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James E. Allison , MD, FACP

james.e.allison@kp.org

Allison, James E.

James F. Allison, MD, FACP, is a Research Scientist Emeritus at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research; a clinical professor of medicine emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco; and a member of the Division of Gastroenterology at San Francisco General Hospital. He is a national expert on screening for colon cancer. In 2003, Dr. Allison received the Bay Area Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s Premier Physician Award; and, in 2004, the American Gastroenterological Association’s (AGA) Distinguished Clinician Award. Dr. Allison retired from the Kaiser Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) in June 1998 after 24 years of service as a physician. He was a full-time gastroenterologist and educator (assistant program director, internal medicine) at the Oakland Medical Center where he devoted the majority of his time to patient care, administration, clinical research, and teaching. In 1996 he received, the Lowell Beal MD Award “in appreciation for his example of academic excellence combined with warm humanity.” Dr. Allison’s research has been published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, The New England Journal of Medicine, Gastroenterology, The Journal of the National Cancer Institute, and other peer reviewed journals. He is a peer reviewer for many journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Journal of the American Medical Association, and is frequently consulted by lay publications about gastrointestinal illnesses. He has been quoted in Prevention Magazine, the Ladies’ Home Journal, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. The American Gastroenterological Association’s (AGA) Distinguished Clinician Award, that he received in 2004, was established by the AGA to recognize members of the practicing community who combine the art of medicine with the skills demanded by science by service to their patients.

Current Positions

  • Clinical Professor of Medicine Emeritus, University of California, San Francisco Faculty, Gastroenterology Division, University of California, San Francisco
  • Research Scientist Emeritus, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Primary Research Interests

  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Screening for colorectal cancer

Publications

Individual- and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status and risk of aggressive breast cancer subtypes in a pooled cohort of women from Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Authors: Aoki, Rhonda-Lee F; Caan, Bette J; Kushi, Lawrence H; Torres, Jacqueline M; Kroenke, Candyce H; et al.

Cancer. 2021 12 15;127(24):4602-4612. Epub 2021-08-20.

PubMed abstract

Why What You May Not Know About Fecal Immunochemical Testing Matters

Authors: Allison J

Ann Intern Med. 2019 03 05;170(5):342-343. Epub 2019-02-26.

PubMed abstract

Potential intended and unintended consequences of recommending initiation of colorectal cancer screening at age 45 years

Authors: Liang PS; Allison J; Ladabaum U; Martinez ME; Murphy CC; Schoen RE; Shaukat A; Tinmouth J; Gupta S

Gastroenterology. 2018 10;155(4):950-954. Epub 2018-08-21.

PubMed abstract

Yield of Colonoscopy After a Positive Result From a Fecal Immunochemical Test OC-Light.

Authors: Alsayid, Muhammad M; Singh, Maneesh H MH; Issaka, Rachel R; Laleau, Victoria V; Day, Lukejohn L; Lee, Jeffrey J; Allison, James J; Somsouk, Ma M

Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association. 2018 Oct ;16(10):1593-1597.e1. Epub 2018-04-13.

PubMed abstract

Colonoscopy vs. Fecal Immunochemical Test in Reducing Mortality From Colorectal Cancer (CONFIRM): Rationale for Study Design

Authors: Dominitz JA; Allison JE; Guarino PD; et al.

Am J Gastroenterol. 2017 Nov;112(11):1736-1746. Epub 2017-10-10.

PubMed abstract

Recommendations for a step-wise comparative approach to the evaluation of new screening tests for colorectal cancer

Authors: Young GP; Allison JE; Winawer SJ; et al.

Cancer. 2016 Mar 15;122(6):826-39. Epub 2016-02-01.

PubMed abstract

Faecal immunochemical tests versus guaiac faecal occult blood tests: what clinicians and colorectal cancer screening programme organisers need to know.

Authors: Tinmouth J; Lansdorp-Vogelaar I; Allison JE.

​Gut. 2015 Aug;64(8):1327-37

PubMed abstract

Advances in Fecal Occult Blood Tests: the FIT revolution.

Authors: Young GP; Symonds EL; Allison JE; Cole SR; Fraser CG; Halloran SP; Kuipers EJ; Seaman HE.

​Dig Dis Sci. 2015 Mar;60(3):609-22. doi: 10.1007/s10620-014-3445-3. Epub 2014 Dec 10. Review.

PubMed abstract

Challenges and possible solutions to colorectal cancer screening for the underserved

Authors: Gupta S; Allison J; Martinez ME; et al.

J Natl Cancer Inst. 2014 Apr 1;106(4):dju032. Epub 2014-03-28.

PubMed abstract

Population Screening for Colorectal Cancer Means Getting FIT: The Past, Present, and Future of Colorectal Cancer Screening Using the Fecal Immunochemical Test for Hemoglobin (FIT)

Authors: Allison JE; Fraser CG; Halloran SP; Young GP

Gut Liver. 2014 Mar;8(2):117-30. Epub 2014-03-11.

PubMed abstract

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Health Care Utilization and Outcomes Among Ulcerative Colitis Patients in an Integrated Health-Care Organization

Authors: Li D; Collins B; Velayos FS; Liu L; Lewis JD; Allison JE; Flowers NT; Hutfless S; Abramson O; Herrinton LJ

Dig Dis Sci. 2014 Feb;59(2):287-94. Epub 2013-10-31.

PubMed abstract

Measurement of Colorectal Cancer Test Use With Medical Claims Data in a Safety-Net Health System

Authors: Gupta S; Tong L; Anderson P; Rose B; Carter E; Koch M; Argenbright K; Ahn C; Allison J; Skinner CS

Am J Med Sci. 2013 Feb;345(2):99-103.

PubMed abstract

Incidence and Mortality of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma in Persons with Inflammatory Bowel Disease from 1998 to 2010

Authors: Herrinton LJ; Liu L; Levin TR; Allison JE; Lewis JD; Velayos F

Gastroenterology. 2012 Aug;143(2):382-9. Epub 2012 May 15.

PubMed abstract

A Proposal to Standardize Reporting Units for Fecal Immunochemical Tests for Hemoglobin

Authors: Fraser CG; Allison JE; Halloran SP; Young GP; on behalf of the Expert Working Group on Fecal Immunochemical Tests for Hemoglobin CCSCWEO

J Natl Cancer Inst. 2012 Jun 6;104(11):810-4. Epub 2012 Apr 2.

PubMed abstract

Newer fecal tests: opportunities for professionals in laboratory medicine

Authors: Fraser CG; Allison JE; Young GP; Halloran SP

Clin Chem. 2012 Jun;58(6):963-5. Epub 2012 Mar 27.

PubMed abstract

Comparing Fecal Immunochemical Testing: Improved Standardization Is Needed

Authors: Allison JE; Fraser CG; Halloran SP; Young GP

Gastroenterology. 2012 Mar;142(3):422-4. Epub 2012 Jan 24.

PubMed abstract

Role of Thiopurine and Anti-TNF Therapy in Lymphoma in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Authors: Herrinton LJ; Liu L; Weng X; Lewis JD; Hutfless S; Allison JE

Am J Gastroenterol. 2011 Dec;106(12):2146-53. Epub 2011 Oct 25.

PubMed abstract

Prevalence of colorectal cancer surveillance for ulcerative colitis in an integrated health care delivery system

Authors: Velayos FS; Liu L; Lewis JD; Allison JE; Flowers N; Hutfless S; Abramson O; Perry GS; Herrinton LJ

Gastroenterology. 2010 Nov;139(5):1511-8. Epub 2010 Jul 24.

PubMed abstract

FIT: a valuable but underutilized screening test for colorectal cancer-it’s time for a change

Authors: Allison JE

Am J Gastroenterol. 2010 Sep;105(9):2026-8.

PubMed abstract

Incidence, prevalence, and time trends of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease in Northern California, 1996 to 2006

Authors: Abramson O; Allison JE; Velayos FS; Herrinton LJ; et al.

J Pediatr. 2010 Aug;157(2):233-239.e1. Epub 2010 Apr 18.

PubMed abstract

Colorectal cancer screening guidelines: the importance of evidence and transparency

Authors: Allison JE

Gastroenterology. 2010 May;138(5):1648-1652.e2. Epub 2010 Mar 6.

PubMed abstract

The best screening test for colorectal cancer is the one that gets done well

Authors: Allison JE

Gastrointest Endosc. 2010 Feb;71(2):342-5.

PubMed abstract

The imperative of equal funding for studies that evaluate any of the evidence-based, guideline-recommended colorectal cancer screening tests

Authors: Allison JE

Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2009 Dec;7(12):1269-71. Epub 2009 Aug 18.

PubMed abstract

Timing of myelosuppression during thiopurine therapy for inflammatory bowel disease: implications for monitoring recommendations

Authors: Lewis JD; Abramson O; Pascua M; Liu L; Asakura LM; Velayos FS; Hutfless SM; Alison JE; Herrinton LJ

Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2009 Nov;7(11):1195-201; quiz 1141-2. Epub 2009 Jul 22.

PubMed abstract

Validity of computerized diagnoses, procedures, and drugs for inflammatory bowel disease in a northern California managed care organization

Authors: Liu L; Allison JE; Herrinton LJ

Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2009 Nov;18(11):1086-93.

PubMed abstract

Screening for colorectal cancer in a safety-net health care system: access to care is critical and has implications for screening policy

Authors: Gupta S; Tong L; Allison JE; Carter E; Koch M; Rockey DC; Anderson P; Ahn C; Argenbright K; Skinner CS

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2009 Sep;18(9):2373-9.

PubMed abstract

Time trends in therapies and outcomes for adult inflammatory bowel disease, Northern California, 1998-2005

Authors: Herrinton LJ; Liu L; Fireman B; Lewis JD; Allison JE; Flowers N; Hutfless S; Velayos FS; Abramson O; Altschuler A; Perry GS

Gastroenterology. 2009 Aug;137(2):502-11. Epub 2009 May 13.

PubMed abstract

Stool DNA and occult blood testing for screen detection of colorectal neoplasia

Authors: Ahlquist DA; Levin TR; Allison JE; Hillman SL; et al.

Ann Intern Med. 2008 Oct 7;149(7):441-50, W81.

PubMed abstract

Natural history of severe ulcerative colitis in a community-based health plan

Authors: Allison J; Herrinton LJ; Liu L; Yu J; Lowder J

Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008 Sep;6(9):999-1003.

PubMed abstract

Patterns of infliximab use among Crohn’s disease patients in a community setting

Authors: Pressman AR; Hutfless S; Velayos F; Fireman B; Lewis JD; Allison J; Abramson O; Herrinton LJ

Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008 Sep;14(9):1265-72.

PubMed abstract

Incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease in a Northern California managed care organization, 1996-2002

Authors: Herrinton LJ; Liu L; Lewis JD; Griffin PM; Allison J

Am J Gastroenterol. 2008 Aug;103(8):1998-2006.

PubMed abstract

Gastroenterologists’ attitudes and self-reported practices regarding inflammatory bowel disease

Authors: Altschuler A; Collins B; Lewis JD; Velayos F; Allison JE; Hutfless S; Liu L; Herrinton LJ

Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008 Jul;14(7):992-9.

PubMed abstract

Mortality by medication use among patients with inflammatory bowel disease, 1996-2003

Authors: Hutfless SM; Weng X; Liu L; Allison J; Herrinton LJ

Gastroenterology. 2007 Dec;133(6):1779-86. Epub 2007 Sep 26.

PubMed abstract

Screening for colorectal neoplasms with new fecal occult blood tests: update on performance characteristics

Authors: Allison JE; Levin TR; Selby JV; et al.

J Natl Cancer Inst. 2007 Oct 3;99(19):1462-70. Epub 2007 Sep 25.

PubMed abstract

Clustering of inflammatory bowel disease with immune mediated diseases among members of a northern california-managed care organization

Authors: Weng X; Liu L; Barcellos LF; Allison JE; Herrinton LJ

Am J Gastroenterol. 2007 Jul;102(7):1429-35. Epub 2007 Apr 16.

PubMed abstract

Estimation of the period prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease among nine health plans using computerized diagnoses and outpatient pharmacy dispensings

Authors: Herrinton LJ; Liu L; Lafata JE; Allison JE; Andrade SE; Korner EJ; Chan KA; Platt R; Hiatt D; O'Connor S

Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2007 Apr;13(4):451-61.

PubMed abstract

Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines 2005: the fecal occult blood test option has become a better FIT

Authors: Allison JE

Gastroenterology. 2005 Aug;129(2):745-8.

PubMed abstract

Immunochemical fecal occult blood tests for colorectal cancer screening

Authors: Allison JE

Am J Med. 2004 Apr 1;116(7):498; author reply 498-9.

PubMed abstract

A randomized controlled trial of test-and-treat strategy for Helicobacter pylori: clinical outcomes and health care costs in a managed care population receiving long-term acid suppression therapy for physician-diagnosed peptic ulcer disease

Authors: Allison JE; Hurley LB; Hiatt RA; Levin TR; Ackerson LM; Lieu TA

Arch Intern Med. 2003 May 26;163(10):1165-71.

PubMed abstract

Quality of life measurement clarifies the cost-effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori eradication in peptic ulcer disease and uninvestigated dyspepsia

Authors: Groeneveld PW; Lieu TA; Fendrick AM; Hurley LB; Ackerson LM; Levin TR; Allison JE

Am J Gastroenterol. 2001 Feb;96(2):338-47.

PubMed abstract

A comparison of fecal occult-blood tests for colorectal-cancer screening.

Authors: Allison, JE; Tekawa, IS; Ransom, LJ; Adrain, AL

The New England journal of medicine. 1996 Jan 18;334(3):155-9. Epub --.

PubMed abstract

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