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GI Update

Chromoendoscopy for Colorectal Cancer Surveillance in IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with a significantly higher risk of colorectal cancer than the general population. To improve early colorectal cancer detection, patients with a ten-year history of extensive colonic IBD are recommended to undergo colonoscopy surveillance at least every two years. Emmanuelle D. Williams, MD, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center explains, “Currently recommended surveillance techniques (at least thirty-three random biopsies obtained from the entire extent of the colon) for IBD patients are time consuming and limited by a relatively low colorectal cancer detection rate where up to 25 percent of precancerous lesions are missed. Part of the challenge is the difficulty in visualizing pre-cancerous lesions in IBD patients because they can be multiple and flat with subtle irregularities rather than polypoid.” Chromoendoscopy, a technique that uses dye to highlight dysplastic tissue in existence since the 1970s, was introduced to IBD surveillance in 2003, and has since proven to markedly increase dysplastic lesion detection. While simple and inexpensive to do, Williams notes, “The technique requires training and practice, and additional time needed for obtaining dye-targeted biopsies and thus is typically only offered in tertiary care settings.”

Williams trained in the technique with James Marion, MD, at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, N.Y., the nation’s leading group in chromoendoscopy. Since September 2011, Williams and her colleagues have been performing chromoendoscopy surveillance. Williams says, “Chromoendoscopy can be done with a conventional colonoscope, a spray catheter, and commercially available methylene blue.” Dye is added to sterile water and attached to the spray catheter; segmental spraying of the colon can be performed during colonoscope withdrawal. Dysplastic lesions poorly take up the dye and appear lighter in color than surrounding normal mucosa.

So far, Williams is pleased with the results in referred IBD patients with known dysplasia. “Since we started, we’ve performed chromoendoscopy in thirty IBD patients, and have detected or confirmed three pre-malignant areas.” Prior to the procedure, patients are instructed about the importance of obtaining the best preparation possible, as stool interferes with tissue absorption of dye. For patients with G6PD deficiency who cannot be exposed to methylene blue, an alternate dye, indigo carmine is used, which is safe for use in such patients. If dysplasia is limited in scope, it will typically be removed during the procedure.

In addition to the enhanced likelihood of dysplasia detection, Williams believes chromoendoscopy surveillance raises IBD patient awareness of their colorectal cancer risk. For patients with widespread dysplasia who choose not to undergo the recommended colectomy, Williams recommends ongoing chromoendoscopy surveillance every three to six months. “Seeing the lesions and appreciating the degree of inflammation, even with all of the medications they are taking, often leads patients to make pivotal decisions about their IBD management. Our goal is to make patients feel comfortable that they have made the most informed decision about their care.”

A head-and-shoulders photo of Emmanuelle D. Williams, MD

Emmanuelle D. Williams, MD

Associate Professor
Associate Director, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center
Phone: 717-531-4950
Email: ewilliams3@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
Fellowship: Gastroenterology and Hepatology University of Florida College of Medicine (Gainesville)
Residency: Internal Medicine University of Michigan Medical Center (Ann Arbor)
Medical School: Jefferson Medical College (Pennsylvania)
Connect with Emmanuelle D. Williams, MD, on Doximity

Reference

Marion JF, Waye JD, Present DH, et al: Chromoendoscopy-targeted biopsies are superior to standard colonoscopic surveillance for detecting dysplasia in inflammatory bowel disease patients: a prospective endoscopic trial. Am J Gastroenterol 2008;103:2342-2349.

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Penn State Health Gastroenterology and Hepatology provides comprehensive services in the diagnosis, medical management and endoscopic treatment of diseases affecting the digestive system and liver.

Penn State Health Colon and Rectal Surgery consists of highly skilled, board-certified surgeons specializing in the treatment of patients with complicated colorectal disease. Each surgeon uses advanced diagnostic capabilities, the latest drug therapies, and leading-edge surgical techniques to provide the most effective medical care possible.

The mission of Penn State Health Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Penn State Health Colorectal Surgery is to provide world-class care and to advance the knowledge of disorders of the digestive system and liver through research, as well as to train the physicians of the future. The physicians participate in studies to determine the usefulness of novel treatments through clinical research studies and also in research which advances the basic knowledge of the disorders in this field.

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