Videocapsule Endoscopy in Lynch Syndrome

Background Lynch syndrome is caused by a pathogenic variant in one of the four Mismatch Repair genes (MMR): MLH1, MSH2/Epcam, MSH6, or PMS2. These pathogenic variants confer a higher risk of developing colorectal and other cancers, including small bowel cancer. The risk of developing a small bowel adenocarcinoma is about 100 times higher compared to individuals without Lynch syndrome, and the lifetime risk of small bowel cancer is estimated at 4,2%.

The diagnosis of a small bowel cancer depends on videocapsule endoscopy (VCE). This device is swalled so that it can record images of the small bowel, which are then stored on a wearable device for about 8 hours. The capsule is then expelled in the feces while the images are transferred to a computer to be analysed. To date, there is conflicting evidence on the efficacy of small bowel cancer screening with VCE

Rationale: this registry study will collect prospective data from patients with LS undergoing VCE

Aim: evaluate the incidence of neoplastic and pre-neoplastic lesions in patients with LS during a VCE-based small bowel cancer screening study

Design: this is a multicentric, observational study that analyzes data from diagnostic techniques already approved. Patients will not undergo diagnostic procedures beyond what would be recommended by clinical practice.