A new polyposis clinic, led by pediatric gastroenterologist Cary Cavender, M.D., is aimed at enhancing pediatric gastrointestinal care.
As the medical landscape evolves, so does the need for specialized care, particularly in areas that impact vulnerable populations. Successfully managing gastrointestinal issues in children can be extremely challenging, but a new clinic at Children’s of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) will soon provide a hub of specialized care.
The Children’s of Alabama Polyposis Clinic was conceived to fill a crucial gap in pediatric gastroenterology. Recognizing the need to provide focused expertise and coordinated care for patients with polyposis syndromes “was the major impetus for establishing a dedicated clinic,” pediatric gastroenterologist Cary Cavender, M.D., said.
Scheduled to open in early 2024, the clinic will initially operate on a quarterly basis. To best serve patients, many of whom are at increased risk for cancer, the clinic will integrate with members of the oncology team specializing in cancer predisposition. Among their other duties, oncology team members will coordinate genetic counseling for high-risk patients at the Oncology Cancer Predisposition Clinic, ensuring families receive comprehensive support.
The new polyposis clinic will also offer advanced diagnostic and treatment procedures, including advanced endoscopy and colonoscopy techniques like pill cam endoscopy, as well as medication management. Cavender anticipates seeing approximately 15 to 20 patients at first each year, with potential growth as awareness increases. “Our patients need routine monitoring and early and more frequent colonoscopies to ensure they stay as healthy as possible. Since many of these diseases have genetic components, many families with these types of GI issues are already tuned in and aware of the need for consistent screening,” said Cavender, who’s also a professor of pediatrics at UAB. “We’ll make those services available to everyone in one convenient location.”
Polyposis syndromes, particularly familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), present unique challenges. Cavender notes the varied penetrance of the FAP gene within families, and emphasizes the importance of early screening. The clinic’s services will extend beyond diagnostics to include treatments such as sulindac, a medication inhibiting polyp growth, administered orally for patient convenience.
The polyposis clinic stands out as a unique endeavor—one of the first of its kind in the Southeast. Cavender believes it will serve as a vital resource, offering top-tier care for children with polyposis syndromes. With a focus on early detection and a multidisciplinary approach, the clinic aims to provide families with a path forward, instilling confidence in managing these complex conditions. “Early detection makes all the difference for kids with these conditions. Our clinic will enable us to offer the most advanced procedures and genetic testing to identify problems early. Our focus means we’re on the cutting edge of delivering care,” Cavender said.
Cavender’s vision for the clinic extends beyond medical interventions to fostering awareness among health care providers and ensuring that every child in need finds a dedicated and expert team ready to guide them toward a healthier future. “Some of our health system doctors might not even know there are pediatric GI specialists that can help take care of this type of thing,” Cavender said. “Providing a path forward through the clinic will help patients and families navigate these complex GI syndromes successfully.”