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gastroendonews.com
The Independent Monthly Newspaper for Gastroenterologists
Volume 63, Number 10 • October 2012 40th ANNIVERSARY 1972–201 2
H E PAT O L O G Y IN F O C U S
‘Astonishing’ Data on Metformin for HCC By Christina Frangou San Diego—One of the most widely used diabetes drugs in the world appears to have an unexpected secondary benefit: reducing the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by more than 50%, according to two new studies. Results from an American case–control study and a see Metformin, page 26
First Guideline on NAFLD Published By Christina Frangou Three leading American gastroenterology societies have published a new guideline on the diagnosis and management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Prompted by the fact that physicians are seeing a growing number of patients with the disease, this is the first time that any of these professional societies have developed
Studies Attempt To Define Patient Preferences for CRC Screening By Caroline Helwick Despite its clear benefits, colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates in the United States have stalled at around 50% of those eligible for screening. Acceptance of screening recommendations might be enhanced if certain barriers could be overcome. Some believe that computed tomographic colonography (CTC) might be one way to improve adherence to screening recommendations. This topic has been the aim of several recent clinical research surveys. What do these surveys reveal? Are they accurate reflections of what patients truly desire? And why bother asking: Does patient preference really matter? “The patient’s input and preferences have to be regarded as an absolutely central component of highquality care,” said David Weinberg, MD, MSc, chairman and professor of medicine at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, who spoke on the subject at
the 2012 Digestive Disease Week meeting in a lecture entitled, “What Will Be Competing with Colonoscopy in 5 years?” “Clearly, patients who are well versed at an appropriate level, understand their treatment options and see Patient Preferences, page 7
see NAFLD Guideline, page 28
I N S I D E
GI Roundtable Round 2012
Gastroente enterologists Discuss Challenges, Changes, Future Fu of GI Health Care Compiled and written by Monica J. Smith Knoxville, Tenn.—The GI Roundtable conference evolved as a collaboration between Bergein Overholt, MD, of Gastrointestinal Associates in Knoxville, Tenn., and Klaus Mergener, MD, PhD, MBA, of Digestive Health Specialists in Tacoma,
EXPERT’S PICKS Best of Digestive Disease Week (DDW): Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Ellen J. Scherl, MD, provides an overview of IBD research presented at the DDW meeting Ellen J. Scherl, ............................................ page 10 MD Complications of Biologic Therapy for IBD Four IBD experts discuss common risks and complications associated with anti-TNF therapy for IBD ............................................ page 14
see GI Roundtable, page 50
PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT
PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT
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see page 67 for product information
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