Serrated polyposis syndrome; epidemiology and management

Area of Science:

• Gastrointestinal Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Serrated colorectal polyps are precursors to one-third of colorectal cancers (CRC).
• Serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) represents the highest risk for CRC due to multiple/large serrated polyps.
• SPS is now recognized as the most prevalent colorectal polyposis, attracting significant research interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on the diagnosis and management of Serrated Polyposis Syndrome (SPS).
• To discuss future directions in understanding and treating SPS.
• To provide a practical perspective on managing patients with SPS.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on serrated polyps and SPS.
• Analysis of diagnostic criteria and endoscopic surveillance techniques.
• Examination of risk factors, genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences.

Main Results:

• SPS is the most common polyposis, linked to a high risk of CRC.
• The etiology of SPS is uncertain, with potential links to epigenetics and smoking.
• Germline mutations in RNF43 are implicated in a small subset of SPS cases.

Conclusions:

• Optimal endoscopic surveillance and preventive strategies are essential for reducing CRC incidence in SPS patients.
• Further research is needed to clarify the etiology and identify genetic factors.
• Timely diagnosis and treatment of SPS are critical for effective CRC prevention.