Population-based programs for increasing colorectal cancer screening in the United States

Colorectal cancer early screening: Dilemmas and solutions

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy worldwide, posing a significant public health concern. Mounting evidence has confirmed that timely early screening facilitates the detection of incipient CRC, thereby enhancing patient prognosis. Obviously, non-participation of asymptomatic individuals in screening programs hampers early diagnosis and may adversely affect long-term outcomes for CRC patients. In this letter, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of early screening practices, while also thoroughly examine the dilemmas and potential solutions associated with early screening for CRC. In response to these issues, we proffer a set of recommendations directed at governmental authorities and the general public, which focus on augmenting financial investment, establishing standardized screening protocols, advancing technological capabilities, and bolstering public awareness campaigns. The importance of collaborative efforts from various stakeholders cannot be overstated in the quest to enhance early detection rates and alleviate the societal burden of CRC.

Implementation and Evaluation of a Large Community-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Program

CONTEXT

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening can significantly reduce incidence and mortality; however, screening rates are suboptimal. The lowest rates are among those with no usual source of care and the uninsured.

OBJECTIVE

We describe the implementation and evaluation of a community-based CRC screening program from 2012 to 2015 designed to increase screening within a predominantly Hispanic US-Mexico border population.

METHODS

The multicomponent, evidence-based program provided in-person, bilingual, culturally tailored health education facilitated by community health workers, no-cost primarily stool-based testing and diagnostic colonoscopy, and navigation. We recruited uninsured individuals due for CRC screening from clinics and community sites. An extensive qualitative and quantitative program process and outcome evaluation was conducted.

RESULTS

In total, 20 118 individuals were approached, 8361 were eligible for screening; 74.8% completed screening and 74.6% completed diagnostic testing; 14 cancers were diagnosed. The mean age of participants was 56.8 years, and the majority were Hispanic, female, and of low socioeconomic status. The process evaluation gathered information that enabled effective program implementation and demonstrated effective staff training, compliance with processes, and high patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

This program used a population-based approach focusing on uninsured individuals and proved successful at achieving high fecal immunochemical test kit return rates and colonoscopy completion rates. Key factors related to its success included tailoring the intervention to our priority population, strong partnerships with community-based sites and clinics, expertise in clinical CRC screening, and an active community advisory board. This program can serve as a model for similar populations along the border to increase CRC screening rates among the underserved.

[Évaluation de la gravité du cancer colorectal dépisté dans le contexte de la crise sanitaire liée au COVID19 en région Ile-de-France]

BACKGROUND

After the announcement in March 2020 of the COVID-19 pandemic, colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs were suspended in several countries. Compared to the lesions detected during previous campaigns, this study aims to assess the severity of CRC detected during the 2020 screening campaign in Île-de-France, the French region most affected by the 1st wave of the pandemic.

METHODS

The descriptive and etiological study included all faecal immunochemical test (FIT) results carried out between January 2017 and December 2020 on people aged 50-74, living in Île-de-France. First, the proportion of colonoscopies performed within one month (One-month-colo) following FIT; the yield of colonoscopy (proportion of colonoscopies with a neoplasm lesion among those performed) and CRC severity (TNM Classification, Level-0: T0/N0/M0, Level-1: T1/T2/N0/M0, Level-2: T3/T4/N0/M0; Level-3: T3/T4/N1/M0; Level-4: M1) were described in 2020 compared to previous campaigns (2017, 2018, and 2019). Subsequently, the link between the level of CRC severity and the predictive factors, including campaign year and time to colonoscopy, was analysed using polytomous multivariate regression.

RESULTS

The one-month-colo (2017: 9.1% of 11,529 colonoscopies; 2018: 8.5% of 13,346; 2019: 5.7% of 7,881; 2020: 6.7% of 11,040; p < 0.001), the yield (65.2%, 64.1%, 62.4%, 60.8% respectively, p < 0.001) were significantly different between campaigns. The proportion of CRC level-4 (4.8% in 2017 (653 CRC); 7.6% in 2018 (674 CRC); 4.6% in 2019 (330 CRC) and 4.7% in 2020 (404 CRC); p < 0.29) was not significantly different between campaigns. The probability of having CRC with a high severity level was inversely related to the time to colonoscopy but not to the campaign year. Compared to patients having undergone colonoscopy within 30 days, the odds were significantly reduced by 60% in patients having undergone colonoscopy after 7 months (adjusted Odds-Ratio: 0.4 [0.3; 0.6]; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The French indicators were certainly degraded before the first wave of the COVID-19. The delay in access to colonoscopy as well as its extension induced by the COVID-19 crisis had no impact in terms of cancer severity, due to a discriminatory approach prioritizing patients with evident symptoms.

Patients' Expectations and Preferences for the Organizational Conditions of the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme in Poland: A Qualitative Analysis

(1) Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious health problem in Poland as well as many European Union countries. The study aimed to describe factors that, from the patient's perspective, could increase the attendance rate and regularity of participation in the colorectal cancer screening programme (SP); (2) Methods: The qualitative approach was applied. The study involved six focus interviews conducted with 24 respondents (12 women and 12 men) aged 40-49, who had at least one first-degree family member diagnosed with CRC and persons aged 50-65, living in five selected voivodships (provinces) of Poland. The collected data were thematically coded. Further, a comparative analysis was conducted, and aggregated statements were formulated; (3) Results: The inclusion of primary care clinics within the CRC SP organization was reported as a key factor in improving the attendance rate and regularity of patient participation in the programme. Particularly important factors included an invitation in the form of a personal letter or a phone call made by staff from primary care clinics; (4) Conclusions: Patients were confirmed to have clear expectations and preferences for the organizational conditions of the CRC SP. Preferences nature allows them to be treated as one of the potential criteria for selecting critical parameters of CRC SPs.

Two Medicaid health plans' models and motivations for improving colorectal cancer screening rates

Screening rates for colorectal cancer (CRC) remain low, especially among certain populations. Mailed fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) outreach initiated by U.S. health plans could reach underserved individuals, while solving CRC screening data and implementation challenges faced by health clinics. We report the models and motivations of two health insurance plans implementing a mailed FIT program for age-eligible U.S. Medicaid and Medicare populations. One health plan operates in a single state with ~220,000 enrollees; the other operates in multiple states with ~2 million enrollees. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with key stakeholders and observed leadership and clinic staff planning during program development and implementation. Interviews were transcribed and coded using a content analysis approach; coded interview reports and meeting minutes were iteratively reviewed and summarized for themes. Between June and September 2016, nine participants were identified, and all agreed to the interview. Interviews revealed that organizational context was important to both organizations and helped shape program design. Both organizations were hoping this program would address barriers to their prior CRC screening improvement efforts and saw CRC screening as a priority. Despite similar motivations to participate in a mailed FIT intervention, contextual features of the health plans led them to develop distinct implementation models: a collaborative model using some health clinic staffing versus a centralized model operationalizing outreach primarily at the health plan. Data are not yet available on the models' effectiveness. Our findings might help inform the design of programs to deliver mailed FIT outreach.

Coiled-Coil Domain-Containing 68 Downregulation Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth by Inhibiting ITCH-Mediated CDK4 Degradation

Coiled-coil domain-containing 68 (CCDC68) plays different roles in cancer and is predicted as a tumor suppressor in human colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the specific role of CCDC68 in CRC and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we showed that CCDC68 expression was lower in CRC than that in corresponding normal tissues, and CCDC68 level was positively correlated with disease-free survival. Ectopic expression of CCDC68 decreased CRC cell proliferation in vitro and suppressed the growth of CRC xenograft tumors in vivo. CCDC68 caused G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, downregulated CDK4, and upregulated ITCH, the E3 ubiquitin ligase responsible for CDK4 protein degradation. This increased CDK4 degradation, which decreased CDK4 protein levels and inhibited CRC tumor growth. Collectively, the present results identify a novel CDK4 regulatory axis consisting of CCDC68 and ITCH, which suggest that CCDC68 is a promising target for the treatment of CRC.

Label-free diagnosis for colorectal cancer through coffee ring-assisted surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy on blood serum

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is garnering considerable attention for the swift diagnosis of pathogens and abnormal biological status, that is, cancers. In this work, a simple, fast and inexpensive optical sensing platform is developed by the design of SERS sampling and data analysis. The pretreatment of spectral measurement employed gold nanoparticle colloid mixing with the serum from patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The droplet of particle-serum mixture formed coffee-ring-like region at the rim, providing strong and stable SERS profiles. The obtained spectra from cancer patients and healthy volunteers were analyzed by unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised machine learning model, such as support-vector machine (SVM), respectively. The results demonstrate that the SVM model provides the superior performance in the classification of CRC diagnosis compared with PCA. In addition, the values of carcinoembryonic antigen from the blood samples were compiled with the corresponding SERS spectra for SVM calculation, yielding improved prediction results.

'Simple and easy:' providers' and latinos' perceptions of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for colorectal cancer screening

Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening efforts have effectively reduced CRC morbidity and mortality, yet screening remains relatively low among Latinos. The study's purpose was to document the awareness/knowledge of Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) among Latinos, gain better understanding of patient and health care provider perceptions about FIT, and explore the feasibility of adoption/uptake.Design/Methods: The study was guided by qualitative, ethnography design and methods. Eight focus groups (FG) with patients who self-identified as Hispanic/Latino between 50-75 years of age and key informant interviews with providers (N = 10) were conducted followed by a brief demographic questionnaire.Results: Awareness levels varied based on prior screening experiences among patients and providers. Both patients and providers believed the FIT is simple and easy to use; although, a minority of patients expressed doubts about the efficacy of the FIT when compared to colonoscopy.Conclusions: Despite the increasing acceptance of the FIT among the health care community, a significant lag time still exists among our study's populations. Study findings speak to novelty of the FIT test among underserved populations and the health disparity gap between health innovations/discoveries. Increased awareness and education efforts about the efficacy coupled with information about its accessibility, ease, and user instructions may increase the adoption of FIT.

RBBP6, a RING finger-domain E3 ubiquitin ligase, induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promotes metastasis of colorectal cancer

RBBP6 has been implicated in tumorigenesis but its role in tumor metastasis and progression has not been evaluated. Interestingly, here we show that RBBP6 is upregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) where its expression level is positively correlated with distant metastasis. In this study, we identified RBBP6, a RING Finger-domain E3 ubiquitin ligase, served as an independent prognostic factor and predicted poor outcome for CRC patients. RBBP6 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in CRC cells and promoted tumor growth, lung metastasis, and liver metastasis in mouse models. Mechanistically, we revealed that RBBP6 bound and ubiquitylated IκBα, an inhibitor of the NF-κB-signaling pathway. RBBP6-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of IκBα significantly enhanced p65 nuclear translocation, which triggered the activation of NF-κB pathway and then induced the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and cell metastasis. Furthermore, by DNA methylation results and ChIP analysis, we demonstrated that the promoter of RBBP6 was hypomethylated, and was activated by multi-oncogenic transcription factors. In conclusion, our findings suggest that RBBP6 may be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC invasion and metastasis.

Assessing adherence and cost-benefit of colorectal cancer screening for accountable providers

The objective of this study was to assess adherence and costs-benefits of colorectal cancer (CRC) screenings from an accountable care organization/population health perspective. We performed a retrospective review of 94 patients (50-75 years of age) in an integrated safety net system for whom fecal CRC screening was abnormal for the period of June 1, 2014, to June 1, 2016. A cost-benefit model was constructed using Medicare payment rates and a sensitivity analysis. Most patients included in the study (64/94, 68%) received or were offered a colonoscopy. Of those receiving a colonoscopy, 24 of 45 (53%) had an abnormal finding. Total direct medical costs avoided by screening the patient panel was $32,926 but could have exceeded $63,237 had more patients received follow-up colonoscopies. A sensitivity analysis with 1000 patients demonstrated total monetary benefits between $2.2 million and $8.16 million when follow-up and colonoscopy rates were allowed to vary. Although the resulting rates of follow-up were within the range reported in the literature, there is room for improvement, especially considering the monetary benefit that could be used on other diseases. Health systems and payers should work cooperatively to structure payment models to better incentivize CRC screenings.

Physician-office vs home uptake of colorectal cancer screening using FOBT/FIT among screening-eligible US adults

Background

Guidelines of the American Cancer Society and US Preventive Services Task Force specify that colorectal cancer (CRC) screening using guaiac‐based fecal occult blood test (FOBT)/fecal immunochemical test (FIT) should be done at home. We therefore examined the prevalence and correlates of CRC screening using FOBT/FIT in physicians' office vs at home.

Methods

Analysis of 9493 respondents 50‐75 years old from the Cancer Control Supplement of the 2015 National Health Interview Survey was conducted. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of in‐office vs home use of FOBT/FIT for CRC screening.

Results

Of the overall sample of screening‐eligible adults (n = 9403), only 937 (10.4%) respondents underwent CRC screening using FOBT/FIT within the past year; among this screening population, 279 (28.3%) respondents were screened in‐office. We found that sociodemographic factors alone, not CRC risk factors, determined whether FOBT/FIT would be used in‐office or at home. Hispanics had greater odds of being screened in‐office using FOBT/FIT (aOR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.05‐3.99). Compared with those 50‐59 years old, respondents 70‐75 years old were less likely to be screened in‐office using FOBT/FIT (aOR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25‐0.79). Similarly, individuals residing in the Western region of the country had lower odds of in‐office FOBT/FIT (aOR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.11‐0.58).

Conclusion

Amid low overall uptake rates of FOBT/FIT in the United States, in‐physician office testing is high, indicative of a missed opportunity for effective screening and poor adherence of physicians to national guidelines. Sociodemographic factors are determinants of uptake of FOBT/FIT at home or in‐office and should be considered in designing interventions aimed at providers and the general population.

Amid low overall uptake rates of FOBT/FIT in the United States, in‐physician office testing is high, indicative of a missed opportunity for effective screening and poor adherence of physicians to national guidelines.

Patient-Initiated Colonoscopy Scheduling Effectively Increases Colorectal Cancer Screening Adherence

BACKGROUND AND AIM

We identified patients without medical record evidence of up-to-date colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and sent an invitation letter to self-schedule a colonoscopy without requiring prior primary care or gastroenterologist consultation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the response rate to the letter and factors associated with colonoscopy completion.

METHODS

A computer algorithm invited patients not up to date with CRC screening, with an INR < 1.5, and living within 300 miles of the Cleveland Clinic main campus through a letter. Patients scheduled a colonoscopy through a dedicated phone line without any prior physician consultation. Clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic variables were extracted from the EMR through natural language algorithms. We analyzed the percentage of patients who completed a colonoscopy within 6 months of sending the letter and factors associated with colonoscopy completion.

RESULTS

A total of 145,717 letters were sent. 1451 patients were deceased and excluded from analysis. 3.8% (5442) of letter recipients completed a colonoscopy. The strongest factors associated with colonoscopy completion on multivariate analysis included family history of polyps (OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.3, 4.2) or CRC (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.7, 2.5). Other factors included younger age, male gender, married status, closer distance to endoscopy center, number of visits in the year prior, statin use, and diabetes. There were no immediate procedural complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-initiated colonoscopy in response to letter invitation for CRC screening is effective and safe with safeguards established a priori. Consultation with a gastroenterologist or primary care physician is not necessary prior to colonoscopy. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate patient-initiated colonoscopy for CRC cancer screening.

Racial disparities in young-onset patients with colorectal, breast and testicular cancer

Aims: Racial disparities in cancer mortality persist despite rapid developments in cancer treatment strategies. In recent decades, an increased frequency of patients with young-onset cancer has been reported. However, few studies have assessed racial disparities in clinical features and overall survival among young-onset patients with colorectal, breast, and testicular cancer. Therefore, we evaluated racial disparities in cancer mortality for these three cancer types.

Methods: We extracted the data of eligible patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database from 1973 to 2014. Overall and cancer-specific survival rates were compared among races using Kaplan-Meier curves. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and the association of race with survival was influenced by marital status, surgery and disease stage in Cox proportional hazard models.

Results: We collected the data of 19,574 patients with colorectal cancer, 68,733 with breast cancer, and 26,410 with testicular cancer; all were aged 25-40 years. A higher proportion of Blacks presented with a distant stage at diagnosis compared to Whites and Others (colorectal cancer: 18.0%, 18.5% and 18.4%, respectively, P = 0.004; breast cancer: 3.5%, 6.3% and 4.0%, respectively, P < 0.001; testicular cancer: 6.9%, 10.8% and 8.6%, respectively, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that Blacks had the highest overall mortality rate (colorectal cancer, HR, 1.277, 95% CI: 1.198, 1.361, P < 0.001; breast cancer, HR, 1.471, 95% CI: 1.420, 1.525, P < 0.001; testicular cancer, HR, 1.887, 95% CI: 1.562, 2.281, P < 0.001). In stratified analyses, Unmarried Blacks had a higher mortality rates (colorectal cancer, HR, 1.318, 95% CI: 1.211, 1.435, P < 0.001; breast cancer, HR, 1.465, 95% CI: 1.394, 1.541, P < 0.001; testicular cancer, HR, 1.944, 95% CI: 1.544, 2.447, P < 0.001). Furthermore, Blacks with colorectal and breast cancer had a higher risk of mortality than Whites at every disease stage, with greatest disparities occurred among individuals at localized stage. The influence of racial disparities on survival was consistent among patients who accepted surgery, but was weak among those who did not undergo surgery for colorectal cancer (Blacks, HR, 1.027, 95% CI: 0.866, 1.219, P = 0.758; Others, HR, 0.919, 95% CI: 0.760, 1.112, P = 0.386) and testicular cancer (Blacks, HR, 1.039, 95% CI: 0.538, 2.007, P = 0.909; Others, HR, 0.772, 95% CI: 0.388, 1.533, P = 0.459).

Conclusions: We demonstrated that Blacks had a worse prognosis for young-onset colorectal, breast, and testicular cancer. Marital status, cancer-directed surgery and disease stage may influence the association of race with the risk of mortality. Equal access to high-quality medical care among races, greater social support and comprehensive interventions are required. Moreover, further studies need to clarify the effects of biological properties like genetic differences between races on cancer patient survival.

Effectiveness of a decision aid for promoting colorectal cancer screening in Spain: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has shown to reduce incidence and mortality rates, and therefore is widely recommended for people above 50 years-old. However, despite the implementation of population-based screening programs in several countries, uptake rates are still low. Decision aids (DAs) may help patients to make informed decisions about CRC screening.

METHODS

We performed a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a DA developed to promote CRC screening, with patients from two primary care centers in Spain who never had underwent CRC screening. Contrary to center B (n = 24), Center A (n = 83) attended patients from an area where the population-based screening program was not implemented at that moment. Outcome measures were decisional conflict, knowledge of the disease and available screening options, intention to uptake the test, and concordance between patients' goals/concerns and intention.

RESULTS

In center A, there were significant differences favoring the DA in decisional conflict (p < 0.001) and knowledge (p < 0.001). The absolute differences favoring DA group in intention to undergo fecal occult blood test (10.5%) and colonoscopy (13.7%) were significant only before correction for attenuation. In center B the differences were significant only for knowledge (p < 0.001). Patients' goals and concerns regarding the screening did not significantly predict their intention, and therefore we could not calculate a measure of concordance between the two constructs.

CONCLUSIONS

A DA improved the decisional process of participants who had never been invited to participate in the Spanish public CRC screening program, replicating previous results in this field. Future research is needed to identify subgroups that could benefit more from these interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

International Standard Registered Clinical/social Study Number: ISRCTN98108615 (Retrospectively registered on 27 December 2018).

FOXD4 induces tumor progression in colorectal cancer by regulation of the SNAI3/CDH1 axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked third as the most common malignancy, and it develops into metastasis at a high rate. Importantly, distant metastasis is considered to be a key factor for colorectal therapy. In the present study, we identified FOXD4, a transcription factor belonging to the forkhead/winged helix-box (FOX) family, as a novel biomarker for diagnosis and treatment of patients with CRC. We revealed that FOXD4 was up-regulated in CRC tissues and increased the metastatic ability of CRC cells. Additionally, FOXD4 affected the metastasis of CRC by inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Furthermore, FOXD4 could directly bind the SNAI3 promoter during EMT in CRC and then facilitate CRC metastasis. In summary, the present research strongly suggests that FOXD4 is a valuable marker for CRC, and that targeting FOXD4 may be a novel strategy for enhancing the treatment outcomes of CRC therapy.

Patient navigation for lung cancer screening among current smokers in community health centers a randomized controlled trial

Annual chest computed tomography (CT) can decrease lung cancer mortality in high-risk individuals. Patient navigation improves cancer screening rates in underserved populations. Randomized controlled trial was conducted from February 2016 to January 2017 to evaluate the impact of a patient navigation program on lung cancer screening (LCS) among current smokers in five community health centers (CHCs) affiliated with an academic primary care network. We randomized 1200 smokers aged 55-77 years to intervention (n = 400) or usual care (n = 800). Navigators contacted patients to determine LCS eligibility, introduce shared decision making about screening, schedule appointments with primary care physicians (PCPs), and help overcome barriers to obtaining screening and follow-up. Control patients received usual care. The main outcome was the proportion of patients who had any chest CT. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of patients contacted, proportion receiving LCS CTs, screening results and number of lung cancers diagnosed. Of the 400 intervention patients, 335 were contacted and 76 refused participation. Of the 259 participants, 124 (48%) were ineligible for screening; 119 had smoked <30 pack-years, and five had competing comorbidities. Among the 135 eligible participants in the intervention group, 124 (92%) had any chest CT performed. In intention-to-treat analyses, 124 intervention patients (31%) had any chest CT versus 138 control patients (17.3%, P < 0.001). LCS CTs were performed in 94 intervention patients (23.5%) versus 69 controls (8.6%, P < 0.001). A total of 20% of screened patients required follow-up. Lung cancer was diagnosed in eight intervention (2%) and four control (0.5%) patients. A patient navigation program implemented in CHCs significantly increased LCS among high-risk current smokers.

Colorectal cancer screening: Using evidence-based guidelines

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women. There are multiple options for prevention and early detection. Evidence-based guidelines are available to select the best option based on personal and family history. NPs should utilize these guidelines in clinical practice to select the appropriate screening for their patients.

PI3K/AKT-mediated upregulation of WDR5 promotes colorectal cancer metastasis by directly targeting ZNF407

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer deaths, and has a high rate of liver and lung metastasis. Unfortunately, distant metastasis is the main barrier for advanced CRC therapy and leads to a very low survival rate. In this study, we identified WDR5, a vital factor that regulates vertebrate development and cell self-renewal and reprogramming, as a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for CRC patients. We demonstrate that WDR5 is upregulated in CRC tissues and promotes CRC metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. In an effort to investigate the impact of WDR5 on CRC cell fate, we treated CRC cells with growth factor and inhibitor. We report that WDR5 is a novel factor in the metastasis of CRC by triggering epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in response to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, WDR5 shows a direct binding to the ZNF407 promoter on regulating cellular EMT process, leading to CRC metastasis. Hence, our findings strongly position WDR5 as a valuable marker for CRC, and inhibiting WDR5 or the associated signaling pathways may be an effective strategy for the future development of anti-CRC therapy.

The clinical utility and outcomes of microwave ablation for colorectal cancer liver metastases

In recent years, the microwave ablation (MWA) has been reported to play an important role in the treatment of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). In this work, 62 cases of patients who received MWA for liver metastases from colon or rectal cancer between Jan 2012 and Jan 2014 were enrolled in this trial. 28 underwent MWA, and 34 were treated with liver resection as control. Perioperative and 60 months of follow-up data were collected to analyze potential adverse effects, concurrent conditions and survival status. Here, we found there were no significant differences between both groups in the baseline level, including gender, size, number and pathological type (all p>0.05). In those patients, the mean hospitalization duration of patients with MWA is 5.9±0.9d, which is significantly different from control (11.8±6.9 d) (p<0.001). Little severe complication was observed in MWA group, while 26.5% (9/34) of patients developed severe complications (p=0.003). Besides, the mean hospitalization cost of patients with MWA was significantly less than that of control (p<0.000). Additionally, we found no statistically significant differences in disease-free survival (DFS) (p=0.156) or overall survival (OS) (p=0.580). In conclusion, MWA may be a safe, economical and competent way to treat inoperable CRLM patients, which has more advantages than liver resection in some degree.

Editorial: Financial Incentives to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening: Does it Make Cents?

While colorectal cancer screening reduces colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, there is much room for improvement in screening adherence particularly among the uninsured and ethnic minorities. In this issue, Gupta et al. conducted a randomized controlled study to test the impact of a small financial incentive on screening adherence. Their negative study, taken in the context of prior studies and behavioral economics literature, leads us to conclude that it does not pay to add this small financial incentive to community outreach. Instead, we should invest in a systematic approach to screening, including patient navigation.

Association Between Primary Care Visits and Colorectal Cancer Screening Outcomes in the Era of Population Health Outreach

BACKGROUND

Population outreach strategies are increasingly used to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The influence of primary care on cancer screening in this context is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To assess associations between primary care provider (PCP) visits and receipt of CRC screening and colonoscopy after a positive fecal immunochemical (FIT) or fecal occult blood test (FOBT).

DESIGN

Population-based cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 968,072 patients ages 50-74 years who were not up to date with CRC screening in 2011 in four integrated healthcare systems (three with screening outreach programs using FIT kits) in the Population-Based Research Optimizing Screening through Personalized Regimens (PROSPR) consortium.

MEASURES

Demographic, clinical, PCP visit, and CRC screening data were obtained from electronic health records and administrative databases. We examined associations between PCP visits in 2011 and receipt of FIT/FOBT, screening colonoscopy, or flexible sigmoidoscopy (CRC screening) in 2012 and follow-up colonoscopy within 3 months of a positive FIT/FOBT in 2012. We used multivariable logistic regression and propensity score models to adjust for confounding.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight percent of eligible patients completed a CRC screening test in 2012, most by FIT. Those with a greater number of PCP visits had higher rates of CRC screening at all sites. Patients with ≥1 PCP visit had nearly twice the adjusted-odds of CRC screening (OR = 1.88, 95 % CI: 1.86-1.89). Overall, 79.6 % of patients with a positive FIT/FOBT completed colonoscopy within 3 months. Patients with ≥1 PCP visit had 30 % higher adjusted odds of completing colonoscopy after positive FIT/FOBT (OR = 1.30; 95 % CI: 1.22-1.40).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a greater number of PCP visits had higher rates of both incident CRC screening and colonoscopy after positive FIT/FOBT, even in health systems with active population health outreach programs. In this era of virtual care and population outreach, primary care visits remain an important mechanism for engaging patients in cancer screening.

Against colorectal cancer in our neighborhoods (ACCION): A comprehensive community-wide colorectal cancer screening intervention for the uninsured in a predominantly Hispanic community

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the USA. Screening is widely recommended but underutilized, particularly among the low income, the uninsured, recent immigrants and Hispanics. The study objective was to determine the effectiveness of a comprehensive community-wide, bilingual, CRC screening intervention among uninsured predominantly Hispanic individuals. This prospective study was embedded in a CRC screening program and utilized a quasi-experimental design. Recruitment occurred from Community and clinic sites. Inclusion criteria were aged 50-75years, uninsured, due for CRC screening, Texas address and exclusions were a history of CRC, or recent rectal bleeding. Eligible subjects were randomized to either promotora (P), video (V), or combined promotora and video (PV) education, and also received no-cost screening with fecal immunochemical testing or colonoscopy and navigation. The non-randomly allocated controls recruited from a similar county, received no intervention. The main outcome was 6month self-reported CRC screening. Per protocol and worst case scenario analyses, and logistic regression with covariate adjustment were performed. 784 subjects (467 in intervention group, 317 controls) were recruited; mean age was 56.8years; 78.4% were female, 98.7% were Hispanic and 90.0% were born in Mexico. In the worst case scenario analysis (n=784) screening uptake was 80.5% in the intervention group and 17.0% in the control group [relative risk 4.73, 95% CI: 3.69-6.05, P<0.001]. No educational group differences were observed. Covariate adjustment did not significantly alter the effect. A multicomponent community-wide, bilingual, CRC screening intervention significantly increased CRC screening in an uninsured predominantly Hispanic population.