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At-home bowel cancer tests could help reduce colonoscopies

A new study found that multiple negative faecal immunochemical tests can significantly reduce the risk of advanced neoplasia in a colonoscopy surveillance program. This could lead to longer intervals between screenings for people at above-average risk, reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

SourceFlinders University·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 15, 2023

Surgery first for colon cancer? Not so fast, according to new study in JNCCN

Researchers discovered that pre-surgery immunotherapy significantly improved patient outcomes for locally advanced colorectal cancer. The treatment showed substantial longer survival benefits, including low recurrence rates, in patients with mismatch repair-deficient or microsatellite instability-high (dMMR/MSI-H) CRC.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateJan 11, 2023

November/December 2022 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A study found that concerns about colonoscopy, lack of opportunity to discuss next steps with a medical provider, and assumptions about personal risk are common reasons patients don't follow up after a positive at-home test. Researchers also developed two simple risk measurement tools to predict COVID-19 mortality rates, which could he...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 30, 2022

Researchers explore why patients don’t follow up with their doctors after receiving a positive colorectal cancer test

A nationwide questionnaire in Dutch colorectal cancer screening found that concerns about colonoscopy, lack of provider discussion, and personal risk perceptions are common reasons for not following up. Personalized screening counseling and family practitioner involvement may help increase follow-up rates.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 29, 2022

Overcoming resistance to colon cancer treatment

Researchers at UNIGE have discovered a way to overcome resistance to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer, using an optimized combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for developing targeted therapies that can effectively treat patients with low five-year survival rates.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCancers·TypeNews article·DateOct 27, 2022

Results revealed from phase I clinical trial of the first drug to successfully inhibit the MYC gene, which drives many common cancers

Researchers have found a drug that targets the key, cancer-causing gene MYC has been able to inhibit its function safely and effectively. Eight out of 12 patients showed stabilisation of disease after treatment with OMO-103, with one patient experiencing a reduction in tumour-derived DNA circulating in the blood stream.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2022

ACP says federal government needs to improve health support for indigenous communities

The American College of Physicians recommends increasing funding for health services and prioritizing health promotion in Indigenous communities. Community-driven public policy is also necessary to address historical trauma, social determinants of health, and inadequate access to healthcare services.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2022

Colonoscopies in FIT-positive persons requires much higher ADR than primary colonoscopy

A cohort study found that endoscopists performing colonoscopies in FIT-based screening programs should aim for markedly higher ADRs compared to primary colonoscopy screening. The study suggests that high ADRs are associated with lower colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Researchers recommend using ADR targets, including differen...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2022

Research identifies, exploits vulnerability in certain high-risk cancers

A recent study published in Cancer Research identified a unique vulnerability in certain high-risk cancers that can be exploited for targeted therapy. Researchers found that cancer cells with alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) have a common weakness, leading to resistance to DNA-damaging agents and chemotherapy.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

Oncotarget | Chemoradiation-induced alteration of programmed death-ligand 1, CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and mucin expression in rectal cancer

Researchers investigated the effects of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, PD-L1, and mucin expression in rectal cancer patients. The study found that nCRT exposure was associated with higher mucin expression and a non-significant difference in PD-L1 expression, suggesting an immunosuppressive phenotype.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2022

New blood test could spare thousands of colon cancer patients from unnecessary chemotherapy

A new blood test has been developed to identify colon cancer patients who can safely avoid chemotherapy, reducing the number of patients treated with unnecessary treatment. The test assesses levels of circulating tumour DNA and could revolutionise chemotherapy treatment for colon cancer patients.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 8, 2022

Remaining increase in cancer risk after high childhood BMI

A new study from University of Gothenburg found that men with high childhood BMI are at an elevated risk of obesity-related cancer, even if their weight is normal in young adulthood. The study analyzed data from 6,565 men born between 1945 and 1961 and found a persistently increased risk of adult obesity-related cancer.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCancer Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

An improved ink for colon tattoos

Researchers have created a new type of colon tattoo ink that is more biocompatible and less prone to diffusion than existing inks. The ink uses metal-derived nanoparticles and polymers to adhere to the submucosal surface in the colon, allowing for better identification and removal of complex polyps and tumors.

New analysis shows chronic lower extremity lymphedema has dramatic impact on physical function in large number of older female cancer survivors

A new study found that nearly one-third of older adult female survivors of colorectal, endometrial, and ovarian cancer experience quality-of-life-impacting challenges with physical activity due to chronic lower extremity lymphedema. The researchers urge the medical community to include regular lymphedema assessments in survivorship care.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2022

Even at best hospitals, low-income older cancer patients struggle after surgery

A new study found that dual-eligible patients for Medicare and Medicaid have poorer outcomes and higher costs after cancer surgery, even in high-quality hospitals. These patients are more likely to experience complications, longer hospital stays, and lower chances of going home instead of a nursing facility.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2022

City of Hope researcher advises doctors against overreliance on a popular liquid biopsy used to screen for colorectal cancer recurrence

A recent study by City of Hope researchers highlights the limitations of Signatera, a popular liquid biopsy test for detecting colorectal cancer recurrence. The study found that standard-of-care CT scan plus CEA blood draw test was more effective in identifying early disease recurrence.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 8, 2022