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Aberrant crypt foci in human colon carcinogenesis
P Dolara1, G Caderni, L Lancioni
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Florence, Italy.
Cancer Detection and Prevention
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Researchers visualized aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in human colons using methylene blue dye. This method did not differentiate between individuals at high or low risk for colon cancer.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Endoscopy
Background:
- Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are recognized as preneoplastic lesions in the colon mucosa.
- Endoscopic visualization of ACF in humans is a developing area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a procedure for endoscopic visualization of ACF in humans.
- To determine the frequency of ACF in human colon tissue.
- To assess if ACF visualization can identify individuals at different risks for colon cancer.
Main Methods:
- Developed an endoscopic technique using 0.5% methylene blue dye to visualize ACF in the colons of 12 consenting adults (6 controls, 6 colon cancer cases).
- Examined colon surgical specimens from patients with colon cancer or diverticulitis, staining mucosa with 2% methylene blue.
- Quantified ACF density (ACF/cm²) in resected colon sections.
Main Results:
- ACF were visualized in all subjects during endoscopic examination.
- The density of ACF in colon cancer patients (0.124 +/- 0.143 ACF/cm²) was similar to that in diverticulitis patients (0.108 +/- 0.210 ACF/cm²).
Conclusions:
- Endoscopic visualization of ACF using methylene blue in humans is feasible.
- The current method of visualizing ACF does not effectively distinguish between individuals at low and high risk for colon cancer.