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:
Organisational excellence: We simplified our personal data consent process and streamlined how we record patient stories to ensure that the lived experiences of our community are captured accurately and securely to inform future work.
Progressing Research: We coordinated a series of upcoming meetings with international researchers and pharmaceutical companies, which supports better informed decisions for people with PSC, research, or care. This groundwork helps keep PSC research focused on the primary needs of the patient community.
Progressing Research: We reviewed and contributed to scientific abstracts and posters for the upcoming EASL international liver congress, which strengthens the quality of future research for people with PSC, research, or care.
Progressing Research: We engaged with the MHRA to prepare for the upcoming national consultation on rare disease therapies, representing PSC patients in the wider community. Maintaining this direct dialogue ensures our organisation is prepared to respond formally and protect the interests of those living with PSC
Improving Care: We presented about what it is really like to live with PSC to gastroenterologists This first-hand insight equips healthcare professionals to better understand the day-to-day challenges of PSC.
Income Generation: We secured a place in the prestigious Big Give Small Charity Week match-funding campaign, so that we can maximise future donations from our supporters as every donation between 22 and 29 June will be doubled!
Progressing Research: We recruiting for a research and advocacy officer to expand our core team. This additional capacity ensures we can better support scientific studies and represent the patient voice at every level.