Serrated Polyposis Syndrome: A Review and Consensus Statement by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer
In brief
Serrated polyp burden guides colonoscopy and surgery for high-risk patients
Serrated polyps can signal increased colorectal cancer risk, but the syndrome is often missed. The consensus recommends careful colon inspection, polyp removal and frequent surveillance, with surgery when cancer is present or expert endoscopists cannot manage the polyp burden. First-degree relatives also need screening; genetic testing is reserved for people who meet criteria for another hereditary syndrome.
- Journal
- Gastroenterology (Q1)
- Published
- 30 September 2026
- Study design
- Practice guideline / consensus
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1c)
- Authors
- Douglas K Rex, Joseph C Anderson, Carol A Burke, Brian C Jacobson, Folasade P May, Swati G Patel, et al.
- PMID
- 42814045
- DOI
- 10.1053/j.gastro.2026.09.001
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Gastroenterology (top studies of the week, 4 October 2026): Serrated polyposis syndrome review and consensus recommendations
Abstract
Serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) is the most common polyposis syndrome, yet SPS often goes unrecognized. SPS diagnosis is based on clinical criteria established by the World Health Organization and includes the size, cumulative lifetime number, and location of serrated polyps throughout the colon. Individuals with SPS have an increased risk of prevalent and incident colorectal cancer (CRC). Meticulous inspection, clearing of the colon and frequent surveillance colonoscopy is recommended to decrease incident CRC. Colorectal surgery is indicated for individuals diagnosed with cancer or whose polyp burden cannot be managed endoscopically by expert endoscopists. There is no common germline pathogenic variant associated with SPS. Germline genetic testing is indicated only in individuals who meet criteria for a known hereditary syndrome in the appropriate clinical setting. First-degree relatives of patients with SPS are at heightened risk of CRC and should undergo colonoscopic screening.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.