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Gene alteration spurs growth of colon cancer

Researchers identified a novel gene alteration that contributes to colon cancer growth, suggesting a new target for diagnosis and treatment. The discovery also hints at the possibility of reversing methylation-based tumor progression, potentially leading to a non-invasive diagnostic test.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2002

New test detects colon cancer gene

A new test has detected colon cancer gene mutations in about 60% of early-stage colorectal cancer patients, with no false positive tests in healthy individuals. The test's high accuracy and low risk of false positives make it a promising tool for early detection and prevention.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 30, 2002

Study finds older patients benefit as much from chemotherapy after surgery for colon cancer as younger patients

A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that age alone should not determine whether an older patient is offered chemotherapy after surgery for treatment of stage II and III colon cancer. The study showed a significant reduction in death risk and improved survival rates among patients over 70 with the disease.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 10, 2001

New insight into diet and colon cancer

Researchers found that a fish oil-rich diet protects against colon cancer, while a corn oil-diet appears to promote it. The scientists also discovered how cancer spreads among cells in the colon, with a new understanding of cell damage varying from bottom to top within crypts.

New England Journal Of Medicine Reports Calcium Supplements Help Prevent Polyp Recurrence; DMS Led Study

A multi-centered study led by Dartmouth Medical School found that supplementation with calcium can reduce the recurrence rate of large bowel adenomas in people with a history of these particular polyps. The findings suggest promising measures that are fairly simple and inexpensive to help prevent colorectal cancer.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 14, 1999

Study: Calcium Supplements Appear To Protect Against Colorectal Cancer

A new study found that calcium supplements moderately reduced the risk of recurring polyp growth in the colon and appeared to lower the risk of colon cancer. The study involved 832 patients who received 1200 milligrams of calcium carbonate daily for four years, with a 24% decrease in polyp numbers and a 19% decrease in recurrence risk.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 13, 1999

Study Links Colon Cancer To Diabetes Drug

A study published in Nature Medicine suggests that the diabetes drug troglitazone may increase the risk of colon cancer by activating the PPAR receptor, which promotes tumor formation in the colon. The study found that mice treated with troglitazone developed a significantly greater number of colon polyps than those not treated.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 1, 1998