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New 'Scoring' System for Advanced Colorectal Cancer

A new 'scoring' system developed by Johns Hopkins Medicine enhances the prediction of survival in people with colorectal cancers that have spread to the liver. The system includes traditional Fong indicators plus genetic and morphological evaluation (GAME) factors, which outperform the existing Fong system in predicting patient outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBJS·DateMay 14, 2018

Identifying the mechanism in obesity's link to colon cancer

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified a new molecular mechanism explaining the link between obesity and increased risk of colon inflammation, a major risk factor for colorectal cancer. Inhibiting an enzyme called soluble epoxide hydrolase may abolish this risk, suggesting a potential treatment for obesity-induced colonic inflamm...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2018

How colorectal cancer cells spread to the liver

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute discovered that PKC zeta deficiency promotes liver metastasis through the inactivation of enzyme ADAR2, leading to increased secretion of miR-200s. Treatment with a compound inhibiting miR-200s reduced liver metastasis in mice with colorectal cancer.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 24, 2018

Precancerous colon polyps in patients with Lynch syndrome exhibit immune activation

A preclinical study by MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers found that precancerous colon polyps in patients with Lynch syndrome display immune system activation, challenging traditional models of cancer immune activation. The study suggests immunotherapy may be useful for colorectal cancer prevention in certain high-risk groups.

iPad app that allows patients to order tests doubles colon cancer screening rates in study

A new iPad app that educates patients about different options for colon cancer screening and allows them to order their preferred test has been shown to significantly increase screening rates. In a randomized controlled trial, patients who used the app were twice as likely to undergo screening compared to those in the usual care group.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 12, 2018

Socioeconomic status may affect survival of patients with anal cancer

A study published in CANCER found that living in low-income areas increases the risk of early death among patients with anal cancer. The researchers analyzed data from 9,550 patients and found that those in lower income areas had worse overall survival and cancer-specific survival compared to those in higher income areas.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMar 12, 2018

New biomarkers for colorectal cancer

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg have discovered a new promising biomarker for colorectal cancer. The biomarker, MYO5B, has been found to decrease in concentration as the disease progresses, indicating lower chances of disease- and metastasis-free survival.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJan 11, 2018

Cold discomfort: Increasing cancer rates and adaptation of living in extreme environments

A new study by Voskarides suggests that genetic variants beneficial for survival at extreme temperatures can predispose individuals to cancer. The study analyzes the relationship between cancer risk and local average annual temperatures, concluding that extremely cold environments contribute to cancer risk.

Non-invasive imaging predicts cancer malignancy

Researchers at Osaka University developed a non-invasive imaging technique using multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to quantify cancer severity. The method, called non-labeling multiphoton microscopy (NL-MPM), uses second harmonic generation and autofluorescence to detect malignancy with high accuracy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 2, 2017