Gastroenterology clinics of North America
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The treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) has evolved substantially during the past decade with the advent of molecular targeted therapies. Inhibitors to the vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways have been shown to enhance the efficacy of cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with advanced CRC, and anti-EGFR antibodies demonstrate modest activity as monotherapeutic agents. These biologic agents have improved patient outcomes and survival and have been incorporated into routine clinical practice establishing a new standard of care. ⋯ The use of molecular targeted agents has fewer yet more specific toxicities compared with conventional cytotoxic drugs and enables a more personalized approach to cancer therapy. In contrast to the results for advanced CRC, targeted therapies have not shown a benefit in the adjuvant setting for patients with resected colon cancer. The goal of this review is to provide an update on the medical management of CRC, with a focus on the use of targeted therapy.
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Chronic constipation is a common digestive problem in North America, with significant psychosocioeconomic implications. Dietary and lifestyle measures and low-cost traditional over-the-counter laxatives are usually the first line of therapy but help only half of the patients. Several newer agents that act by increasing colonic peristalsis, altering colonic secretion, and/or antagonizing enteric opioid receptors have been developed that are effective in treating constipation and its related symptoms as well as improving quality of life. This article focuses on the pharmacology of traditional and newer agents for the treatment of constipation.
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Gastroenterol. Clin. North Am. · Sep 2010
ReviewNew pharmacologic approaches in gastroesophageal reflux disease.
This article highlights current and emerging pharmacological treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), opportunities for improving medical treatment, the extent to which improvements may be achieved with current therapy, and where new therapies may be required. These issues are discussed in the context of current thinking on the pathogenesis of GERD and its various manifestations and on the pharmacologic basis of current treatments.
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Currently there is no evidence for prophylactic cholecystectomy to prevent gallstone formation (grade B). Cholecystectomy cannot be recommended for any group of patients having asymptomatic gallstones except in those undergoing major upper abdominal surgery for other pathologies (grade B). ⋯ Patients with gallstones along with common bile duct stones treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy should undergo cholecystectomy (grade A). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration or with intraoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy is the preferred treatment for obstructive jaundice caused by common bile duct stones, when the expertise and infrastructure are available (grade B).
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Obesity is associated with a spectrum of chronic liver disease. Because obesity increases the risk for advanced forms of liver disease (ie, cirrhosis and liver cancer), the obesity epidemic is emerging as a major factor underlying the burden of liver disease in the United States and many other countries. This article reviews mechanisms that mediate the pathogenesis of obesity-related liver disease, summarizes clinical evidence that demonstrates obesity-related liver disease can be life-threatening, and discusses whether or not treatments for obesity or related comorbidities impact liver disease outcomes.