=12), or III (n=20) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-interval endoscopic surveillance and appropriate ER may help prevent duodenal invasive carcinoma. In addition, there was little development of invasive carcinoma during the follow-up. The Spigelman classification is beneficial for the risk assessment of duodenal neoplasia in Japanese FAP patients.

Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes and genetic testing

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths in the Western world. Approximately 5-10% of CRC are hereditary, due to a defined genetic cause. Individuals and families affected with a hereditary CRC syndrome exhibit benign and malignant extra-intestinal tumors, require aggressive cancer screening and benefit from management by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals. The clinical manifestations, genetic causes and current management of patients with hereditary colon cancer syndrome is provided.

Advances in diagnostic endoscopy for duodenal, including ampullary, adenoma

Currently, the strategy for real-time endoscopic diagnosis of duodenal, including ampullary, adenoma is still unclear. In the era of high-definition and magnification endoscopy, using this modality for the detection and diagnosis of these neoplasms is very challenging for endoscopists. Over the past 10 years, many instruments have been developed to improve the detection rate of duodenal and ampullary polyps and to distinguish between adenoma and non-adenoma. The present review will focus on these novel methods and their usefulness in the diagnosis of ampullary and non-ampullary adenoma.

Small bowel adenocarcinoma: epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment

Small bowel adenocarcinomas are rare tumours, but their incidence is increasing. Their most common primary location is the duodenum. The few studies that have collected data regarding small bowel adenocarcinoma are not homogeneous and are widely spread over time. Even though these tumours are most often sporadic, some predisposing diseases have been identified, among which Crohn's disease and genetic syndromes. Early diagnosis of small bowel adenocarcinoma remains difficult despite significant radiological and endoscopic progress. After surgical resection the main prognostic factor is node invasion; in this case, adjuvant chemotherapy can be expected to be beneficial, although this has not been established by randomised trials. For metastatic disease, platinum-based chemotherapy seems to be the most effective treatment. Targeted therapies have not yet been evaluated in this type of cancer.

Duodenal surveillance improves the prognosis after duodenal cancer in familial adenomatous polyposis

AIM

Duodenal adenomatosis in familial adenomatous polyposis results in a cancer risk that increases with age. Endoscopic surveillance has been recommended, but the effect has not yet been documented. The aim of this study was to present the results of long-term duodenal surveillance and to evaluate the risk of cancer development.

METHOD

Follow up of patients in a previous study with gastroduodenoscopy in 1990-2010. Statistical analysis included the χ(2) test, actuarial method and Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

Among 304 patients, 261 (86%) had more than one endoscopy. The median follow up was 14 (interquartile range, 9-17) years. The cumulative lifetime risk of duodenal adenomatosis was 88% (95% CI, 84-93), and of Spigelman stage IV was 35% (95% CI, 25-45). The Spigelman stage improved in 32 (12%) patients, remained unchanged in 88 (34%) and worsened in 116 (44%). Twenty (7%) patients had duodenal cancer at a median age of 56 (range, 44-82) years. The cumulative cancer incidence was 18% at 75 years of age (95% CI, 8-28) and increased with increasing Spigelman stage at the index endoscopy to 33% in Spigelman stage IV (P < 0.0001). The median overall survival was 6.4 years (95% CI, 1.7 to not estimated): 8 years after a screen-detected cancer vs 0.8 years (95% CI, 0.03-1.7) after a symptomatic cancer (P < 0.0001). The location of the mutation in the APC gene did not influence the risk of developing Spigelman stage IV (P = 0.46) or duodenal cancer (P = 0.83).

CONCLUSION

The risk of duodenal cancer in familial adenomatous polyposis is considerable, and regular surveillance and cancer prophylactic surgery result in a significantly improved prognosis.

Progression of duodenal adenomatosis in familial adenomatous polyposis: due to ageing of subjects and advances in technology

Familial adenomatous polyposis patients are at risk of duodenal cancer. Surveillance is indicated and the extent of duodenal polyposis is quantified by the Spigelman staging system. We noticed an impressive increase in high Spigelman stages over the years and therefore decided to investigate whether this increase might be due to the time-lapse since the inception of surveillance or related to improvements in endoscopic imaging and/or changes in dysplasia-reporting. Patients who were investigated by the same endoscopist since 1980 in at least 2 different episodes of technical improvements were eligible. The period 1980–2009 was divided into 4 episodes using the following landmarks: replacement of fibre-endoscopes by video-endoscopes in 1987, change in processors in 1995, change in image resolution in 2000, and change in dysplasia-reporting in 2006. An increase in Spigelman stages from low stages (0–II 100%) to high stages (III 28.1%, IV 43.8%) was seen (median follow-up: 19.5 years). In patients who progressed, a median of 4 years elapsed before progression by one stage occurred and 7 years to progress by two stages. In a mixed-model analysis, both time-lapse and technical improvements were determinant factors for duodenal disease progression. When both factors were introduced in the model, the time-lapse as well as the change in image resolution and dysplasia-ranking contributed consistently in increasing Spigelman scores and stages. The impressive increase in severity of duodenal polyposis is determined by time-lapse, technological advances and change in dysplasia-reporting. These results might call for a revised Spigelman classification.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy for advanced duodenal and ampullary adenomatosis in familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) develop duodenal and ampullary polyps that may progress to malignancy via the adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review a large series of FAP patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for advanced duodenal and ampullary polyposis.

METHODS

A retrospective case notes review of all FAP patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for advanced duodenal and ampullary adenomatosis was performed.

RESULTS

Between October 1993 and January 2010, 38 FAP patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for advanced duodenal and ampullary polyps. Complications occurred in 29 patients and perioperative mortality in two. Postoperative histology revealed five patients to have preoperatively undetected cancer (R = 0.518, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreaticoduodenectomy in FAP is associated with significant morbidity, but low mortality. All patients under consideration for operative intervention require careful preoperative counselling and optimization.

Effects of intervention with sulindac and inulin/VSL#3 on mucosal and luminal factors in the pouch of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND/AIM

In order to define future chemoprevention strategies for adenomas or carcinomas in the pouch of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a 4-weeks intervention with (1) sulindac, (2) inulin/VSL#3, and (3) sulindac/inulin/VSL#3 was performed on 17 patients with FAP in a single center intervention study. Primary endpoints were the risk parameters cell proliferation and glutathione S-transferase (GST) detoxification capacity in the pouch mucosa; secondary endpoints were the short chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents, pH, and cytotoxicity of fecal water.

METHODS

Before the start and at the end of each 4-week intervention period, six biopsies of the pouch were taken and feces was collected during 24 h. Cell proliferation and GST enzyme activity was assessed in the biopsies and pH, SCFA contents, and cytotoxicity were assessed in the fecal water fraction. The three interventions (sulindac, inulin/VSL#3, sulindac/inulin/VSL#3) were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Cell proliferation was lower after sulindac or VSL#3/inulin, the combination treatment with sulindac/inulin/VSL#3 showed the opposite. GST enzyme activity was increased after sulindac or VSL#3/inulin, the combination treatment showed the opposite effect. However, no significance was reached in all these measures. Cytotoxicity, pH, and SCFA content of fecal water showed no differences at all among the three treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed non-significant decreased cell proliferation and increased detoxification capacity after treatment with sulindac or VSL#3/inulin; however, combining both regimens did not show an additional effect.

Colonic adenomatous polyposis syndromes: clinical management

Colorectal cancer is one of the major causes of cancer deaths in both men and women. It is estimated that 5 to 10% of patients with colorectal cancer have an inherited germline mutation that predisposes them to cancer. Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes can be divided into those associated with colonic polyposis - familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (aFAP), and MYH associated polyposis (MAP), and those not associated with colonic polyposis - hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). The hereditary polyposes are usually easier to diagnose than HNPCC, but their higher penetrance and variable phenotype pose some difficult problems in management and surveillance. The timing and type of surgical intervention, the management of desmoid risk, the treatment of rectal or pouch neoplasia, and the management of duodenal neoplasia are all questions that must be addressed in patients with FAP or MAP.

Three novel mutations of the APC gene in Korean patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

Germline mutations within the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene are associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), an autosomal dominant disease predisposing individuals to colorectal cancer. Identification of APC mutations has important implications for genetic counseling and management of FAP patients. We examined the APC mutation status of 10 Korean FAP patients by polymerase chain reaction-direct sequencing method and found six APC mutations, including three novel mutations. Testing for MUTYH mutation was done for FAP patients in whom no mutation in the APC gene was identified. Three novel mutations (c.1654_1663delTCTTGGCGAG, c.3709C>T, and c.6092_6094delinsTT) and three previously reported mutations (c.3631_3632delAT, c.4438C>T, and c.4612_4613delGA) were detected. The MUTYH mutation was not detected in any of the four FAP patients without an APC mutation. This finding of three novel mutations in a group of Korean FAP patients broadens the spectrum of APC mutations.

[Small bowel adenocarcinoma]

Small bowel adenocarcinoma is a rare tumor. These tumors are more often sporadic but there is some predisposing disease (Crohn disease, genetic syndrome and rarely celiac disease). Diagnosis is usually performed at an advanced stage because of non-specific nature of clinical manifestations. New methods of radiological and endoscopic exploration of small intestine should allow earlier diagnosis. Surgical resection remains the only potentially curative treatment for non-metastasic tumors. The main prognosis factor is lymph nodes involvement. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy is unclear. For metastatic tumors, 5-fluorouracil and platinum salt combination appears to be the most effective chemotherapy despite of the absence of randomized studies. A national prospective cohort study is currently evaluating the results of chemotherapy (recommended protocol: FOLFOX) as adjuvant and palliative treatment of small bowel adenocarcinoma.

What's in a cancer syndrome? Genes, phenotype and pathology

Syndromes are characterised by a group of specific signs and symptoms. This review aims to provide an overview of cancer syndromes and sheds light on possible roles for general health professionals in relation to their abilities to identify patients with cancer syndromes and therefore to refer such patients to specialists.

ASCO/SSO review of current role of risk-reducing surgery in common hereditary cancer syndromes

BACKGROUND

A significant portion of cancers are accounted for by a heritable component, which has increasingly been linked to mutations in specific genes. Clinical interventions have been formulated for mutation carriers within affected families. The primary interventions for mutation carriers of highly penetrant syndromes are surgical.

METHODS

The American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Society of Surgical Oncology formed a task force charged with presenting an educational symposium on surgical management of hereditary cancer syndromes at annual society meetings, and this resulted in a position paper on this topic. The content of both the symposium and the position paper was developed as a consensus statement.

RESULTS

This article addresses hereditary breast, colorectal, ovarian/endometrial, and multiple endocrine neoplasias. A brief introduction on the genetics and natural history of each disease is provided, followed by detailed descriptions of modern surgical approaches, clinical and genetic indications, timing of prophylactic surgery, and the efficacy of surgery (when known). Although several recent reviews have addressed the role of genetic testing for cancer susceptibility, this article focuses on the issues surrounding surgical technique, timing, and indications for surgical prophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk-reducing surgical treatment of hereditary cancer is a complex undertaking. It requires a clear understanding of the natural history of the disease, realistic appreciation of the potential benefits and risks of these procedures in potentially otherwise healthy individuals, and the long-term sequelae of such interventions, as well as the individual patient's and family's perceptions of surgical risk and anticipated benefit.

ASCO/SSO review of current role of risk-reducing surgery in common hereditary cancer syndromes

Although the etiology of solid cancers is multifactorial, with environmental and genetic factors playing a variable role, a significant portion of the burden of cancer is accounted for by a heritable component. Increasingly, the heritable component of cancer predispositions has been linked to mutations in specific genes, and clinical interventions have been formulated for mutation carriers within affected families. The primary interventions for mutations carriers for highly penetrant syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasias, familial adenomatous polyposis, hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes are primarily surgical. For that reason, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) have undertaken an educational effort within the oncology community. A joint ASCO/SSO Task Force was charged with presenting an educational symposium on the surgical management of hereditary cancer syndromes at the annual ASCO and SSO meetings, resulting in an educational position article on this topic. Both the content of the symposium and the article were developed as a consensus statement by the Task Force, with the intent of summarizing the current standard of care. This article is divided into four sections addressing breast, colorectal, ovarian and endometrial cancers, and multiple endocrine neoplasia. For each, a brief introduction on the genetics and natural history of the disease is provided, followed by a detailed description of modern surgical approaches, including a description of the clinical and genetic indications and timing of prophylactic surgery, and the efficacy of prophylactic surgery when known. Although a number of recent reviews have addressed the role of genetic testing for cancer susceptibility, including the richly illustrated Cancer Genetics and Cancer Predisposition Testing curriculum by the ASCO Cancer Genetics Working Group (available through http://www.asco.org), this article focuses on the issues surrounding the why, how, and when of surgical prophylaxis for inherited forms of cancer. This is a complex process, which requires a clear understanding of the natural history of the disease and variance of penetrance, a realistic appreciation of the potential benefit and risk of a risk-reducing procedure in a potentially otherwise healthy individual, the long-term sequelae of such surgical intervention, as well as the individual patient and family's perception of surgical risk and anticipated benefit.

Surveillance and management of upper gastrointestinal disease in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Almost all patients affected by Familial Adenomatous polyposis (FAP) will develop foregut as well as hindgut polyps, and following prophylactic colectomy duodenal cancer constitutes one of the leading causes of death in screened populations. Without prophylactic colectomy, FAP patients predictably develop colorectal cancer, but the lifetime risk of upper gastrointestinal cancer is lower, estimated at approximately 5%. Management of the upper gastrointestinal cancer risk is one of the greatest challenges facing clinicians involved in the care of Polyposis families, and with improved survival following prophylactic colectomy, the burden of foregut disease (particularly duodenal adenomatosis) will increase. Until recently, the value of upper gastrointestinal surveillance in FAP populations has been contentious, but with improved understanding of the natural history coupled with developments in surgery, interventional endoscopy and medical therapy, treatment algorithms for duodenal adenomatosis in FAP are becoming clearer.

Uses of photodynamic therapy in premalignant and malignant lesions of the gastrointestinal tract beyond the esophagus

Much has recently been written regarding the use of photodynamic therapy for the treatment of esophageal carcinoma and dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. This review, however, describes the clinical experience using photodynamic therapy with various photosensitizer agents for the treatment of diseases in other areas of the gut, especially the pancreaticobiliary tract where European studies have established the role of porfimer sodium photodynamic therapy in the management of patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

Inherited colorectal cancer syndromes

Colorectal cancer is one of the major causes of cancer deaths in both men and women. It is estimated that approximately 5% to 10% of patients with colorectal cancer have an inherited germline mutation that predisposes them to cancer. Clinically, hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes can be divided into those associated with colonic polyposis (familial adenomatous polyposis, attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis, and MYH-associated polyposis) and those not associated with colonic polyposis (hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer). Treatment options for these patients include multiple aggressive screening regimens, chemopreventive medications, and prophylactic surgery. Selection of the appropriate management approach is best made using information obtained from the patient's clinical examination, the family medical history, and genetic evaluation. Compliance is improved when patients completely understand their disease and participate fully in the formulation of the treatment plan. Although not proved, it seems reasonable that this approach may prevent the poor outcomes so frequently associated with inherited cancer syndromes.

Germline E-cadherin mutations in hereditary diffuse gastric cancer: assessment of 42 new families and review of genetic screening criteria

BACKGROUND

Mutations in the E-cadherin (CDH1) gene are a well documented cause of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC). Development of evidence based guidelines for CDH1 screening for HDGC have been complicated by its rarity, variable penetrance, and lack of founder mutations.

METHODS

Forty three new gastric cancer (GC) families were ascertained from multiple sources. In 42 of these families at least one gastric cancer was pathologically confirmed to be a diffuse gastric cancer (DGC); the other family had intestinal type gastric cancers. Screening of the entire coding region of the CDH1 gene and all intron/exon boundaries was performed by bi-directional sequencing.

RESULTS

Novel mutations were found in 13 of the 42 DGC families (31% overall). Twelve of these mutations occur among the 25 families with multiple cases of gastric cancer and with pathologic confirmation of diffuse gastric cancer phenotype in at least one individual under the age of 50 years. The mutations found include small insertions and deletions, splice site mutations, and three non-conservative amino acid substitutions (A298T, W409R, and R732Q). All three missense mutations conferred loss of E-cadherin function in in vitro assays. Multiple cases of breast cancers including pathologically confirmed lobular breast cancers were observed both in mutation positive and negative families.

CONCLUSION

Germline truncating CDH1 mutations are found in 48% of families with multiple cases of gastric cancer and at least one documented case of DGC in an individual under 50 years of age. We recommend that these criteria be used for selecting families for CDH1 mutational analysis.

Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy for advanced duodenal disease in familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Although only 5 per cent of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) die from duodenal cancer, a recent study indicated that the mortality rate is much higher in patients with Spigelman stage IV disease. This has prompted an increased rate of referral for excisional surgery and an analysis of the results.

METHODS

Between January 1994 and June 2002, 16 patients with FAP (mean age 55 years; eight men) were referred to a single surgeon for pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenal resection for Spigelman stage IV duodenal adenomatosis.

RESULTS

One patient died from multiple organ failure after relaparotomy for haemorrhage and a jejunal perforation; other major complications included anastomotic leak (one), primary haemorrhage (one), lymphatic leak (one), chylous ascites (one), pulmonary embolus (two) and prolonged delayed gastric emptying that required total parenteral nutrition (three). Overall there were 11 major complications in eight patients. Two patients developed insulin-dependent diabetes and one postprandial dumping. Postoperative histological examination revealed five unsuspected cancers, which led to four deaths within 3 years of surgery. One patient died 2 months after surgery from pulmonary thromboembolism and another at 5 months from an inoperable brain tumour. Nine of the 16 patients were alive and well at a mean of 38 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The choice between continued endoscopic surveillance and excisional surgery for Spigelman stage IV duodenal disease remains finely balanced.

Multidetector-row CT duodenography in familial adenomatous polyposis: a pilot study

AIM

To investigate the feasibility of using multidetector-row computed tomography (CT) duodenography to stage duodenal polyposis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six patients underwent multidetector-row CT duodenography before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. A single-blinded radiologist used a surface shaded three-dimensional endoluminal fly though and two-dimensional axial and multiplanar reformats to assign a score for maximum polyp size and number based on the Spigelman classification. Comparison was made with the corresponding Spigelman scores obtained from subsequent endoscopy.

RESULTS

CT duodenography was technically successful in five of six patients. The CT derived Spigelman score based on maximum polyp size was accurate in all five patients. The CT derived Spigelman score based on polyp number was accurate in only two cases: Polyp number was overestimated in one patient and underestimated in a further two. In retrospect, fine carpeting of tiny duodenal polyps was poorly visualized with CT.

CONCLUSIONS

CT duodenography is technically feasible and accurately predicts maximum polyp size but CT estimates of polyp number are relatively inaccurate. CT duodenography potentially has a useful role for duodenal surveillance in those patients intolerant of conventional endoscopy.

Highly penetrant hereditary cancer syndromes

The past two decades have brought many important advances in our understanding of the hereditary susceptibility to cancer. Approximately 5-10% of all cancers are inherited, the majority in an autosomal dominant manner with incomplete penetrance. While this is a small fraction of the overall cancer burden worldwide, the molecular genetic discoveries that have resulted from the study of families with heritable cancer have not only changed the way these families are counselled and managed, but have shed light on molecular regulatory pathways important in sporadic tumour development as well. In this review, we consider 10 of the more highly penetrant cancer syndromes, with emphasis on those predisposing to breast, colon, and/or endocrine neoplasia. We discuss the prevalence, penetrance, and tumour spectrum associated with these syndromes, as well as their underlying genetic defects.

Surveillance and treatment of periampullary and duodenal adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) have a cumulative lifetime risk of over 90% for developing duodenal adenomas, which are the precursor lesions for duodenal adenocarcinoma. Consequently, these patients have a 5% to 10% lifetime risk of periampullary or duodenal adenocarcinoma, making this the leading cause of cancer death in FAP patients who have had prophylactic colectomies. The increased relative risk of duodenal carcinoma in FAP patients and the poor outcomes associated with the treatment of advanced duodenal cancer have led to the development of prevention strategies for this cancer in the setting of FAP. It is generally accepted that surveillance for duodenal adenomas and adenocarcinomas should be included in the management of patients with FAP, although there are few data from clinical trials that demonstrate the effectiveness of surveillance strategies or chemoprevention for the prevention of death from duodenal cancer. Prospective case series have shown that endoscopic surveillance with endoscopic or surgical treatment of high-risk lesions in the duodenal or periampullary region can be performed with successful removal of the at-risk lesion(s). Surveillance should begin at about 21 years of age and should be performed using both an end-viewing and a side-viewing upper endoscope. An interval of 3 to 5 years between examinations appears to be adequate if no polyposis is evident. Once polyposis develops, an interval of 1 to 3 years between screenings for mild polyposis is appropriate. Patients with denser polyposis or larger adenomas are recommended to undergo examination every 6 to 12 months because of their increased risk of developing duodenal adenocarcinoma. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy with sulindac, a nonselective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, or celecoxib, a COX-2 selective inhibitor, may be of benefit after the development of duodenal polyposis by inducing the regression or stabilization of the polyposis, although there is limited evidence from randomized, controlled trials to support its routine use. Almost all cases of adenocarcinoma occur in patients with advanced polyposis (Spigelman stage IV disease), and approximately 33% of this group will go on to develop adenocarcinoma if left untreated. The most definitive procedure for reducing the risk of adenocarcinoma is surgical resection of the ampulla and/or duodenum. Pancreaticoduodenectomy or pancreas-sparing duodenectomy are appropriate surgical therapies that are believed to substantially reduce the risk of developing periampullary adenocarcinoma. However, these procedures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, including the risk of inducing desmoid tumor formation in FAP patients.

Surveillance of duodenal adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis reveals high cumulative risk of advanced disease

PURPOSE

The development of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) on duodenal or jejunal adenomas and of late-stage (stage IV) duodenal polyposis are major clinical events for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients. Our aim was to determine their respective frequency, risk factors, and cumulative risk.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective, optimized, endoscopic surveillance protocol was applied to 58 FAP patients in a university hospital. The number, size, and histology of duodenojejunal polyps were assessed, and the Spigelman's score was calculated at each endoscopy. Cox regression and linear regression analysis were used to determine risk factors for HGD development and the cumulative risk of stage IV duodenal polyposis, respectively.

RESULTS

During a median (+/- standard deviation) follow-up of 47.9 +/- 15.6 months, 35 patients with at least two consecutive examinations had 107 duodenojejunal examinations. The Spigelman's score increased in 21 patients (60.0%), and HGD developed in 12 patients (34.2%). High initial Spigelman's score (> 7 points), but not age or APC mutation site, was a risk factor for HGD development. Estimated cumulative risk of developing stage IV duodenal polyposis was of 42.9% at age 60 (95% CI, 35.7% to 50.0%) and 50.0% at age 70 (95% CI, 42.9% to 57.1%).

CONCLUSION

This prospective series shows a higher duodenal polyposis progression rate and cumulative risk of late-stage (stage IV) duodenal polyposis in FAP patients compared with previous series. These results suggest that current modalities for surveillance and management of these patients need revision.

Worldwide survey among polyposis registries of surgical management of severe duodenal adenomatosis in familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

The lifetime risk of developing duodenal cancer in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is about 5 per cent. When and to what extent surgical intervention should be undertaken to prevent death from invasive carcinoma is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of various surgical treatments for cancer and severe duodenal adenomatosis.

METHODS

A questionnaire was mailed to the members of the Leeds Castle Polyposis Group to obtain data on patients with FAP, treated for duodenal cancer or severe duodenal adenomatosis after 1990.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients were included. The indication for surgery was invasive cancer in 13 patients, of whom six died from metastatic disease. Fifty-six patients were initially treated for severe duodenal adenomatosis, five (9 per cent) of whom died from metastatic disease (P = 0.002). In surviving patients, adenomas recurred after ampullectomy (six of eight, at mean follow-up of 11 months), after duodenotomy with polypectomy (17 of 21, at mean 29 months) and after pancreatoduodenectomy (six of 25, at mean 47 months). None of six patients who underwent a pancreas-sparing duodenectomy had recurrence of adenoma (mean follow-up 11 months).

CONCLUSION

Surgery for duodenal adenomatosis should take place before endoscopic biopsy reveals invasive cancer. Even after extensive surgical procedures, small bowel adenomas may occur, emphasizing the need for chemoprevention.

Hereditary polyposis syndromes and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer due to hereditary syndromes comprises approximately 5% of the overall colorectal cancer burden. Conditions fall into two distinct categories, the polyposis syndromes and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. It is important for the clinician to have a working knowledge of both as screening and surveillance recommendations differ significantly from those applicable to the general population. The polyposis syndromes include familial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, juvenile polyposis, and Cowden syndrome. For each condition, a review of both the intestinal and extra-intestinal clinical findings is presented as well as the genetic basis, genetic testing, screening, surveillance and treatment options. As genetic testing for several of these conditions has recently become both commercially available and standard practice, special attention is given to indications and strategies for genetic testing in hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes.

Periampullary adenomas and adenocarcinomas in familial adenomatous polyposis: cumulative risks and APC gene mutations

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) have a high prevalence of duodenal adenomas, and the region of the ampulla of Vater is the predilection site for duodenal adenocarcinomas. This study assessed the risk of stage IV periampullary adenomas according to the Spigelman classification and periampullary adenocarcinomas in Swedish FAP patients screened by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The genotype of patients with stage IV periampullary adenomas and periampullary adenocarcinomas was also investigated.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 180 patients screened by EGD in 1982-1999 was undertaken. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to evaluate cumulative risk. Mutation analysis was carried out in patients with periampullary adenocarcinomas diagnosed outside the screening program, in addition to patients in the screening group with stage IV periampullary adenomas and adenocarcinomas.

RESULTS

Periampullary adenoma stage IV was diagnosed in 14 patients (7.8%), with a cumulative risk of 20% at age 60 years. Periampullary adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in 5 patients (2.8%), with a cumulative risk of 10% at age 60. Three of the adenocarcinomas occurred in patients with stage IV periampullary adenomas compared with 2 in patients with less severe periampullary adenomatosis at screening (odds ratio, 31; 95% confidence interval, 4.6-215). Fifteen (88%) of the APC gene mutations were detected; 12 of these were located downstream from codon 1051 in exon 15.

CONCLUSIONS

The life time risk of severe periampullary lesions in FAP patients is high, and an association between stage IV periampullary adenomas and a malignant course of the periampullary adenomatosis is strongly suggestive. Mutations downstream from codon 1051 seem to be associated with severe periampullary lesions.

Gastroduodenal lesions in familial adenomatous polyposis

Prophylactic colectomy is generally recommended for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) who are inevitably affected with large bowel cancer. After prophylactic colectomy has been performed, gastrointestinal malignancy is the leading cause of death. Duodenal adenomas are found in patients with FAP and the adenoma-carcinoma sequence exists in the FAP duodenum, suggesting that treatment of duodenal polyps might be beneficial. Several methods of treatment for duodenal lesions in patients with FAP have been reported, but the current treatment options are not ideal. The nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs, sulindac and aspirin, are used for chemoprevention, while recently developed cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors may be of some use in the future. Endoscopic polypectomy has been attempted for duodenal polyps and open surgical polypectomy has proven to be effective for selected patients. Photodynamic therapy and Argon plasma coagulation may be suitable to treat carpeted polyposis. New methods of duodenal resection, such as pancreas-preserving duodenectomy and pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy, might be considered for severe duodenal polyposis; however, because prophylactic duodenal surgery has been considered too aggressive, surveillance duodenoscopy is usually performed to detect duodenal cancer at an early stage.

Natural history of ampullary adenoma in familial adenomatous polyposis: reconfirmation of benign nature during extended surveillance

OBJECTIVE

Surgical or endoscopic papillectomy may be one of the therapeutic strategies for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). To determine whether prophylactic papillectomy is necessary for FAP, we investigated the natural history of the ampullary adenoma in FAP.

METHODS

Eighteen subjects with FAP were surveyed by duodenoscopy with biopsy for >10 yr. Endoscopic appearance, histological findings, and immunohistochemical stainings for Ki-67 of ampulla were compared between initial and final endoscopic examinations.

RESULTS

The endoscopic grade in the ampulla remained unchanged in 16 subjects, whereas in two subjects an increase in the endoscopic grade was noted. In two subjects adenoma developed from an endoscopically and histologically normal ampulla. The histological grade of dysplasia increased in three of 12 subjects who initially had adenoma. The labeling index for Ki-67 was not different between initial and final examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that most ampullary adenoma of patients with FAP is static and that aggressive endoscopic or surgical removal is unnecessary for the adenoma.

Causes of death in familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

The prognosis in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) has improved over the past decades owing to a reduction in the prevalence of colorectal cancer, resulting from effective early screening. During the same period several polyposis registers have recorded an increasing number of deaths due to duodenal/periampullary cancer and desmoid tumours. The aim of this study was to examine the causes of death with special emphasis on duodenal/periampullary cancer.

METHODS

The material consisted of 328 patients (144 females and 184 males) registered from I January 1943 to 31 December 1992 in the Danish Polyposis Register. The standard mortality rate (SMR) was calculated for known major causes of death, using the entire Danish population as background population. The attributable risk was also calculated for selected death causes.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-three patients had died, SMR being 4.98 (95% confidence limits, 4.17-5.90). There were significantly lower SMRs in the call-up group than in the proband group. The late cohort (1943-1992) had lower SMRs than the early group (1889-1942). SMR was significantly increased for death due to colorectal cancer (145), duodenal cancer (214), and ovarian cancer (30). No deaths due to desmoids were observed in the examination period. The attributable risk for colorectal cancer was 29% and for duodenal cancer only 0.6%.

CONCLUSION

Colorectal cancer is the most frequent cause of death in polyposis patients, followed by duodenal/periampullary cancer, but the latter is still a rare cause of death in FAP.

Guidelines for the surveillance and management of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP): a world wide survey among 41 registries

OBJECTIVES

 FAP is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by numerous adenomas in the colorectum. The majority of patients also develop adenomas in the duodenum. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the management and screening protocols implemented in FAP families at various polyposis registries in the world.

METHODS

 A questionnaire was mailed to the members of The Leeds Castle Polyposis Group requesting information on: diagnostic evaluation of polyposis, recommendations for screening and surgical management of the colon, surveillance of the upper gastrointestinal tract and the management of duodenal polyposis.

RESULTS

 Almost all members agreed that a newly diagnosed patient should be referred to a polyposis registry and to a clinical genetics centre for genetic counselling and DNA testing. If the mutation has been detected in the family, DNA testing should be offered to first-degree relatives of patients from age 10-12 years onwards. The surveillance protocol generally advised includes sigmoidoscopy from age 10-12 years at 2-year intervals until age 40 years. There was no agreement on the preferred surgical treatment of colonic polyposis. Almost all members advised follow up after colonic surgery. Surveillance of the duodenum was recommended by most members; this would start from age 30 years. There was no agreement on the preferred surgical treatment of duodenal polyposis, or on the indication for operation.

CONCLUSION

 This survey provides insight into the guidelines used at various polyposis registries for the surveillance and management of FAP patients, and this insight may contribute to the appropriate management of these patients.

The natural history of untreated duodenal and ampullary adenomas in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis followed in an endoscopic surveillance program

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic surveillance is recommended for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) because of the high prevalence of duodenal adenomas and the risk of periampullary cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the natural history of untreated duodenal and ampullary adenomas in FAP patients during surveillance.

METHODS

One hundred fourteen FAP patients who had 2 or more surveillance examinations were followed for a mean of 51 months (range, 10 to 151 months).

RESULTS

Duodenal polyps progressed in size in 26% (25 of 95), number in 32% (34 of 106), and histology in 11% (5 of 45) of patients. Morphology and histology of the main duodenal papilla progressed in 14% (15 of 110) and 11% (12 of 105) of patients, respectively. The histologic progression was mild except for one patient who developed a periampullary cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

A minority of FAP patients had progression of endoscopic features and histology of duodenal polyps or the main duodenal papilla when followed over 4 years. An endoscopic surveillance interval of at least 3 years may be appropriate for the majority of untreated patients with FAP. Factors that stratify patients as being at the highest risk of periampullary cancer and thus requiring more intensive surveillance are yet to be determined.

Upper gastrointestinal disease in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal disease has become an important aspect in the management of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

METHODS

A review of the literature was carried out using Medline. Epidemiology, pathology and treatment options are considered.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Despite the fact that over 90 per cent of patients with FAP develop duodenal adenomas, only 5 per cent go on to develop cancer. In the absence of methods to detect who is at risk of cancer, all patients undergo regular endoscopic surveillance at present. Chemoprevention in the form of drug therapy may be the answer to controlling the disease.

Management of advanced duodenal polyposis in familial adenomatous polyposis

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are at increased risk for the development of periampullary cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of endoscopic and surgical therapy in the management of advanced duodenal polyposis in FAP. From 1990 to 1995, seventy-four FAP patients were enrolled in a prospective endoscopic surveillance protocol. Among these, 11 (14.8%) developed advanced duodenal polyposis and one had duodenal adenocarcinoma. Six patients underwent endoscopic resection of duodenal (n=5) or ampullary adenomas (n=1). The following operations were performed in the remaining six patients: ampullectomy in four, open polypectomy in one, and a Whipple procedure in one. There was one patient who died of acute pancreatitis following endoscopic ampullectomy. The patient with invasive duodenal cancer died of local recurrence. Small polyps were observed at the site of previous resection in all (9 of 9) patients undergoing repeat endoscopy during a mean follow-up of 18 months (range 4 to 34 months). An endoscopic and local surgical resectional approach to advanced duodenal polyposis in FAP is fraught with high recurrence rates, although recurrent polyps are small and may be amenable to retreatment in the future. Long-term follow-up is necessary to prove that deaths from duodenal or ampullary cancer are prevented with this strategy.

Endoscopic treatment of ampullary adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis

Duodenal adenomas, usually considered premalignant, are found in < or = 100% of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Endoscopic screening is accepted, but the optimal treatment is unclear. Our objective was to assess endoscopic treatment of the upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with FAP. We reviewed the clinical records of 393 FAP patients in detail. Six patients had ampullary cancers. Sixty-nine had periampullary adenomas, none of whom developed malignancy during follow-up. Several endoscopic approaches were used, leading to various outcomes. (a) Follow-up with ampullary biopsy was the only method in 18 patients, with macroscopic improvement in one, unchanged condition in 11, and enlargement of adenomas in six. (b) Thermal ablation was used in 19 patients, with resolution in 10, improvement in seven unchanged condition in one, and one recurrence. (c) Yearly push enteroscopy, duodenoscopy, and ampullary biopsies were conducted in 11 of the 19 patients treated first with thermal ablation. Positive biopsies resulted in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), prophylactic sphincterotomy, and ablation with reexamination every 2-6 months. Follow-up of the patients treated with this last and favored strategy showed that five experienced resolution of symptoms, five had macroscopic improvement, and one had macroscopic as well as histologic progression. We conclude that patients with FAP should have periampullary surveillance, including duodenoscopy and biopsies from the time of diagnosis. Periampullary adenomas can be eradicated endoscopically. It is not clear whether ablation of adenomas or periodic biopsy is the ideal treatment.