Articles tagged with Colorectal Cancer
A novel methodology was developed to extract data on symptoms from EHRs and investigate associations between symptom clusters and disease. The study identified distinct symptom clusters for breast cancer and colorectal cancer patients, providing critical information for patient care teams and researchers.
A major study across 195 countries found that global death rates for pancreatic cancer and incidence rates for colorectal cancer increased by 10% between 1990 and 2017. The study also reported significant increases in cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and a rise in obesity-related risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
Researchers found that direct-to-consumer genetic tests can result in clinical false-negative results, particularly for certain populations. For example, 40% of individuals with MUTYH mutations would have been missed, while 19% of Ashkenazi Jewish individuals with BRCA1/2 mutations would also be missed.
Researchers at TAU and Ichilov Hospital developed a new antibiotic treatment that significantly reduces intestinal polyp numbers and improves quality of life for FAP patients. The innovative therapy, which targets 'nonsense mutations' in the APC gene, showed promising results in a clinical trial.
A phase III study showed that the combination of encorafenib, binimetinib, and cetuximab significantly improved overall survival (9.0 months) and objective response rates compared to standard care. The treatment was well-tolerated, suggesting a potential paradigm shift in treating BRAF-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer.
The BEACON CRC Phase III clinical trial found that the three-drug combination of encorafenib, binimetinib, and cetuximab significantly improved overall survival in patients with BRAF-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. Median OS for the triplet-targeted therapy was 9 months compared to 5.4 months for standard therapy.
A liquid biopsy test can predict which patients with colorectal cancer are likely to relapse after surgery, and guide treatment. The test identified patients who were more or less likely to remain disease-free two years after chemotherapy.
Researchers discovered the mechanism behind cetuximab's effectiveness in patients with a specific KRAS gene mutation, which enables doctors to prescribe the drug to this patient group. This finding has direct clinical implications and could benefit up to 10,000 colorectal cancer patients per year.
Researchers have identified colibactin-645 as the culprit of DNA double-strand breaks, revealing a new link between E. coli toxins and colorectal cancer risk. The discovery provides a model for designing potent DNA cleaving agents.
Researchers from City of Hope have identified a subgroup of colorectal cancer patients who, despite having many immune cells in their tumors, experience poorer health outcomes due to an overactive immune system. These patients may benefit from immunotherapy to reduce disease recurrence and improve survival rates.
Researchers identified a potential new indication for anti-EGFR treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and specific BRAF mutations. Class 3 BRAF mutations showed enhanced response rates compared to class 2 mutations, offering hope for personalized oncology.
A study found that patients presenting with non-alarming gastrointestinal symptoms experienced longer wait times for referral, while those with red flag symptoms had shorter wait times. The study highlights the need for earlier reconsideration of initial diagnoses and strict follow-up consultations to reduce wait times.
A study in rural Vermont found that more children are receiving care from pediatricians instead of family medicine doctors. A new smartphone-operated electrocardiogram has been shown to accurately detect cardiac arrhythmias in non-acute patients in primary care settings. Additionally, a stepwise approach may be most effective for asses...
A new study by the American Cancer Society finds that colorectal cancer incidence is increasing exclusively in young adults in nine high-income countries. The rates are rising in contrast to stable or declining trends in older adults, suggesting changes in early-life exposures are increasing CRC risk.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that providing patients with more testing choices, such as home fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), does not increase participation in colorectal cancer screening. However, framing choice did impact patient decision-making, leading to a decrease in colonoscopy rates.
A recent study by Penn Medicine researchers found that automated text message conversations increased the rate of colonoscopies from 62 to 90 percent. The study used text reminders, instructions, and two-way messaging to engage patients before their appointments.
A study analyzing data from almost 30,000 nurses found that physical activity in adolescence and later life cumulatively reduce the risk of advanced adenomatous polyps, a precursor to colorectal cancer. The study showed that adequate physical activity in both adolescence and adulthood reduces the risk by 39%.
A new study found that even low-intensity exercise was associated with a nearly 20% reduction in cancer progression or death in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Patients who engaged in moderate exercise while undergoing chemotherapy tended to have delayed disease progression and fewer severe side effects from treatment.
A study of UK patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2006 and 2013 found that those under 50 experienced more non-specific symptoms before referral to specialists. Younger patients also had longer intervals between diagnosis and referral, highlighting a need for primary care awareness.
Four biomedical research projects funded by iTHRIV will address disparities in healthcare access for underserved communities. The projects focus on improving colorectal cancer screening, addressing postpartum depression, and the benefits of urban walking. Community organizations and academic researchers will collaborate to develop sust...
The incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults in Canada has increased over the past few decades. The study found that men under 50 had an average annual percentage change of 3.47% and women under 50 had a 4.45% increase from 2006 to 2015.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that precision editing the gut microbiome can reduce inflammation-associated colorectal cancer in mice. The study suggests targeting metabolic pathways specific to intestinal inflammation could prevent or reduce cancer risk.
A recent study published in CANCER found that the incidence of colorectal cancer in adults under 50 years old has increased in the United States since 1970. Younger adults are diagnosed with more advanced disease, and African American and Hispanic populations have a higher proportion of young onset disease.
A recent study published in Nutrients found that an inflammatory diet increases the risk of colorectal cancer by almost twice. The researchers suggest adopting a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and healthy oils to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
A new study finds that trends in colonoscopy rates did not fully align with the rise in colorectal cancer incidence among younger adults, suggesting other factors may be driving the increase. Colorectal cancer incidence rates increased by 28% between 2000 and 2015, despite stable or increasing past-year colonoscopy rates.
A large French study suggests that high sugary drink consumption may contribute to an increased risk of cancer. The researchers found a strong association between daily consumption of sugary drinks and breast cancer, as well as overall cancer risk.
A phase III trial found that a three-drug combination of encorafenib, binimetinib, and cetuximab significantly improved overall survival in patients with BRAF-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. The treatment resulted in a median overall survival of 9 months compared to 5.4 months for standard therapy.
A study at ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer 2019 found that a more flexible dosing regimen for regorafenib improves patients' quality of life while maintaining its efficacy. The reduced and intermittent dose groups showed numerical improvements in tolerance to side effects such as fatigue and hand-foot syndrome.
A new combination of targeted therapies improved overall survival and objective response in patients with BRAF-mutant colorectal tumours. The BEACON CRC Phase III trial showed that triplet therapy significantly outperformed standard care, suggesting a potential replacement for chemotherapy for eligible patients.
A new iPad app, mPATH-CRC, will be tested in North Carolina and Kentucky clinics to increase colorectal cancer screenings. The project aims to determine the optimal way to implement technology-based programs to improve medical care delivery.
Stanford researchers found that up to 80% of metastatic colorectal cancers have already spread to distant locations by the time the original tumor is clinically detectable. This discovery has implications for patient stratification and earlier detection of cancer.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine Letters reveals that specific microbiome organisms are linked to the early stages of colorectal cancer development. The researchers found increases in these microorganisms in fecal samples from patients, which could potentially provide vital diagnostic clues.
Researchers found that identifying a patient's Consensus Molecular Subtype (CMS) could help oncologists determine the most effective course of treatment. CMS categorizes colorectal cancer into four distinct subgroups based on tumor mutations, and each subgroup is associated with different treatment outcomes.
A University of Colorado study found that young-onset patients with colorectal cancer often experience prolonged rectal bleeding before diagnosis, leading to advanced stage cancer at the time of diagnosis. The average delay between symptom onset and diagnosis was 294 days.
Early-onset colorectal cancer incidence has been increasing rapidly in Western US states, despite low rates of smoking and physical inactivity. The study found that rates rose faster for rectal tumors than colon tumors, with average increases exceeding 2.5% per year in ten states.
A new study found that one-third of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer do not see a medical oncologist, and even more do not receive cancer-directed treatment. The data suggest that there are many missed opportunities for important discussions between patients and cancer specialists.
A new study estimates that 5.2% of invasive cancer cases in the US are related to poor diet, with colorectal cancer and mouth, pharynx, and larynx being the most affected. The study found that low whole grain intake was associated with the largest number and proportion of new cancer cases.
Researchers used genetically modified fruit flies to test candidate treatments for a patient with KRAS-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer. The approach identified trametinib plus zoledronate as a promising combination that prolonged survival and reduced targeted tumors.
A new study found that states that expanded Medicaid saw larger increases in colorectal cancer screening, with an additional 236,573 people screened. The study suggests that Medicaid expansion can improve cancer screening rates among low-income adults.
The study found significant increases in colon and rectal cancer incidence among young adults in several high-income countries, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK. The incidence of colon cancer increased significantly each year in people aged 0-49 years, while rectal cancer incidence was most...
Researchers discovered that MEK inhibitors activate Wnt signalling pathway in colorectal cancer cells, leading to accumulation of tumor cells with stem cell characteristics. This explains why these drugs are not effective in treating colorectal cancer.
A study of 33 practices found that physicians ordered fewer cancer screenings as the clinic day progressed, and patients completed them less often. Screening test order rates were highest at 8 a.m. and lowest at 5 p.m., suggesting timing may influence physician and patient behavior.
A meta-analysis of 14 studies involving 130,994 patients found that pre-diagnosis statin use reduced the risk of early death from any cause and cancer by 15% and 18%, respectively. Post-diagnosis statin use also showed lower mortality rates
Researchers investigated whether taking aspirin before a fecal immunochemical test could improve the ability to detect cancer precursors. The study found no statistically significant difference in detection rates between those who took aspirin and those who took a placebo.
A large study found that adults with high fitness levels had a lower risk of developing lung and colorectal cancer, as well as improved survival rates after diagnosis. Fitness testing is common among adults and may provide valuable information about cancer risk and prognosis.
Researchers found that tumor mutation score is associated with responses to immunotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Patients with high mutation scores are more likely to respond to immunotherapy, while those with low scores may benefit from chemotherapy.
A combination of prebiotics and probiotics reduces the expression of pro-carcinogenic genes and may help treat colorectal cancer. The study used a unique gut-on-a-chip model to investigate diet-microbiome-host interactions, revealing a mechanistic basis for the observed beneficial effects.
A novel colorectal cancer vaccine has demonstrated positive phase I results, with patients showing no signs of serious adverse events and activation of immune cells. The vaccine was found to be safe and effective in a small sample of human subjects, paving the way for further testing to determine its potential as a treatment.
Researchers have identified two proteins that, when inactivated, make tumoral cells more sensitive to chemotherapy and reduce metastatic capacity. This finding provides a rationale for creating new therapies against colorectal cancer, particularly in fibroblast-rich tumor subgroups.
A new study reveals blocking specific regions of UHRF1 switches on hundreds of cancer-fighting genes, impairing colorectal cancer cells' ability to grow and spread. This protein is akin to a molecular Swiss army knife, with many different parts that each have a different job.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia found that higher levels of CCR4 gene are associated with better survival rates and longer lifespan in patients with colorectal cancer. The gene helps the immune system differentiate between good cells and bad cells.
Researchers from University of Copenhagen and EMBL found consistent changes in gut bacteria across seven countries, providing a universal signature for colorectal cancer. These microbiome changes may play a role in developing the cancer and could be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic targets.
Researchers mapped gut microbes of colorectal cancer patients to identify disease-specific changes globally robust despite environmental differences. The study establishes a panel of gut microbes associated with colorectal cancer and shows potential for non-invasive cancer screening.
A preclinical study has shown that a cancer preventive vaccine may be effective in preventing cancers associated with Lynch syndrome. The vaccine was found to reduce intestinal tumor burden and improve survival in mice with the genetic mutation, suggesting potential as a treatment option.
Researchers found signature of 16 disease-related microbial species associated with colorectal cancer and identified Fusobacterium nucleatum and choline trimethylamine-lyase gene in fecal samples. The study paves the way for non-invasive predictive tests for different populations.
Researchers have established disease-specific microbiome changes that are globally robust, despite differences in environment, diet, and lifestyle. These findings provide a basis for future non-invasive cancer screening and may enable new research into the causal role of gut microbes in colorectal cancer development.
Starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45 rather than 50 would decrease U.S. cancer deaths by as much as 11,100 over five years and cases by up to 29,400. Screening a greater number of older adults would avert nearly three times as many diagnoses and deaths at a lower cost.
Karin Pelka receives $50,000 fellowship for two years to study immune cell types in colorectal tumors and develop methods to enhance immunotherapy. The Peggy Prescott Early Career Scientist Award aims to accelerate research to get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now.
Researchers found that mailing FIT kits directly to patients increased completion rates by 24-29% within two-six months. Financial incentives did not significantly improve results. The study suggests framing and context of incentives can be more important than their dollar value, highlighting the principles of behavioral economics.
Researchers identified a common oncogene, KRAS, as a key player in immune checkpoint blockade therapy resistance in metastatic colorectal cancer. Restoring IRF2 expression or inhibiting MDSCs through CXCL3-CXCR2 signaling increased CRC sensitivity to ICB therapy.