Research on colorectal and bowel cancer. Covers AI-audited colonoscopy, gut-bacteria links, family risk, and early-onset differences.
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.
A study found that consuming high-fructose corn syrup accelerates intestinal tumor growth in mouse models, independent of obesity. The sugar directly feeds cancer growth via increased fructose and glucose levels, leading to fatty acid production and tumor progression.
The study analyzed tumor DNA from 843 patients with colorectal cancer, identifying associations between genetic mutations and treatment responses. Patients with microsatellite instability had longer survival when treated with bevacizumab, while those with high tumor mutational burden lived longer than those with less variation.
Researchers found that younger patients with early-onset colorectal cancer have unique genetic mutations and subtypes of the disease. Patients with predisposing conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, also exhibit distinct clinical and genetic characteristics compared to those without such conditions.
A new study by Indiana University School of Medicine and the Regenstrief Institute found that an annual noninvasive stool test is effective for colon cancer screening in average-risk adults. The test, known as FIT, identified hidden blood in stool and had high detection rates for colorectal cancer.
The study found that Medicaid patients experienced a tripling of CRC screening, with a notable increase in those from Appalachian regions. Following the expansion, CRC patients on Medicaid demonstrated improved survival rates, particularly after the first year.
A new study led by Salk Institute scientists suggests that high-fat diets contribute to colorectal cancer growth by disrupting the balance of bile acids in the intestine. The findings could explain why younger people are developing colorectal cancer at an alarming rate.
Consuming garlic and onions has been shown to lower the risk of colorectal cancer in a Chinese study involving 833 patients. Adults who ate high amounts of allium vegetables had an 79% lower chance of developing the disease compared to those who consumed low amounts.
Researchers discovered a link between Escherichia coli and colorectal cancer risk through colibactin, a genotoxic warhead that damages DNA. The study identified potential biomarkers for assessing colorectal cancer risk and provides significant mechanistic insights into the carcinogenic activities of colibactin.
The black-white cancer mortality gap has closed considerably over the past several decades, with faster declines among black Americans. The disparities have narrowed for lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers, and have stabilized since 2010 for breast cancer.
Researchers found that elevated levels of IL-33 and Tregs trigger cancer-promoting chronic inflammation, leading to the development of skin and colon cancer. Blocking this axis can prevent cancer development in mice with chronic dermatitis.
A new study found that spending more time watching TV is associated with a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer in people under 50. The research, published in JNCI Cancer Spectrum, suggests that sedentary behaviors like watching TV may be a distinct risk factor for young-onset colorectal cancer.
A new study finds rates are increasing for six of 12 obesity-related cancers in younger adults in the US, with steeper increases in progressively younger ages. Excess body weight is a known carcinogen associated with more than a dozen cancers and suspected in several more.
The American Gastroenterological Association has announced the 2019 recipients of the annual recognition awards, honoring outstanding contributions to the field of gastroenterology. The award winners include John I. Allen, MD, MBA, AGAF; Harry B. Greenberg, MD; and Timothy C. Wang, MD, AGAF.
A study at St. Michael's Hospital found that transgender patients have lower odds of being screened for certain types of cancer, including breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Transgender patients had a 70% lower odds of being screened for breast cancer, with similar disparities seen in cervical and colorectal cancer screening.
Researchers investigated the effect of AR inhibitor fidarestat on high-fat diet-induced intestinal polyps in ApcMin/+ mice. The study found that fidarestat reduced the number and size of polyps, as well as inhibited key proteins involved in carcinogenesis.
A study published in Cell Reports reveals a critical connection between chronic inflammation and the development of colon cancer. Researchers found that persistent inflammation leads to increased levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and interleukin-10, which ultimately silence tumor suppressors and contribute to cancer growth.
A study published in The Lancet reveals that consuming at least 25g to 29g of dietary fibre per day can reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer by 16-24%. Whole grains also show promise in reducing mortality rates and incidence of these diseases.
Colorectal cancer mortality rates are projected to decrease in most countries, but increase in Europe, North America, and Oceania. The number of deaths is expected to rise globally by 60.0% and 71.5% until 2035.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered a protein that can serve as an early biomarker for colorectal cancer. The protein, beta-1,4-GalT-V, is involved in cell proliferation and new blood vessel formation, which are critical processes in cancer growth.
A large Kaiser Permanente study shows that 10 years after a negative colonoscopy, members had a 46% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer and an 88% lower risk of dying from it. This evidence supports the recommended 10-year rescreening interval after a normal colonoscopy finding.
A study of over 280,000 people found a significant association between work stress and increased risk of colorectal and esophagus cancers. However, no link was observed for prostate, breast, or ovarian cancers, with the relationship varying by region.
Scientists identified that loss of two genes drives serrated colorectal cancer and found a combination treatment that has treated the cancer in mice. This discovery holds implications for patient care and may provide insights into the link between inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.
A study found 29% of veterans who underwent recommended colonoscopies were uncomfortable with stopping screenings when benefits were expected to be low. Participants preferred a more personalized approach to screening decisions, citing mistrust in life expectancy calculators and age-based guidelines.
Researchers discovered 40 new genetic variants associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, validating 55 previously identified variants. The study also identified a rare protective variant for sporadic colorectal cancer, offering hope for targeted treatments.
A program providing individually tailored lifestyle recommendations for patients undergoing colorectal cancer screening helped encourage healthy behavior, according to a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Participants who received tailored feedback increased their cancer preventive behaviors by 0.11 compar...
A Finnish study found that men who participated in the national colorectal cancer screening programme were less likely to require emergency surgery, chemotherapy, and incomplete tumour removals. The benefits of screening were particularly pronounced among male patients with left-sided colorectal cancer.
A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that many patients diagnosed with adenomas often do not receive subsequent colonoscopies within the recommended time frame. The study analyzed patterns and factors associated with the receipt of colonoscopy within approximately three years of a diagnosis of ...
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that racial differences in colorectal cancer incidence are not due to biological factors. The study suggests that screening should begin at age 50 regardless of race, with consideration for individual risk factors and preferences. Improved access to screening is crucial to reducing disparitie...
Researchers report a 100% major pathological response rate in early-stage colon cancers with mismatch repair deficiencies treated with nivolumab and ipilimumab. The regimen was well-tolerated, and patients underwent radical resection without delays.
Research reveals a 6% annual increase in European colorectal cancer incidence rates among adults aged 20-39 years between 2008 and 2016. This trend is driven by increased risk factors such as sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and poor diets.
A new immunotherapy combination shows durable clinical benefits in patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer, with 60% objective response rate and 84% of patients experiencing tumour shrinkage. The treatment is also well-tolerated, with manageable side effects.
A recent survey found that social vulnerability and medical skepticism are major barriers to cancer screening participation, particularly for colorectal and lung cancer screenings. Researchers call for a combined approach incorporating new technologies and personalized messaging to address inequalities in screening uptake.
A new study found that healthy diets are associated with a lower risk of death from colorectal cancer, both before and after diagnosis. Those who followed the American Cancer Society's guidelines on nutrition and physical activity had a 22% lower risk of all-cause mortality.
A new study has found that women with higher BMIs are more than twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer before age 50. The researchers estimate that around 22% of these cases could have been prevented if participants had a normal BMI between 18.5-24.9.
Researchers at RCSI have discovered that chromosomal instability can predict which patients will benefit from the colorectal cancer drug Avastin. Patients with intermediate-to-high levels of chromosomal instability responded better to Avastin treatment, while those with low levels of chromosomal instability benefited less.
The report emphasizes tobacco control as the top priority in a national cancer control plan due to its significant health benefits. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable cancer deaths, accounting for nearly 30% of all cancer-related deaths in the US.
Researchers found a significant correlation between H. pylori infections and colorectal cancer incidence, especially in African Americans. The study analyzed data from over 4,000 cases and found that antibodies to four H. pylori proteins were most often present among those with colorectal cancer.
Scientists have found that low TIP60 expression leads to uncontrolled jumping gene expression, triggering tissue inflammation that supports tumor growth. The discovery opens new avenues for cancer treatment using anti-HIV drugs.
The report reveals a high burden of prostate and colorectal cancers among Hispanic men in Puerto Rico, contrasting with lower rates among non-Hispanic whites. The study emphasizes the need for culturally tailored strategies to address these disparities and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Current guidelines on anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation may be insufficient due to varying stroke rates among studies, suggesting a need for individualized risk assessments. A case report also highlights the successful treatment of multiple cancers with pembrolizumab in a patient with Lynch syndrome
Dr. Lan Zhou's research focuses on the impact of gut microbiome imbalance, immune response, and genetics on colorectal cancer development through the serrated pathway. Her team will use mouse models and human tissue to study carcinogenic transformation and inflammation-related pathways.
The ACCION program has increased screening rates in West Texas to around 50 percent, compared to a national average of about 70 percent. The program's success is attributed to its use of promotoras and partnerships with community organizations to make screenings more accessible.
A new study confirms that Kaiser Permanente's organized screening program has led to a 52% decrease in colorectal cancer mortality and a 25.5% decline in incidence, saving thousands of lives.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that inhibiting Jagged 1 protein can prevent colon and rectal tumour growth, even removing existing tumours. This approach may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for selectively targeting malignant stem cells in colon cancer.
A study found that a diet discouraging alcohol consumption and promoting healthy eating was associated with reduced overall and breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer risks. Adherence to the WCRF/AICR score had the strongest association with reduced risk.