Articles tagged with Colon Cancer
A new study found that the prevalence of pre-cancerous masses in the colon is similar between average-risk patients aged 40-49 and 50-59. This suggests that colon cancer screening may be feasible at an earlier age, potentially reducing incidence and saving lives.
Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reveals that smokers with stage III colon cancer have a 22% increased risk of recurrence or death compared to never-smokers. A 20+ pack year smoking history before age 30 was found to be particularly harmful, increasing the risk by 37%
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital have discovered a new approach to immunize against certain types of cancer. They found that immune cells react strongly to modified proteins in tumor cells with DNA repair defects, which are present in around 15% of all tumors.
A recent study has cast doubt on CD133's status as a colon cancer stem cell marker, finding that the protein is expressed by most cells in colon tumors, not just stem cells. Both CD133+ and CD133- cells can initiate tumors when transplanted into mice.
A new real-time microscopic technique called confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) can identify suspicious patterns and precancerous cells, potentially eliminating the need for biopsies in many cases. CLE was found to be accurate in detecting gastrointestinal conditions with an overall accuracy rate of 91%.
A new study suggests that the depth of cancer penetration in the bowel wall affects survival rates, and proposes changes to current guidelines. Patients with thin lesions confined to the bowel wall have better survival outcomes than those with thicker cancers.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified a novel mechanism by which harmless colon polyps acquire malignant tumor properties, driven by abnormal PROX1 protein production. Removing PROX1 from cancer cells reverses their malignant behavior, suggesting it as a promising target for future therapies.
Scientists discovered that when food supplies dwindle, mammals activate the AMPK signaling pathway to conserve energy. The study reveals a link between cancer and diabetes, suggesting that type 2 diabetes drug metformin may also antagonize tumor growth.
A recent study found that the American Founder Mutation, a common cause of Lynch syndrome, is older and more prevalent than thought. The new research includes 32 additional families and estimates that the mutation is present in 32,150 Americans.
A USC study found that specific gene variants linked to colon cancer result in opposite survival outcomes for men and women. Women with certain variants had higher overall survival rates, while men with the same variants had lower survival rates.
A study found that women's perceived risk of colon cancer is associated with their screening behavior, with higher risks detected in Latinas and lower risks in Asian women. Women with a family history of cancer were more likely to undergo screenings.
Researchers at UCI have developed a new colon cancer prevention treatment using a combination of DFMO and sulindac, reducing the risk of reoccurring colorectal polyps by up to 95%. The treatment has shown promise in reducing the incidence of advanced adenomas and other forms of colon cancer.
Researchers at Emory University found that supplementing diet with calcium and vitamin D increased levels of protein Bax, which controls programmed cell death in the colon. This increase may push pre-cancerous cells into programmed cell death, potentially reducing colon cancer risk.
A study found that digestion alters the structure of tea catechins and their anticancer activity. Digestion significantly reduced anticancer activity in colon cancer cells but had little effect on black tea. The findings suggest that better understanding digestion's impact on tea can lead to changes in product formulation and preparation.
Despite having a family history of colon cancer, African Americans are less likely than whites to receive recommended colonoscopy screenings. The study found that only 27.3% of African Americans with a family history underwent the screening within the past five years.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed a new medical imaging technology that can detect early stages of colon cancer without a biopsy. The technique uses a short protein attached to fluorescent beacon to identify cancerous cells, allowing doctors to pick up the earliest possible cancers.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund has awarded $9.75 million to 13 translational researchers through its Clinical Scientist Awards in Translational Research. These awards support established physician-scientists exploring scientific questions, applying knowledge at the bedside, and bringing insights back to the laboratory.
Case Western Reserve University researchers identified genes associated with hereditary components of colorectal cancer in a genome-wide scan. The study found susceptibility genes on chromosomes 1p, 15q, and 17p, which may lead to better cancer screening strategies.
A meta-analysis of 221 datasets found that a 5kg/m2 increase in BMI raises the risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma, thyroid cancer, colon and kidney cancers in men, and endometrial, gallbladder, and oesophageal adenocarcinoma in women. The study also found stronger associations between increased BMI and colon cancer in men.
A new study suggests that smokers may benefit from earlier colon cancer screening due to their increased risk of developing the disease. The research found that current smokers were diagnosed with colon cancer approximately seven years earlier than people who never smoked.
The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in Melbourne received a $20 million NHMRC grant to develop new ways of detecting and treating colon cancer, the most common form of cancer in Australia. The research will focus on five key projects relating to genetic causes, biomarkers, and therapies for colon cancer.
A study found that microRNA expression patterns are differentially expressed in colon tumor tissues, with certain miRNAs associated with poor survival and treatment outcomes. The researchers identified miR-21 as a potential diagnostic biomarker for colon adenocarcinomas and survival prognosis.
Researchers found that a TNF-alpha antagonist can stop inflammation-induced colon cancer in mice with ulcerative colitis. The study used mice treated with azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium, which developed tumors due to increased TNF-alpha expression.
Researchers at Dartmouth Medical School have discovered that the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene plays a dual role in regulating cell growth, acting as both a tumor suppressor and a gas pedal in cell signaling. This new understanding may help identify therapeutic targets for colon cancer treatment.
A new study finds that moderate sun exposure can increase vitamin D production, which protects against various cancers and diseases. The research suggests that people in southern latitudes produce more vitamin D due to increased solar radiation intensity.
Researchers found a founder mutation in two large US families that may contribute to significant colon cancer cases. The mutation increases risk by 2-3 times by age 80, but can be prevented with proper screening and care.
A study by University of California, Irvine researchers found that low doses of freeze-dried grape powder inhibit genes linked to sporadic colorectal cancer. The study suggests a diet rich in grapes may help prevent colon cancer, which kills over half a million people worldwide each year.
A study found that hospitals with higher lymph node examination rates did not see better patient survival after colon cancer surgery. The rate of detecting node-positive tumors remained the same across all hospital groups.
Researchers found that younger patients with colon cancer have shorter telomeres than expected, suggesting a possible biomarker for early detection. The study also found gender differences in the incidence of colon cancer among young people.
New studies support continued colorectal cancer screening among healthy elderly Americans, with screenings leading to earlier stage of CRC diagnosis and improved survival. Researchers found that adenomas were detected more frequently in older patients, and asymptomatic patients had significantly improved survival rates.
Researchers mapped the human genome for breast and colon cancers, finding that most cancer-causing gene mutations are diverse and vary from person to person. The study suggests that personalized medicine may focus on complex pathways linking less-commonly mutated genes.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a novel way to fight colorectal cancer using tiny molecules to deliver potent radiation inside cancer cells. The new system proved able to specifically target colon cancer cells, reducing unwanted side effects.
Scientists identify EphB2 and EphB3 receptors as key players in limiting tumor cell growth to confined compartments. This mechanism prevents tumors from invading other tissue areas.
A large study of European patients has identified promising biomarkers to distinguish between patients with a high likelihood and low likelihood of relapse, paving the way for more targeted treatment approaches.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found no strong association between fruit and vegetable intake and colon cancer risk. However, a lower risk of distal colon cancer was observed among those consuming high amounts of fruits and vegetables.
The Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) detects human blood in the stool and has a high sensitivity of 81.8% for detecting colorectal cancers. FIT also has a higher specificity than traditional guaiac tests, reducing false positives and unnecessary procedures.
A new method of molecular profiling has accurately predicted which stage II colon cancer patients are most likely to have their disease recur after surgery. The analysis identified two groups with distinct clinical outcomes, allowing for more accurate selection of patients who would benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
Researchers found that personalized interventions significantly improved colon cancer screening rates in primary care practices. Screening rates increased by 33-48% compared to usual care, with the most substantial improvements seen when personal messages addressed personal barriers to screening. The study suggests that a relatively si...
Researchers found that anthocyanins from purple corn, chokeberries, and bilberries can slow the growth of colon cancer cells. The compounds were tested on human colon cancer cells and rats with colon cancer, showing promising results. Further studies are needed to understand how these compounds interact with other food components.
Researchers found that a Western diet was associated with a three-and-a-half times higher risk of colon cancer recurrence in patients who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy. In contrast, a prudent-pattern diet did not significantly influence cancer recurrence or mortality.
A study found that patients with a diet high in meat, fat and refined grains had an increased risk of cancer recurrence and death compared to those with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The researchers identified two dietary patterns: prudent and Western, and found that the Western pattern was associated with a significant increas...
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that colon cancer is caused by a lack of hormones that regulate intestinal epithelial cells. Hormone replacement therapy may prevent or treat the disease, shifting the focus from genetic to endocrine aspects.
Scientists have discovered that cancer cells eliminate the enzyme protein kinase G (PKG), leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Reintroducing PKG into cancer cells has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis, suggesting a potential new avenue for targeted cancer treatment.
Researchers developed a new drug delivery method using ultrasound to target cancer tumors, releasing chemotherapy drugs from nanobubbles. They found this approach was more effective at blocking tumor growth than other nanoparticle delivery methods. Vitamin D levels were also associated with reduced colon cancer risk in a separate study.
Researchers found a significant link between genetic variation on chromosome 8 and the risk of colorectal cancer, with individuals carrying the specific marker being 23% more likely to develop the disease. The study suggests that this single genetic variation might account for 14% of colorectal cancer cases in Israel.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine are studying the impact of a Mediterranean diet on colon cancer risk. The study will compare the diet with a standard healthy eating plan and investigate its effects on protein levels and antioxidant compounds in the body. Participants who complete the six-month study will receive $270.
Researchers at USC have identified specific molecular markers that may help predict tumor recurrence in stage II and III colon cancer patients. The study found that genes involved in angiogenesis pathway play a critical role in tumor relapse.
A predominantly Western diet high in red meat, fatty foods, refined grains, and desserts is associated with faster cancer recurrence and lower overall survival rate in stage III colon cancer patients. In contrast, a prudent diet rich in fruits, vegetables, poultry, and fish does not significantly influence cancer recurrence or mortality.
New studies examine factors that affect colonoscopy quality, including age, location, and technician training. Research suggests that competence in efficient colonoscopy requires more than 150 cases, with success rates improving significantly after this threshold.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a technique to close accidental colonoscopy wounds using small metal clips inserted through an endoscope. The new method has shown promising results in animal studies, with successful closure of perforations and reduced adhesions compared to surgical closure.
A colon cancer researcher outlines the benefits of aspirin in preventing colon cancer in high-risk individuals. Dr. Sanford Markowitz' editorial provides a roadmap for how medical science should employ aspirin and new aspirin-like drugs to decrease the risk of developing colon cancer.
Research highlights age-related risks for colon cancer patients undergoing surgery; obesity linked to increased polyp prevalence in women. Racial disparities also affect liver cancer treatment, with African Americans less likely to receive surgical therapy.
A recent study by Frederick H. Davidorf, MD, found that uveal melanoma patients and their families are at higher risk for developing colon cancer. The study involved 130 patients who provided their extended family medical histories, revealing a significant number of patients and relatives with an increased risk for colon cancer.
Recent advances in epidemiologic and experimental knowledge have validated health benefits of moderate coffee consumption. Studies suggest that moderate coffee drinking may reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, while also lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers discovered compounds in black raspberries, blueberries, grape seeds, high-fiber foods, and apple juice that show promise for preventing cancer. Studies found significant reductions in tumors of the esophagus, colon, skin, and prostate cancers.
A study by Rutgers University and the US Department of Agriculture found that pterostilbene, a potent antioxidant in blueberries, reduced pre-cancerous lesions in rats with colon cancer by 57%. The compound also inhibited inflammation and cell proliferation.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered a gene mutation that reduces the number of colon polyps, potentially cutting the risk of colon cancer. The Atp5a1 mutation is found in mice and has been linked to a significant decrease in polyp formation.
A systematic review of 17 studies found that increased lymph node evaluation is associated with improved survival rates for patients with stage II and III colon cancer. However, many patients do not receive adequate lymph node testing.
A study of 17 studies from nine countries found that removing and examining more lymph nodes during colon cancer surgery improves patient outcomes. The research suggests that knowing how far a cancer has spread leads to tailored treatment, ultimately resulting in better survival rates for patients.
A new study found that routine colonoscopic surveillance improves survival for colorectal cancer patients. Patients who underwent regular follow-up colonoscopies had better five-year survival rates compared to those who did not receive screenings.