Inflammation Level Predicts Cancer Risk in UC

Previous evidence suggests that increasing extent and severity of inflammation in ulcerative colitis (UC) are associated with increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). Treatment with thiopurines, which can reduce inflammation and produce healing in colitis, has also been associated with reduced risk for CRC. Now, investigators have further assessed the relationship between inflammation and risk for CRC in this setting.

In a case-control study, 141 patients with UC without neoplasia and 59 patients with UC who had developed neoplasia were compared. A 6-point histologic inflammatory activity scale was used to score 4449 biopsy fragments.

In a multivariate analysis controlling for risk factors identified from univariate analysis (sex, use of i…