2015 brought numerous developments in the field of gastroenterology, with an abundance of new data concerning colon cancer, Crohn’s, Celiac disease, heartburn, hepatitis C, and irritable bowel syndrome. There were new medicines, studies and devices, but we believe these stories had the biggest impact on digestive care:
1. Cologuard is a major development in the area of colon cancer screening. This non-invasive at-home test for colon cancer is FDA approved and covered by Medicare. A stool sample is collected at home and sent to a laboratory, which will test for the presence of blood and other DNA markers in the stool. Colonoscopy is still the gold standard for colon cancer prevention and detection but doctors are hopeful that giving patients an option will increase screening among patients who may be at risk.
2. 2015 also brought extraordinary breakthrough treatment regimens for hepatitis C. Some of these drug combinations are already on the market and have demonstrated cure rates among people living with chronic hepatitis C. Another combination drug is scheduled for FDA approval in June and could become the standard therapy because it is considered effective against most forms of the virus.
3. Interest in the Low FODMAP diet continues into 2016. The Low FODMAP diet was developed to control symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome by limiting short chain carbohydrates which may be hard to digest. In 2015, new studies showed that it appeared to ease GI symptoms and reduce abdominal pain in some children with IBS. But other reports showed that the effect of the Low FODMAP diet in adults needed further study. Patients often find the Low FODMAP diet hard to follow due to its severe food restrictions. Our doctors recommend taking a series of steps by eliminating certain foods or food groups one at a time, monitoring results and working with your doctor to follow a plan that is effective and can be tolerated.
4. Vitamin D may help to treat Crohn’s disease and prolong remission from Crohn’s disease. According to a study in the United European Gastroenterology Journal, supplementing with vitamin D may have an effect on the intestinal barrier dysfunction related to Crohn’s.
This year, there are many other developments in the works. We expect 2016 to be every bit as eventful as last year. As always, Capital Digestive Care will continue to keep an eye out for developments which affect our field.