Dr. Mark Pimentel is the Associate Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology and Executive Director of the Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) program at Cedars-Sinai. He is credited with developing the first blood test for IBS, discovering rifaximin for treating IBS-D, identifying the auto-immune basis for IBS/SIBO, and developing the first multi-gas breath test for SIBO.
Key findings from Dr. Pimentel’s Digestive Diseases and Sciences review paper, IBS is Not Associated with an Increased Risk of Polyps and CRC, are outlined below, along with details about how this important research is incorporated into Cylinder’s clinical practice. As a Cylinder’s clinical advisory board member, Dr. Pimentel also provides guidance on clinical best practices for the Cylinder digestive health platform.
Behind the study: Gut health for beginners
Before diving into the details, here’s a summary of the conditions Dr. Pimentel studied and why they are important.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is one of the most common disorders seen by doctors. And yet, only 5-7% of adults have been diagnosed with the disease, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Gut health is incredibly complex, which is why the research by Dr. Pimentel and others in this field is so important as we advance our understanding to help treat the more than 70 million Americans who suffer from a digestive disease.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the world of gut health. These numbers have dropped slightly over the years, with more people getting colorectal cancer screenings but younger people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer more frequently.
Colorectal polyps play an important role in digestive health, as they often develop into colorectal cancer. Dr. Pimentel’s study highlights that the prevalence of polyps and colorectal cancer in patients with IBS had not been systematically reviewed before.
The role of IBS in colorectal cancer and polyps
Dr. Pimentel is well-known for his exceptional contributions to gastroenterology and has long been committed to demystifying the complexities of gastrointestinal disorders. His systematic review is a testament to his dedication to uncovering the hidden facets of gastrointestinal health. The monumental analysis included over 600,000 individuals grappling with IBS alongside a staggering 2 million control patients, making it one of the most extensive studies of its kind.
Dr. Pimentel found that colorectal cancer displayed a downward trend in IBS patients, although it did not reach statistical significance. However, Dr. Pimentel found a significant decrease in colorectal polyps among those diagnosed with IBS. This discovery has heightened awareness of the relationship between IBS and CRC.
Why does this matter?
Digestive disease is hugely misunderstood, yet 40% of American lives are disrupted daily by some sort of gut trouble. Issues like IBS and CRC impact a staggering number of individuals. Working with leaders like Dr. Pimentel, Cylinder’s goal is to provide care and relief for our members and help shape the future of GI health.
This study’s alignment with the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) clinical guidelines further solidifies Cylinder’s dedication to evidence-based interventions. Dr. Pimentel’s insights bolster the approach to managing IBS and CRC, offering hope for those grappling with these conditions.
The future of GI health
As Dr. Pimentel’s research continues reverberating across the medical landscape, it promises to transform how IBS, colorectal polyps, and CRC are managed. Understanding these interrelated conditions enables Cylinder to deliver even more tailored interventions for personalized gastrointestinal care.
