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Researchers discover the mechanism by which tumor cells become resistant to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that platinum accumulates in healthy cells surrounding cancer cells, particularly fibroblasts, and induces gene activation associated with poor response to chemotherapy. Periostin levels serve as a marker of TGF-β activity in fibroblasts and predict treatment benefit.

Swapping meat for Quorn’s mycoprotein may protect against bowel cancer, says study

Replacing red and processed meat with Quorn's mycoprotein reduces intestinal genotoxins, a risk factor for bowel cancer, and increases beneficial gut bacteria. The study found significant reductions in harmful chemicals and improvements in gut health in participants consuming the mycoprotein diet.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 16, 2023

The nutrient that cancer cells crave

Researchers found that arginine levels are limited in human cancers, prompting cancer cells to manipulate proteins to take up the amino acid. Starving cancer cells of arginine may lead to mutations that make them more recognizable to the immune system.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 3, 2023

Immunotherapy combined with targeted therapy for colorectal cancer yields promising outcomes for patients

A phase 2 clinical trial combining immunotherapy and targeted therapy showed a 24.3% confirmed response rate and 5-month median progression-free survival among patients with BRAF V600 mutations. The treatment also demonstrated increased durability, with 57% of patients remaining on treatment for more than 6 months.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

An unprecedented look at colorectal cancer

A team at Harvard Medical School has created large-scale 2D and 3D spatial maps of colorectal cancer, layering molecular information on top of histological features. The maps reveal the interconnectedness of traditional isolated structures in colorectal cancer, allowing researchers to explore differences within individual tumors.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateJan 19, 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

Oncotarget | Serum microRNAs as new criteria for referral to early palliative care services in treatment-naïve advanced cancer patients

Researchers developed predictive models using serum microRNAs to identify patients at risk of requiring early palliative care. The study used serum samples from 178 patients with various types of cancer and found that miRNA-based models had higher accuracy than clinical models in predicting referral to a palliative care unit.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateDec 29, 2022

Unlocking cancer’s ancestry

A new software developed by researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory can accurately infers continental ancestry from tumor DNA and RNA. This technology has the potential to lead to more targeted and personalized cancer treatments by identifying genetic connections between cancer and race or ethnicity.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 27, 2022

AI improves colorectal cancer screening in Lynch syndrome

Researchers found that AI-assisted colonoscopy significantly improved adenoma detection rates in patients with Lynch syndrome, detecting flat adenomas more effectively than standard examinations. The study suggests that AI-assisted real-time colonoscopy is a promising approach to optimize endoscopic surveillance for LS patients.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalUnited European Gastroenterology Journal·DateDec 26, 2022

Large-scale study led by Fred Hutch finds new genetic risk factors for colorectal cancer, paving the way for better screening, prevention

A comprehensive analysis of over 100,000 colorectal cancer cases identified 100 new genetic risk factors strongly linked with the disease. These findings could help clinicians determine who's at highest risk for early detection and potentially identify candidates for preventive treatments.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 20, 2022

Artificial Intelligence in Health: USC Researchers receive $10.5 million to develop cutting edge machine learning approaches in cancer research

The National Cancer Institute awards $10.5 million to USC's Division of Biostatistics to develop statistical methods for uncovering new risk factors associated with cancer by integrating large volumes of health, genomic, and exposure data. The project aims to provide new insights into complex biological processes and discoveries of nov...

New study provides evidence for three-year interval for multi-target stool DNA screening for those at average risk of colon cancer

A new study found that a three-year interval between screenings using non-invasive multi-target stool DNA testing is clinically appropriate for individuals with average risk of colorectal cancer. The study, led by Thomas F. Imperiale, M.D., identified no colorectal cancers in participants after an initial negative test.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateNov 29, 2022

Two new studies from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center show how bacteria could help tumors progress and resist treatment

Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that oral bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum can infiltrate tumors, influencing their growth and response to treatment. The findings suggest a link between oral health and cancer, highlighting the potential for microbiome-based therapies to combat cancer.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Combined effect of bacteria and iron levels on the progression of colorectal cancer

Researchers found that excessive iron accumulation accelerates tumor growth in F. nucleatum-positive colorectal cancer by enhancing inflammatory responses in immune cells, promoting interpatient prognostic variability. Iron levels also modulate macrophage expression profiles, transforming them into pro-tumor cells expressing CCL8.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

Tailored online personal health record cancer tool increases survivor adherence to national guidelines

A new online personal health record tool has significantly increased adherence by colorectal cancer survivors to national guidelines. The tool, developed by the Regenstrief Institute and other researchers, provides a patient-centered platform for tracking follow-up care, managing symptoms, and connecting with healthcare providers.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJMIR Cancer·DateNov 3, 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

Study validates diagnostic assay for Asian cancers

A Singapore research team has validated a cancer diagnostic assay designed with Asian-centric biomarkers, showing high precision and sensitivity in measuring four major classes of biomarkers. The assay's performance was validated with clinical specimens, indicating its promise for reliable deployment in a clinical setting.

SourceSingHealth·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 12, 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

VHIO-led study unveils predictive biomarker of response to therapy in patients with microsatellite stable BRAFV600E metastatic colorectal cancer

A new predictive biomarker, RNF43 mutations, has been identified as a significant predictor of response to anti-BRAF/EGFR combinatory therapy in patients with microsatellite stable BRAF V600E metastatic colorectal cancer. This biomarker is associated with improved progression-free and overall survival rates.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 27, 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

Journal editorial: Regenstrief researcher calls for tailoring colorectal cancer screening for 45-to-49-year-olds

The author suggests that individuals at average risk between 45 and 49 years old should consider non-invasive screening alternatives, such as fecal immunochemical tests or stool DNA testing. This approach would benefit others who need more invasive screening resources and reduce the strain on colonoscopy services.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateSep 22, 2022

New UCI-led research reveals the circadian clock influences cell growth, metabolism and tumor progression

A new UCI-led study reveals that the circadian clock's disruption can drive colorectal cancer progression through genetic mutations and increased tumor growth. The study found that both environmental and genetic disruptions of the circadian clock contribute to APC loss of heterozygosity, a critical factor in CRC development.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 10, 2022

Clinical trial reveals strategy for increasing shared decision-making by physicians and older patients about colorectal cancer screening

A recent clinical trial led by Massachusetts General Hospital validated a strategy for increasing shared decision-making about colorectal cancer screening in older patients. Brief physician training plus reminders resulted in patients reporting higher quality conversations, with more discussing their preferences and having more options...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2022