Gastroenterologists from NYU Langone Health are presenting their latest clinical findings and research discoveries at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024, held May 18 to 21 in Washington, DC.

Among the presentations:

• Blood-Based Test Shows Promise in Detecting Colorectal Cancer Early
• Self-Assembling Peptide Gel Demonstrates Potential in Preventing Bleeding After Large Endoscopic Resection Procedures
• Study Reveals Long-Term Risks of Adenomas Detected During Colonoscopy

“The impactful work of our gastroenterologists reflects both the depth of their expertise and the breadth of their contributions to advancing research and clinical care,” said Mark B. Pochapin, MD, Sholtz/Leeds Professor of Medicine and director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “DDW is an opportunity to highlight the advancements they are making in the field.”

Experts are also presenting on the future role of artificial intelligence (AI) in endoscopic quality, the role of diet in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the emerging field of endobariatrics to help patients lose weight without surgery, and what providers can do about the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations.

Additionally, Sophie M. Balzora, MD, clinical professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, received the Distinguished Service Award in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). This award honors members who have promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion within the AGA and the broader gastroenterology community.

Blood-Based Test Shows Promise in Detecting Colorectal Cancer Early

A groundbreaking study, the largest of its kind to date, has unveiled promising results for the early detection of colorectal cancer. The study, named PREEMPT CRC, evaluated a blood-based screening test made by the biotechnology company Freenome in over 32,000 average-risk individuals aged 45 to 85 between May 2020 and April 2022. The findings reveal that the test demonstrated a 79.2 percent sensitivity for detecting colorectal cancer and a specificity of 91.5 percent for identifying the absence of advanced colorectal neoplasia.

“The study suggests that this blood test could offer a convenient and effective screening option for colorectal cancer in the average-risk population, potentially helping to address underutilization of screening methods,” said the study’s author, Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH, the Robert M. and Mary H. Glickman Professor of Medicine and director of outcomes research in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “These results underscore the potential of blood-based screening in colorectal cancer screening, providing a noninvasive option that could impact public health.”

PREEMPT CRC enrolled participants from diverse backgrounds and recruited participants via both virtual and traditional outreach methods in an effort to address barriers to screening.

Colorectal cancer screening is crucial for early detection and treatment, yet nearly 40 percent of eligible adults in the United States are not up to date with screening.

Self-Assembling Peptide Gel Demonstrates Potential in Preventing Bleeding After Large Endoscopic Resection Procedures

A study that involved multiple hospitals across North America has revealed promising results for reducing delayed bleeding after large endoscopic resections. Led by Ki-Yoon Kim, MD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, and Gregory B. Haber, MD, professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, this study tested the safety and efficacy of a self-assembling peptide (SAP) gel in preventing delayed bleeding after large endoscopic resection procedures that removed precancerous and cancerous tissues along the gastrointestinal tract.

The retrospective observational study, conducted at eight institutions, included 210 patients; they were followed to see if they experienced delayed bleeding within 30 days of endoscopic resection procedures in the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and the colon. The results showed a 100 percent technical success rate, meaning successful application of the SAP gel without adverse events, and a 92.38 percent clinical success rate, meaning absence of delayed bleeding within those 30 days.

The SAP gel is acidic in nature, so it quickly neutralizes on contact with blood or bodily fluids and acts as a barrier to prevent bleeding. The transparent nature of the gel maintains clear visibility of the endoscopic resection site, allowing for direct visual control by the physician throughout the procedure.

“The study offers a valuable treatment option when conventional treatments to prevent delayed bleeding, such as clips or sutures, are not possible due to the size or location of the resection sites,” said Dr. Kim. “More centers have joined this multicenter study, and we eagerly await more data to further validate these findings in future studies.”

Study Reveals Long-Term Risks of Adenomas Detected During Colonoscopy

Dr. Shaukat also gave a presentation on an analysis from the Minnesota Colon Cancer Screening Trial, which sheds light on the long-term risks associated with different types of polyps, called adenomas, detected during colonoscopies.

The study, conducted among over 10,000 participants aged 45 and older, found that individuals with advanced adenomas—which are characterized by larger size or specific features—faced a significantly higher risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to those without adenomas. Similarly, participants with smaller, early-stage adenomas also exhibited an increased risk of colorectal cancer incidence. Those with advanced adenomas also faced a greater likelihood of mortality.

“The findings emphasize the significance of identifying and monitoring polyps during colonoscopy for long-term colorectal cancer prevention and management,” Dr. Shaukat said. “These results contribute valuable insights into the management and care of individuals at risk for colorectal cancer, underscoring the importance of tailored surveillance strategies based on adenoma characteristics.”

Media Inquiries

Lacy Scarmana
Phone: 646-754-7367
Lacy.Scarmana@NYULangone.org