Study: Two Methods Provide Information for Treating Small Colorectal Cancers

A high-frequency imaging technique called catheter probe EUS and magnifying colonoscopy both provide useful information for planning the treatment of small colorectal cancers, according to Japanese researchers.

The catheter probe EUS was significantly better for predicting the depth of small colorectal cancers, the researchers reported in the journal Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, but the magnifying colonoscopy was better for predicting the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes.

In a study of 22 patients with small colorectal cancers, the researchers reported that the catheter probe EUS was 91.8 percent accurate for the depth of the cancer compared to 63.3 percent accuracy for magnifying colonoscopy.

But the magnifying colonoscopy was 72.4 percent accurate in predicting spread of cancer to the lymph nodes compared to 24.1 percent for catheter probe EUS, the researchers said.

The researchers said the results suggest "that the procedures provide complementary information with respect to the decision for local versus surgical therapy."

Other Sources: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy