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Review
. 2014 Sep;71(18):3523-35.
doi: 10.1007/s00018-014-1636-x. Epub 2014 May 15.

Colitis-associated neoplasia: molecular basis and clinical translation

Sebastian Foersch  1 , Markus F Neurath
Affiliations
Review

Colitis-associated neoplasia: molecular basis and clinical translation

Sebastian Foersch et al. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2014 Sep.

Abstract

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are both associated with an increased risk of inflammation-associated colorectal carcinoma. Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) is one of the most important causes for morbidity and mortality in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Colitis-associated neoplasia distinctly differs from sporadic colorectal cancer in its biology and the underlying mechanisms. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms of CAC and summarizes the most important genetic alterations and signaling pathways involved in inflammatory carcinogenesis. Then, clinical translation is evaluated by discussing new endoscopic techniques and their contribution to surveillance and early detection of CAC. Last, we briefly address different types of concepts for prevention (i.e., anti-inflammatory therapeutics) and treatment (i.e., surgical intervention) of CAC and give an outlook on this important aspect of IBD.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Pathophysiology of sporadic and colitis-associated carcinoma
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Cells and mediators involved in inflammatory bowel disease and colitis-associated cancer and their therapeutic implications
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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