Endoscopy and EUS are key for effective surveillance and management of duodenal adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis

Current management of familial adenomatous polyposis

INTRODUCTION

APC-associated polyposis is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by the development of multiple adenomas in the digestive tract. Individuals with APC-associated polyposis need to be managed by specialized multidisciplinary teams in dedicated centers.

AREAS COVERED

The study aimed to review the literature on Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) to provide an update on diagnostic and surgical management while focusing on strategies to minimize the risk of desmoid-type fibromatosis, cancer in anorectal remnant, and postoperative complications. FAP individuals require a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, surveillance, preventive surgery, and addressing specific extracolonic concerns such as duodenal and desmoid tumors. Management should be personalized considering all factors: genotype, phenotype, and personal needs. Total colectomy and ileo-rectal anastomosis have been shown to yield superior QoL results when compared to Restorative Procto colectomy and ileopouch-anal anastomosis with acceptable oncological risk of developing cancer in the rectal stump if patients rigorously adhere to lifelong endoscopic surveillance. Additionally, a low-inflammatory diet may prevent adenomas and cancer by modulating systemic and tissue inflammatory indices.

EXPERT OPINION

FAP management requires a multidisciplinary and personalized approach. Integrating genetic advances, innovative surveillance techniques, and emerging therapeutic modalities will contribute to improving outcomes and quality of life for FAP individuals.

Impact of Endoscopic Treatment in Severe Duodenal Polyposis: A National Study in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The majority of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) develop duodenal adenomas with a risk of progression to duodenal cancer. Endoscopic management of FAP duodenal adenomas has been proposed as a less-invasive option than surgery, but available data still are limited. Our aims were to assess the feasibility and safety of endoscopic treatment in duodenal polyposis and to evaluate its long-term efficacy in terms of recurrence and malignant degeneration.

METHODS

FAP patients with stage IV duodenal polyposis were enrolled in 5 French centers as part of a national cohort and followed up for a median period of 5.66 years (interquartile range, 6.39 y). Primary outcomes were duodenal surgery-free and cancer-free survival. Two groups of patients were identified according to endoscopic procedures: group 1: resection and or destruction (by argon plasma coagulation) of duodenal polyps, and group 2: papillectomy.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were enrolled (29 men; median age, 44 y). Endoscopic therapy was performed in 37 patients in group 1 and in 19 patients in group 2. Duodenal cancer-free and surgery-free survival were 95.8% at 5 years and 92.6% at 10 years. Four patients required surgery and 2 patients developed cancers. In the 58 patients, the calculated Spigelman score decreased from 9.24 points at entry to 6.35 at 5 years and then plateaued. Complications (mostly bleeding and perforation) occurred in 20 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this long-term cohort follow-up evaluation, endoscopic treatment of patients with severe duodenal polyposis appears relatively safe and effective as an alternative to surgery for the prevention of cancer.

Endoscopic papillectomy for ampullary lesions in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis compared with sporadic lesions: a propensity score-matched cohort

BACKGROUND

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare inherited syndrome that predisposes the patient to cancer. Treatment of FAP-related ampullary lesions is challenging and the role of endoscopic papillectomy has not been elucidated. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of endoscopic papillectomy in matched cohorts of FAP-related and sporadic ampullary lesions (SALs).

METHODS

This retrospective multicenter study included 1422 endoscopic papillectomy procedures. Propensity score matching including age, sex, comorbidity, histologic subtype, and size was performed. Main outcomes were complete resection (R0), technical success, complications, and recurrence.

RESULTS

Propensity score matching identified 202 patients (101 FAP, 101 SAL) with comparable baseline characteristics. FAP patients were mainly asymptomatic (79.2 % [95 %CI 71.2-87.3] vs. 46.5 % [95 %CI 36.6-56.4]); P < 0.001). The initial R0 rate was significantly lower in FAP patients (63.4 % [95 %CI 53.8-72.9] vs. 83.2 % [95 %CI 75.8-90.6]; P = 0.001). After repeated interventions (mean 1.30 per patient), R0 was comparable (FAP 93.1 % [95 %CI 88.0-98.1] vs. SAL 97.0 % [95 %CI 93.7-100]; P = 0.19). Adverse events occurred in 28.7 %. Pancreatitis and bleeding were the most common adverse events in both groups. Severe adverse events were rare (3.5 %). Overall, 21 FAP patients (20.8 % [95 %CI 12.7-28.8]) and 16 SAL patients (15.8 % [95 %CI 8.6-23.1]; P = 0.36) had recurrence. Recurrences occurred later in FAP patients (25 [95 %CI 18.3-31.7] vs. 2 [95 %CI CI 0.06-3.9] months).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic papillectomy was safe and effective in FAP-related ampullary lesions. Criteria for endoscopic resection of ampullary lesions can be extended to FAP patients. FAP patients have a lifetime risk of relapse even after complete resection, and require long-time surveillance.

Endoscopic Management of Ampullary Adenomas in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Syndrome: A Systematic Review with Pooled Analysis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic papillectomy is a viable therapy in ampullary lesions. Prior studies have reported on outcomes of sporadic ampullary lesions, and only small cohort studies have reported outcomes associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) syndrome.

AIMS

We performed a systematic review with pooled analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of EP for treating ampullary adenomas in FAP.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature search of major databases from inception to May 2020. Studies that included patients with endoscopically resected ampullary lesions and FAP were eligible. The rate of technical success, en bloc resection, piecemeal resection, recurrence, and adverse events was pooled by means of a random-effects model to obtain a proportion with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Six studies, including a total of 99 patients, were included in our final analysis. Patient age ranged from 28 to 91 years. Pooled technical success was 90.3% (CI 76.9-96.3%, I² = 31%). Rate of en bloc resection was 60.6% (CI 47.9-72.0%, I² = 0%). Recurrence rate was 25.4% (5.7-65.9%, I² = 82%). The post-procedural pancreatitis rate was 14.7% of which 68% (51 of 75) utilized prophylactic pancreatic stenting. Other adverse events included bleeding (9.2%) and perforation (4%).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic papillectomy offers high technical success but remains challenging in patients with FAP, particularly due to high recurrence rates.

Endoscopic Papillectomy

Most ampullary lesions (ALs) are sporadic, involve the major papilla, and are premalignant (adenomas). They are often diagnosed as an incidental finding during endoscopy or imaging procedures. Diagnosis and staging of ALs include endoscopic, histologic, and radiological evaluations. Currently, endoscopic papillectomy is the preferred treatment for ALs in most situations. In this article, we will describe the diagnostic work-up and focus on the endoscopic treatment, including indications, technique, outcomes, complications, and follow-up.

Endoscopic Management and Surgical Considerations for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is the development of many adenomatous colorectal polyps. Colonoscopy is recommended to start at age 10 to 12 years at intervals of 1 to 2 years. Colectomy is clearly indicated for malignancy or significant colorectal symptoms. After colectomy, endoscopic surveillance is still critical. Duodenal and gastric polyposis is also found in almost all patients with FAP. Screening with upper endoscopy and ampullary visualization is recommended, generally determined by age and staging of duodenal polyposis, but guidelines are increasingly factoring in ampullary and gastric manifestations. Surgical management of malignancy or advanced upper tract manifestations is needed.

Endoscopic management of duodenal adenomatosis in familial adenomatous polyposis-A case-based review

Adenomatous polyposis (AP) diseases, including familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), attenuated FAP (AFAP), and MUTYH‐associated polyposis (MAP), are the second most common hereditary causes of colorectal cancer. A frequent extra‐colonic manifestation of AP disease is duodenal polyposis, which may lead to duodenal cancer in up to 18% of AP patients. Endoscopic surveillance is recommended at 0.5‐ to 5‐year intervals depending on the extent of polyp growth and histological progression. Although the Spigelman classification is traditionally used to determine surveillance intervals, it lacks information on the (peri‐)ampullary site, where 50% of duodenal carcinomas are located. Hence, information on the papilla has recently been added as a prognostic marker. Patients with duodenal adenoma(s) ≥10 mm and ampullary adenomas of any size are suggested to be referred to an expert center for endoscopic therapy, particularly endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic ampullectomy. Nonetheless, despite the logic of this approach, the long‐term efficacy of endoscopic therapy is still to be demonstrated.

Endoscopic management of duodenal adenomas in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Almost all patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) develop duodenal adenomas, with a 4% to 18% risk of progression into duodenal cancer. Prophylactic endoscopic resection of duodenal adenomas may prevent cancer and is considered safer than surgical alternatives; however, data are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess safety and effectiveness of endoscopic duodenal interventions in patients with FAP.

METHODS

We performed a historical cohort study including patients with FAP who underwent an endoscopic duodenal intervention between 2002 and 2018. Safety was defined as adverse event rate per intervention and effectiveness as duodenal surgery-free and duodenal cancer-free survival. Change in Spigelman stage was assessed as a secondary outcome.

RESULTS

In 68 endoscopy sessions, 139 duodenal polypectomies were performed in 49 patients (20 men; median age, 43). Twenty-nine patients (14 men; median age, 49) underwent a papillectomy. After polypectomy, 9 (13%) bleedings and 1 (2%) perforation occurred, all managed endoscopically. Six (21%) bleedings (endoscopically managed), 4 (14%) cases of pancreatitis, and 1 (3%) perforation (conservatively treated) occurred after papillectomy. Duodenal surgery-free survival was 74% at 89 months after polypectomy and 71% at 71 months after papillectomy; no duodenal cancers were observed. After a median of 18 months (interquartile range, 10-40; range, 3-121) after polypectomy, Spigelman stages were significantly lower (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

In our FAP patients, prophylactic duodenal polypectomies were relatively safe. Papillectomies showed substantial adverse events, suggesting its benefits and risk should be carefully weighted. Both were effective, however, because surgical interventions were limited and none developed duodenal cancer.

Management of ampullary adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome: 16 years of experience from a tertiary cancer center

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The management of ampullary adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is challenging due to multiple adenomas in the duodenum, history of previous major abdominal surgery, and desmoid lesions. In this study, we aim to define the optimum management for ampullary adenomas, particularly in FAP.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of all patients with pathology-confirmed ampullary adenomas in M.D. Anderson Cancer Center from 2002 to 2018. Relevant data were extracted, including patient demographics, treatments, outcomes, and adverse events.

RESULTS

There were 137 patients with ampullary adenomas who underwent 159 procedures; 95 of the 137 patients had FAP and were placed under close observation, 29 underwent endoscopic ampullectomy, 4 underwent surgical ampullectomy, and 31 underwent panreaticoduodenectomy (PD). In the close observation group, 12.6% progressed to advanced adenoma and subsequently underwent resection. There was no ampullary cancer detected in this group. The endoscopic ampullectomy group had a postprocedure adverse event rate of 10.2%. Eleven patients had residual/recurrent disease after endoscopic ampullectomy, 3 of whom needed surgery. Four patients underwent initial surgical ampullectomy and 2 subsequently needed PD. Patients who underwent PD had an adverse event rate of 29%. In this group, there were no cases of residual disease or recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of ampullary adenomas in FAP should be carefully considered for the best outcome. Although these patients can be managed by endoscopic ampullectomy, careful surveillance for recurrence should be followed along with prompt management of the recurrence when detected. Although PD provides a definitive treatment, it is limited by the patient's comorbid conditions and high adverse event rates.

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline on the role of endoscopy in familial adenomatous polyposis syndromes

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) syndrome is a complex entity, which includes FAP, attenuated FAP, and MUTYH-associated polyposis. These patients are at significant risk for colorectal cancer and carry additional risks for extracolonic malignancies. In this guideline, we reviewed the most recent literature to formulate recommendations on the role of endoscopy in this patient population. Relevant clinical questions were how to identify high-risk individuals warranting genetic testing, when to start screening examinations, what are appropriate surveillance intervals, how to identify endoscopically high-risk features, and what is the role of chemoprevention. A systematic literature search from 2005 to 2018 was performed, in addition to the inclusion of seminal historical studies. Most studies were from worldwide registries, which have compiled years of data regarding the natural history and cancer risks in this cohort. Given that most studies were retrospective, recommendations were based on epidemiologic data and expert opinion. Management of colorectal polyps in FAP has not changed much in recent years, as colectomy in FAP is the standard of care. What is new, however, is the developing body of literature on the role of endoscopy in managing upper GI and small-bowel polyposis, as patients are living longer and improved endoscopic technologies have emerged.

Endoscopic ultrasound in the assessment of advanced duodenal adenomatosis in familial adenomatous polyposis

Objective

Current surveillance strategies for duodenal adenomatosis in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) miss malignancies and underestimate cancer risk in ampullary disease. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the assessment of FAP patients with duodenal and/or ampullary polyposis referred for surgical intervention.

Design

A retrospective analysis of FAP patients undergoing index EUS between December 2006 and May 2015 was performed. Follow-up was completed in January 2018, including review of all EUS procedures and surgical interventions (median follow-up 6 years).

Results

Fifty-five patients underwent 188 EUS procedures. Six patients (11%) developed malignancy (three duodenal, three ampullary). Ampullary cancer risk was underestimated by Spigelman stage and overestimated by Kashiwagi classification. Ultrasound findings were poor predictors of malignancy, with common bile duct dilatation being the only finding present in one EUS prior to a diagnosis of ampullary cancer. The best predictors of ampullary malignancy were an ampullary polyp size >3 cm and an increase >1 cm in ampullary polyp size. Ampullary polyp size >3 cm provided the best predictive value, correctly identifying two of the three cases of ampullary cancer and both patients with high-grade dysplasia. EUS biopsy failed to detect malignancy later confirmed by surgical histology in two patients.

Conclusion

EUS surveillance confers little additional benefit to standard endoscopic surveillance in FAP patients. The best predictor of ampullary malignancy is an ampullary polyp >3 cm; this could be regarded as a relative indication for surgery.

Gastrointestinal Polyposis in Pediatric Patients

Gastrointestinal polyps are mucosal overgrowths that, if unchecked, can undergo malignant transformation. Although relatively uncommon in the pediatric age group, they can be the harbingers of multiorgan cancer risk and require close management and follow-up. Additionally, as many polyposis syndromes are inherited, appropriate genetic testing and management of relatives is vital for the health of the entire family. In this review, we discuss both common and uncommon childhood gastrointestinal polyposis syndromes in terms of clinical presentation, management, and surveillance. We also detail any additional malignancy risk and surveillance required in the pediatric age group (<21 years old). Through this review, we provide a framework for gastroenterologists to manage the multifaceted nature of pediatric polyposis syndromes.

Endoscopic Papillectomy for Major and Minor Papillary Adenoma in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Ampullary adenomas can occur sporadically or in the patients with adenomatous polyposis syndrome, including familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and MUTYH-associated polyposis. The potential for malignant transformation is high in the setting of FAP. Although endoscopic resection of major papillary adenoma has been well described, minor papilla adenomas are exceptionally rare. This is the second documented case of an endoscopic papillectomy in a patient with FAP with simultaneous ampullary adenoma of the major and minor papilla.

Gastrointestinal Malignancy Presenting with a Virchow's Node in a Patient with Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome is a genetic disorder with characteristic findings in childhood as well as a predisposition to osteosarcoma, skin cancer, and hematological malignancy. We present the first reported case of duodenal malignancy in a patient with Rothmund-Thompson syndrome. An enlarged Virchow's node was noted and an advanced duodenal adenocarcinoma was diagnosed shortly thereafter. The features of Rothmund-Thomson syndrome are discussed, as well as current management and screening guidelines for duodenal adenocarcinoma.

Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR) Guidelines 2016 for the Clinical Practice of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer (Translated Version)

Hereditary colorectal cancer accounts for less than 5% of all colorectal cancer cases. Some of the unique characteristics that are commonly encountered in cases of hereditary colorectal cancer include early age at onset, synchronous/metachronous occurrence of the cancer, and association with multiple cancers in other organs, necessitating different management from sporadic colorectal cancer. While the diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis might be easy because usually 100 or more adenomas that develop in the colonic mucosa are in this condition, Lynch syndrome, which is the most commonly associated disease with hereditary colorectal cancer, is often missed in daily medical practice because of its relatively poorly defined clinical characteristics. In addition, the disease concept and diagnostic criteria for Lynch syndrome, which was once called hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, have changed over time with continual research, thereby possibly creating confusion in clinical practice. Under these circumstances, the JSCCR Guideline Committee has developed the "JSCCR Guidelines 2016 for the Clinical Practice of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer (HCRC)," to allow delivery of appropriate medical care in daily practice to patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, Lynch syndrome, or other related diseases. The JSCCR Guidelines 2016 for HCRC were prepared by consensus reached among members of the JSCCR Guideline Committee, based on a careful review of the evidence retrieved from literature searches, and considering the medical health insurance system and actual clinical practice settings in Japan. Herein, we present the English version of the JSCCR Guidelines 2016 for HCRC.

Pancreas-sparing total duodenectomy for Spigelman stage IV duodenal polyposis associated with familial adenomatous polyposis: experience of 10 cases at a single institution

Duodenal cancer is a leading cause of death in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). In patients with Spigelman's classification (SC) stage IV duodenal polyposis (DP), careful endoscopic surveillance by specialists or surgical intervention is mandatory. We herein report the surgical and pathological outcomes of FAP patients with SC stage duodenal polyposis undergoing pancreas-sparing total duodenectomy (PSTD), which has been rarely reported but seems optimal in such patients. PSTD and distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I type reconstruction in ten consecutive FAP patients with SC stage IV DP are reported. The median duration of surgery was 396 min (range 314-571 min) and the median estimated blood loss was 480 mL (range 100-975 mL). Significant postoperative complications included wound infection in 1 patient, pancreatic fistula [International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula definition (ISGPF) grade B] in 4 patients. Histopathologic examinations revealed a well-differentiated carcinoma in situ in 3 patients and others were all adenomas. Over a median follow-up period of 15 months (range 9-29 months), 1 patient developed a stomal ulcer which improved with medical treatment. There were no patients with a body weight loss of ≥10 % relative to the preoperative body weight. No recurrence were experienced during the follow up period. Patients were free from postoperative diabetes mellitus. PSTD is a feasible and acceptable procedure in FAP patients with SC stage IV DP, in terms of surgical, pathological and clinical outcome. However, accumulation of the patients and long-term follow up study is necessary.

Duodenal adenoma surveillance in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a hereditary disorder caused by Adenomatous Polyposis Gene mutations that lead to the development of colorectal polyps with great malignant risk throughout life. Moreover, numerous extracolonic manifestations incorporate different clinical features to produce varied individual phenotypes. Among them, the occurrence of duodenal adenomatous polyps is considered an almost inevitable event, and their incidence rates increase as a patient’s age advances. Although the majority of patients exhibit different grades of duodenal adenomatosis as they age, only a small proportion (1%-5%) of patients will ultimately develop duodenal carcinoma. Within this context, the aim of the present study was to review the data regarding the epidemiology, classification, genetic features, endoscopic features, carcinogenesis, surveillance and management of duodenal polyps in patients with FAP.