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Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a cancer mechanism that can eliminate tumors – even those resistant to immunotherapy

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a new cancer mechanism that prevents the immune system from attacking tumors. The discovery was made by reversing this mechanism, which stimulates the immune system to fight cancer cells, including those resistant to prevailing forms of immunotherapy.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2024

Researchers receive grant to boost colorectal cancer screening follow-up in underserved communities

A new study aims to increase follow-up care for patients who receive abnormal stool-based fecal immunochemical tests, focusing on improving coordination between primary and specialty clinics. The goal is to improve colorectal cancer screening processes in underserved populations, increasing survival and reducing mortality.

In clinical trial, fecal matter transplant helped half of patients with gastrointestinal cancers overcome resistance to immunotherapy treatment

A clinical trial found that fecal microbiota transplants can boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy in a range of gastrointestinal cancers. The study identified specific bacterial strains associated with better or worse responses, and showed promise for improving treatment outcomes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 25, 2024

New study shows at-home colon cancer screening test reduces risk of colorectal cancer death, as effective as screening colonoscopy

A new study published in JAMA Network Open shows that an at-home fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) screen can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer death by 33%, comparable to screening colonoscopy. FIT is a non-invasive test that involves mailing a stool sample to the laboratory for analysis.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2024

How to eliminate racial disparities in colon cancer

Researchers found that eliminating racial disparities in follow-up colonoscopy rates and quality would significantly reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. By closing these gaps, the study aims to achieve health equity and find innovative solutions for true change.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 24, 2024

RNAs may help identify stage II colon cancer patients who may benefit from chemotherapy following surgery

A new study has identified specific RNAs that may help identify stage II colon cancer patients who are likely to benefit from chemotherapy following surgery. The researchers found that certain housekeeping RNAs were up-regulated in patients with recurrence, suggesting their potential role in the metastatic process.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2024

Gastroenterologists generally trust and accept use of AI medical tools in clinics and hospitals, finds NTU Singapore study

A study by Nanyang Technological University found that eight in 10 gastroenterologists in the Asia-Pacific region accept and trust AI-powered tools for diagnosing colorectal polyps. The study also highlights the need for more research into what influences doctors' acceptance of AI in their medical practice.

Anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib could reduce risk of colon cancer recurrence for a subset of patients

A subset of patients with stage 3 colon cancer who have PIK3CA mutations may benefit from celecoxib treatment, which improved overall survival and reduced disease-free survival rates. The study's findings suggest a potential personalized approach to additional therapy for patients with early-stage colon cancer.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 18, 2024

Promising role of antidiabetic drug in cancer control

Researchers found that metformin increases levels of microRNAs miR-2110 and miR-132-3p, targeting genes PIK3R3 and STMN1 to slow down cancer cell growth and division. This study provides new insights into metformin's molecular mechanisms and its potential as a preventive agent for reducing cancer growth.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCancers·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Safer virus helps eliminate cancer

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered an attenuated virus that can help eliminate cancer in mice and prevent future tumor development. The therapy works by raising 'red flags' on tumors to alert immune cells to attack them.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Scientists in Brazil and India collaborate on research to create promising treatment for solid tumors

Researchers created nanomicelles containing substances already approved for human use, which reduced inflammation in the tumor microenvironment and facilitated the action of the immune system. The treatment induced a reduction of over five times in tumor volume compared to untreated tumors.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJun 6, 2024

Immunotherapy before surgery very successful in treating colorectal cancer

A short course of immunotherapy prior to surgery was highly effective in treating colon cancer, with 95% of patients showing significant tumor reduction or complete elimination. The treatment also showed promising results in preventing cancer recurrence and metastasis over a two-year follow-up period.

SourceNetherlands Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2024

Study assesses cancer-related care at US hospitals predominantly serving minority populations compared with non-minority serving hospitals

A study analyzing data from the National Cancer Database found that patients receiving care at minority-serving hospitals were 17% less likely to receive definitive treatment for breast cancer and up to 31% less likely for prostate, lung, and colon cancers. Improving treatment rates could lead to additional patient outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMay 27, 2024

Offering both colonoscopy and at-home tests doubled colorectal cancer screening

A study led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that offering patients a choice between colonoscopy and at-home tests more than doubled colorectal cancer screening rates. Approximately 10% of participants received colonoscopies, while around 11% completed at-home fecal immunochemical tests.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2024

Radiation-based immunogenic vaccine combined with a macrophage “checkpoint inhibitor” for boosting innate and adaptive immunity against metastatic colon cancers

Researchers developed a novel vaccine combining X-ray-induced dying tumor cells with UNC2250, a macrophage checkpoint inhibitor. This combination therapy promoted innate and adaptive immunity by blocking efferocytosis of macrophages and maturing dendritic cells.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateMay 15, 2024

New study shows association of historical housing discrimination and shortfalls in colon cancer treatment

A nationwide study finds that individuals diagnosed with colon cancer who resided in previously redlined neighborhoods are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage disease and have worse survival rates. The research highlights the long-lasting impact of institutional racism on access to quality cancer care.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2024

New data offer reality check on blood-based colorectal cancer screening

New data suggest that blood-based colorectal cancer screening tests could lead to more cases and deaths than established methods, despite improving outcomes for unscreened individuals. The tests are predicted to be less effective and more costly, making them unsuitable replacements for current screening programs.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 26, 2024

Testing method could point thousands more cancer patients to lifesaving treatment

Researchers found that next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified more patients with microsatellite instability than immunohistochemistry (IHC), potentially leading to thousands of missed diagnoses and patients receiving incorrect treatment. NGS could guide the standard of care towards using this test method instead of IHC.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalCancer Cell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2024

Newly discovered link between FBXW7 mutations and EGFR signaling in colorectal cancer

A new link has been discovered between FBXW7 mutations and EGFR signaling activity in colorectal cancer. The study found that the mutated form of the FBXW7 gene could no longer degrade the EGFR protein, leading to increased signaling activity and a decreased response to anti-EGFR treatment.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Sting operation out of gas

Researchers question whether micronuclei activate the cGAS-STING pathway, a key innate immune response to foreign nucleic acids. The study found that MN more commonly recognizes DNA during cell division without triggering STING activation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2024

The help of AI significantly improves colonoscopy

A new AI-powered system has been shown to detect 40% more polyps during colonoscopies, a crucial step in preventing colorectal cancer. This breakthrough technology uses artificial intelligence to examine every pixel in the image and alert doctors to potential issues, allowing for more accurate diagnoses.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 22, 2024

Families of men with fertility problems show distinct patterns of increased risk for several types of cancer

Men with low sperm count or none have a higher risk of developing cancer, including at younger ages, compared to fertile men. Families of azoospermic men have a significantly increased risk of five cancers, while families of oligozoospermic men have a higher risk of colon, bone and joint, and testicular cancers.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Drug used for cocaine addiction may pave way for new treatment of advanced colon cancer

A new study from the University of Ottawa proposes using vanoxerine, a drug initially developed for cocaine addiction, to potentially treat advanced colon cancer. Vanoxerine has been found to suppress cancer stem cell activity in colon cancer patients' tissues and tumours implanted in laboratory animals. The drug works by interfering w...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Cancer·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

NRG Oncology and the University of Pittsburgh demonstrate that a machine learning model predicts oxaliplatin benefit using data from two NSABP clinical trials

A new machine learning model, COLOXIS, uses data from two NSABP clinical trials to predict which colon cancer patients will benefit from the addition of oxaliplatin. The model shows that patients with a signature-positive prediction can derive benefit from oxaliplatin, while those with a signature-negative prediction do not.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 6, 2024