Research on colorectal and bowel cancer. Covers AI-audited colonoscopy, gut-bacteria links, family risk, and early-onset differences.
A study led by Dr. Steven A. Rosenberg identified a method to target the cancer-causing protein produced by a mutant form of the KRAS gene, leading to cancer regression in a patient with colorectal cancer. The treatment involved infusing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes into the patient, which recognized and attacked the mutated cells.
A metabolite called D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG) has been identified as a promising target for future cancer therapies due to its ability to promote cancer cell transformation and increase the likelihood of tumor spread in colorectal cancer patients.
A four-week prehabilitation program has shown promising results in preparing cancer patients for surgery by improving their physical fitness and reducing recovery time. The study involved 116 colorectal cancer patients who underwent the program before undergoing surgery.
A recent study published in Cancer Research found that emulsifiers in processed foods can alter the gut microbiota in mice, leading to increased tumor development and inflammation. The study suggests that dietary emulsifiers may be partially responsible for the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer worldwide.
A new analysis of 1981 patients with lower gastrointestinal symptoms found that the new criteria would miss nearly 20% of colorectal cancers. The study suggests that alarm features indicative of colorectal cancer are common among the general population, limiting their accuracy in predicting a diagnosis.
Scientists have discovered a metabolic fingerprint in feces that matches changes in tumor tissues, suggesting a potential new diagnostic tool for early detection of colorectal cancer. The method uses ultrasensitive technology to identify molecules in the feces of mice and humans, with promising results for noninvasive testing.
The new evidence-based clinical guideline from the National Osteoporosis Foundation and American Society for Preventive Cardiology says that calcium with or without vitamin D intake should be considered safe for generally healthy adults. Obtaining calcium from food sources is preferred, but supplements can be used to address dietary sh...
A Phase 2 study of a novel colonoscopy prep found it to be at least as effective and safe as existing products, while offering higher levels of patient satisfaction and preference. The investigational treatment allows patients to eat solid food bars and drink palatable beverages, leading to nearly four times more recommendations.
A UA-led study found selenium supplementation significantly increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, casting doubt on its effectiveness for preventing colorectal cancer. The study suggests a reevaluation of selenium supplements' use due to this potential adverse effect.
Nintedanib significantly improves median progression-free survival compared to placebo, with disease control improved by 26% compared to 11% in the placebo group. However, overall survival did not differ between the two groups.
A new study suggests health-care providers support routine testing of colorectal tumors to identify individuals with Lynch Syndrome. However, there is a lack of consensus on whether patients should be allowed to opt out of the test, which could determine their risk of developing cancer.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a new role of the protein c-Cbl in degrading ?-catenin, a vital protein involved in cancer initiation. This finding could lead to new strategies to suppress Colorectal Cancer growth and improve patient survival.
Researchers at IDIBELL discovered that tumor microenvironment triggers processes to protect tumor cells from conventional chemotherapy. The presence of certain molecules slows down cell cycle and activates proteins minimizing treatment effectiveness.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that retinoic acid levels play a critical role in suppressing colorectal cancer. Higher levels of the metabolite were found in mice and human tissues with less severe intestinal inflammation, suggesting new ways to prevent or treat colorectal cancer.
A novel small-molecule Wnt inhibitor named NCB-0846 has been discovered with potential to eradicate colorectal cancer stem cells. The inhibitor targets the Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK) regulatory component of the Wnt signaling pathway, blocking its signal even in colorectal cancer cells with APC gene mutations.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has launched a new PatientINFO Center to provide high-quality, readable information on colorectal cancer. The center addresses gaps in existing resources, offering detailed information on screening options, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
Researchers found that colorectal tumors have different regions with varying levels of epigenetic changes, which relate to the tumor's growth rate and aggressiveness. This heterogeneity can be used to predict prognosis and treatment resistance.
A recent study by the University of California - Davis Health found that Hispanic men in California have lower rates of screening for colorectal cancer compared to white men. The study suggests that increased screening can help reduce the incidence and mortality rates of the disease among this population.
A new study reveals that fusobacteria use a special sugar-binding protein to stick to developing colorectal polyps and cancers. This mechanism may inform ways of blocking fusobacteria from homing in on tumors, and could potentially prevent colorectal cancer progression.
A study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that obesity prevalence increased from 22% to 32% among cancer survivors between 1997 and 2014. Colorectal and breast cancer survivors, as well as non-Hispanic blacks, were particularly affected.
Case Western Reserve University researchers identified why colorectal cancer cells depend on glutamine and developed a way to starve them. In a mouse model, exposing tumors with PIK3CA mutation to glutamine metabolism inhibitors suppressed tumor growth, providing a promising new therapeutic avenue for colorectal tumors.
Researchers have developed a blood-based screening test to gauge colon cancer recurrence and monitor chemotherapy effects. The test detects tumor DNA fragments in the blood, which can identify patients at high risk of relapse and track treatment efficacy.
The ESMO consensus guidelines reflect a personalized treatment approach to managing metastatic colorectal cancer, incorporating molecular markers and patient selection. The guidelines aim to improve outcomes by providing evidence-based recommendations for treatment options.
Researchers identified genetic mutations in immune system genes that may lead to synchronous colorectal cancer, a rare type of bowel tumor. The study found that these patients have inherited damaging mutations that can cause an inflammatory environment in the gut, increasing the frequency of independent cancer-initiating events.
MABp1 improves symptoms, reduces inflammation and increases clinical response rate by 76%, with a 3x longer survival time for responders. Excellent safety and tolerability were also observed.
A new study reveals that only 8% of patients with large, apparently benign polyps have cancer, suggesting advanced endoscopic treatments like EMR and ESD as viable options. This finding could improve patient outcomes, reduce complications, and lower healthcare costs.
A phase I trial found that combining anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy with a MEK inhibitor achieves partial responses and is well-tolerated in patients with microsatellite-stable metastatic colorectal cancer. The combination was shown to increase the number of active immune cells in tumors, leading to improved responses.
A team of scientists has developed a computational method to map cancer progression, which offers new insights into the factors that spur this affliction. The researchers used gene sequencing data to create a model that predicts how a tumor's genomes will change over time.
Consistent reductions in cancer incidence and mortality were observed with adherence to cancer prevention guidelines. These guideline adherence showed a significant reduction of 10-45% in all cancer incidence and 14-61% in all cancer mortality. The review also found consistent reductions in breast, endometrial, and colorectal cancers.
Researchers identified TIP60 as an enzyme required for HIF1A activity in human colorectal cancer cells, showing its potential as a target for cancer treatment. The study also revealed the molecular mechanisms by which TIP60 promotes HIF1A activity and highlights the importance of basic research in cancer discovery.
Researchers developed pretargeted radioimmunotherapy, combining an anti-GPA33 antibody with radionuclide agents to deliver radiation directly to tumors. In mouse models, the technique achieved complete remission of colorectal cancer without collateral toxicity.
A study found that about 40% of Hispanic adults with colorectal cancer used complementary and integrative health practices. Women were more likely to have used these practices than men, according to the study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
A study found that while overall colorectal cancer rates are decreasing, the incidence of late-stage cancer in young patients is increasing. The study, which analyzed data from Colorado patients, reveals a significant rise in late-stage CRC diagnoses among those under 50.
A study found that genes involved in the Wnt signaling pathway are more frequently altered in younger patients with colorectal cancer. This pathway drives the growth and proliferation of cancer stem cells. The research suggests targeting this pathway may be a promising strategy for treating aggressive CRC in young patients
Researchers developed a new method of diagnosing colorectal cancer using 3D hydrogel biochips, which detect tumor-associated glycans and improve sensitivity. The study analyzed sera from 33 patients with colorectal cancer, 69 healthy donors, and 27 patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
A free colonoscopy program for uninsured patients has been shown to detect cancer at an earlier stage and appears to be cost-neutral. The program, which was expanded to all hospitals in Louisville, is being hailed as a model for statewide implementation in Kentucky.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that the global economic crisis was associated with an increase in cancer mortality, particularly among treatable cancers. Universal health care coverage may protect patients from the health consequences of rising unemployment and reduced public-sector healthcare spending.
Researchers identified 2,314 genetic changes in polyps and adjacent mucosa, revealing potential drug targets for colorectal cancer prevention. The study also found similarities between premalignant and cancerous tissue, suggesting that polyps with more genetic changes may be more likely to develop into CRC.
A study using whole-exome sequencing has identified genomic alterations in both colorectal adenomas and at-risk mucosa, shedding light on the evolution of normal mucosa to precancer. The research provides a catalog of genomic changes preceding colorectal cancer development in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.
Researchers found a significant increase in colorectal cancer cases under 50 years old, with advanced stages at diagnosis. The study suggests healthcare providers need to be more vigilant in detecting symptoms in younger patients.
A Mayo Clinic study found that endoscopists with knowledge of a positive Cologuard test detected polyps or hemorrhagic lesions 83% of the time, compared to 68% without this information. This increased detection led to more true-positive results and fewer false-negative results.
Researchers used genetically-engineered mice to study the role of a Western-style diet in colon cancer development. They found that a low-fiber, high-fat diet increased the risk of colon cancer and identified key changes in gene expression profiles before tumor formation.
A new Kaiser Permanente study found that overweight colorectal cancer patients had a significantly lower risk of death from their cancer compared to normal-weight patients. The study analyzed data from over 3,400 patients and found that those who were in the high-overweight category at diagnosis had a 55% lower risk of mortality.
Researchers discovered an alternative pathway emerges when ERK1/2 is blocked, allowing tumor cell proliferation to continue. Targeting both ERK pathways concurrently with drug inhibitors halted colorectal cancer growth more effectively in mouse models and human cell lines.
Researchers have found that a specific blood marker is common among patients with a subset of metastatic colorectal cancer, increasing their chances of responding to the drug. This breakthrough builds on an international clinical trial and could lead to more effective treatment options for patients running out of time.
A new blood marker, FCGR2A, identifies patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who will benefit from the drug cetuximab. The discovery helps personalize cancer medicine for those with colorectal disease, improving treatment outcomes.
Research shows that 1 in 5 colorectal cancer patients are depressed at diagnosis, and this can significantly impact their quality of life. The study highlights the importance of considering psychological factors in patient care and support.
A new study links MS drug mitoxantrone to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, with patients treated with the medication being three times more likely to develop the disease. However, the overall rate of cancer was low enough that the researchers suggest continuing its use for severely affected patients.
A new study suggests that removing the ovaries may increase the risk of colorectal cancer in women. Among 195,973 Swedish women who underwent ovary removal between 1965 and 2011, a 30% higher rate of colorectal cancer was found compared to the general population. The risk was even higher for women who had both ovaries removed.
A large case-control study suggests that high cholesterol levels, rather than statin use, may influence the risk of colorectal cancer. The study found an inverse relationship between blood cholesterol levels and colorectal cancer risk, with higher cholesterol levels associated with lower risk.
A large case-control study found that statin use is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, but the difference in risk between statin users and non-users was not significant. Increased serum cholesterol levels were also independently linked to decreased risk of colorectal cancer.
The phase 1b clinical trial of atezolizumab has reported promising results in 23 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Fifty-two percent responded to treatment, and median progression-free survival was 14.1 months. Another patient, Rodney Bearfoot, has remained on the study for over three years despite a stage 4 diagnosis.
Researchers developed a risk prediction model integrating 19 environmental and lifestyle risk factors with 64 common genetic risk factors to identify individuals at high risk of developing colorectal cancer. The model aims to improve colonoscopies for those at higher risk, while avoiding unnecessary procedures for low-risk individuals.
Scientists have identified 182 genome instability suppressing (GIS) genes in yeast and over 400 previously unknown cooperating GIS genes. These findings suggest a complex genetic network maintaining genome integrity and highlight potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
A study found patients with flat adenomas are more likely to have large and advanced adenomas as well as multiple adenomas. This may require more frequent screenings for these patients. Colonoscopy is an effective screening test for colon cancer, allowing doctors to remove precancerous polyps.
The USPSTF recommends taking low-dose aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer in adults aged 50-69 years with increased risk. Aspirin use can outweigh harms for some patients, including those at high risk for CVD, improving life expectancy and quality of life.
Researchers found that radiation treatment killed 95% of breast cancer cells when delivered during a peak in p53 production, but only 20% when applied during an oscillatory phase. The study suggests that timing may be crucial in understanding the effectiveness of anticancer treatments.
The study found that regular aspirin use significantly reduces the overall risk of cancer, with a 19% lower risk of colorectal cancer. Aspirin may complement, but not replace, cancer screening methods like colonoscopy, and has potential benefits for individuals with risk factors.
Regular low-dose aspirin use for at least six years was associated with a modestly reduced overall risk for cancer, primarily due to a lower risk for gastrointestinal tract cancer. The study found that regular aspirin use may complement CRC screening and have an absolute benefit regardless of endoscopy status.
Researchers found that patients with lung and colorectal cancer who had financial distress at diagnosis reported significantly increased pain, symptom burden, and poorer quality of life. The study highlights the need for clinicians to target resources and treatments for patients struggling financially.