Dushyant Singh

Pancreatic cancer is a rare but lethal cancer due to its biologically aggressive nature, advanced stage at the time of diagnosis, and poor response to oncologic therapies. The risk of pancreatic cancer is significantly higher to 5% in certain high-risk individuals with inherited genetic susceptibility. Screening for pancreatic cancer in these individuals from high-risk groups can help with the early detection of pancreatic cancer as well as the detection of precursor lesions leading to early surgical resection and improved overall outcomes. The advancements in radiological imaging as well as advanced endoscopic procedures has made a significant impact on the early diagnosis, surveillance, and staging of pancreatic cancer. There is also a significant advancement in the development of biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic cancer, which has also led to the development of liquid biopsy, allowing for microRNA detection in serum and circulating tumor cells. Various societies and organizations have provided guidelines for pancreatic cancer screening and surveillance in high-risk individuals. In this review, we aim to discuss the hereditary risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer, summarize the screening recommendations by different societies, and discuss the development of novel biomarkers and areas for future research in pancreatic cancer screening for high-risk individuals.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have become one of the most popular medications for patients with diabetes and obesity. Due to their effects on gut motility via central or parasympathetic pathways, there have been concerns about an increased incidence of retained gastric contents and risk of aspiration in the perioperative period. Hence, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommends holding GLP-1 RAs on the procedure day or a week before the elective procedure based on the respective daily or weekly formulations, regardless of the dose, indication (obesity or diabetes), or procedure type. On the contrary, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) advises an individualized approach, stating that more data are needed to decide if and when the GLP-1 RAs should be held prior to elective endoscopy. Several retrospective and prospective studies, along with meta-analyses, have been published since then evaluating the role of GLP-1 RAs in patients scheduled for endoscopic procedures. In this review, we discuss the current clinical guidelines and available studies regarding the effect of GLP-1 RAs on GI endoscopies.

Department of Internal Medicine, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL 60612, USA

While India cannot but acknowledge Chinese strengths, it is also vital to make a smart analysis of its weaknesses

Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, 530 NE Glen Oak Ave, Peoria, IL 61637, USA

Any haste to normalise relations by withdrawing troops will only encourage China to launch another major incursion (the Big One), further undermining India’s position.

Recently, the Indian Air Force announced Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh as the first woman in India to pilot the 4.5-generation Rafale fighter jet.

Levy BT, Xu Y, Daly JM, et al. Comparative performance of common fecal immunochemical tests: a cross-sectional study.

Department of Internal Medicine, Trinity Health Oakland, Wayne State University, Pontiac, MI 48341, USA

opinion Soft power may not be enough to resolve India-Bangladesh ties