PSC-IBD Bowel Cancer Risk Study Shows Promising Findings
Research Update: PSC-IBD Bowel Cancer Risk Study Shows Promising Findings
Dr Chandni Radia
A new research update from a PSC Support-funded study is providing valuable insight into the risk of bowel cancer for people with PSC who also have inflammatory bowel disease (PSC-IBD). Dr Chandni Radia is conducting the study and has already presented early results at some prestigious medical research conferences.
The study is essential because PSC-IBD is a rare condition, which makes research into tailored surveillance guidelines difficult. Data has been gathered from over 600 people with PSC-IBD across seven hospitals in the UK providing Dr Radia with more than 3,500 colonoscopy records to review.
Initial findings suggest the long-term risk of bowel cancer for people with PSC may be lower than figures reported in previous historical studies. This new data will now be compared against a national database to ensure accuracy.
The analysis has also identified potential risk factors. Individuals who had poorly controlled inflammation in the colon over consecutive years, more frequent changes to advanced medications, and a history of pre-cancerous changes appeared to have a higher risk. These findings are similar to those seen in IBD-only patients.
Furthermore, the research indicates that using virtual electronic chromoendoscopy may be as effective as the traditional dye-spray technique for detecting pre-cancerous changes.
These results will help inform future national guidelines, aiming to improve the quality of care and potentially better tailor colonoscopy frequency for individuals with PSC-IBD.
Turning Ambition into Action in 2026:
Our Fortnight in Focus
At PSC Support, we want a world without PSC. We work tirelessly behind the scenes to drive research and improve lives. Here is a snapshot of what we've been up to:
Building Partnerships: We worked with PSC Partners Seeking a Cure to align our efforts for Rare Disease Day, increasing our global impact for PSC patients
Empowering our Community: We confirmed expert speakers for our 2026 Information Day, ensuring our community can hear the latest medical insights directly from PSC specialists.
Empowering our Community: We met with our dedicated community moderators to ensure our online support spaces remain safe, welcoming, and helpful for everyone.
Improving Care: We progressed a major initiative to standardise PSC care across the UK, advocating for every patient to receive high-quality care.
Organisational Excellence: Our new leadership team met to ensure our resources are focused on activities that have the most impact.
Organisational Excellence: We secured charity places in the 2026 Amsterdam Marathon, expanding our international fundraising opportunities to power future research and support.
Empowering our Community: We filled all of our Great North Run places with amazing fundraisers who are committed to raising crucial funds for our small charity!
Progressing Research: We collaborated with European liver disease experts at ERN-RARE-LIVER to plan PSC-focused sessions for an upcoming international rare disease conference.