State of the State in Gastroenterology

Gastrointestinal disorders range from life-threatening conditions to benign disorders, but all can impact the daily life of millions of Americans. For colorectal cancer, liver disease, and other conditions, early identification is important to avoid late-stage presentations that carry the greatest mortality risk. The past decade has seen major advances in the development of biologic agents for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and especially in the development of antivirals for treatment of hepatitis C infection. There is also better understanding of the role of diet in gastrointestinal disorders. New initiatives from research of benign disorders are expected in the next decade.