What can experimental colorectal cancer tell us about colorectal cancer in man?

From a survey of the etiology of colorectal cancer, consideration of the basic pathologic characteristics of ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis of the colon suggests that they might be sister diseases. Similarities in the primary and secondary target organs and in fecal steroid metabolism might be more than coincidental. Thus, it would seem reasonable to pay particular attention to several groups of patients who are receiving therapy or have had operations that alter bile acid and/or cholesterol metabolism: 1) patients who have had jejunoileal bypass procedures for morbid obesity or hypercholesterolemia, 2) patients taking cholestyramine and/or other anti-hyperlipidemic agents, 3) patients receiving chenodeoxycholic therapy to dissolve gallstones, 4) patients taking the birth control pill, and 5) young patients who have had a cholecystectomy. Proponents of such therapy and physicians treating patients who develop colonic cancer or polypoid disease after having had such therapy are encouraged to provide accurate reports.