Research on colorectal and bowel cancer. Covers AI-audited colonoscopy, gut-bacteria links, family risk, and early-onset differences.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified three new genetic variants linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The study, published in Nature Genetics, provides new insight into the biology of the disease and could lead to new therapeutic targets.
A new analysis suggests that individuals with Lynch syndrome, who have a high risk of developing colorectal and other cancers, may lower their risk by adopting an eating pattern low in snack foods. The study found that those with higher intakes of snack foods were twice as likely to develop precancerous lesions.
Researchers found that patients with a family history of colorectal cancer are more likely to develop tumors with low-level methylation of LINE-1, a molecular sign associated with an aggressive form of the disease. Testing for this sign may help identify patients in need of aggressive treatment and inform familial cancer-risk assessments.
Researchers have developed a simple breath analysis technique that can screen for colorectal cancer with an accuracy of over 75%. The method analyzes volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath, which are different in patients with cancer.
A cost-effectiveness analysis found that KRAS testing is cost-saving, while BRAF testing offers additional savings. The study suggests that molecular testing primarily generates cost savings by identifying nonresponders, rather than improving survival.
Scientists have discovered that a gene switch regulates the expression of genes and promotes cancer development, according to a study published in Science. The study found that removing a specific region containing a genetic variant increased resistance to tumor formation in mice.
A study led by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that regular green tea consumption is associated with a reduced risk of digestive system cancers, particularly for stomach/esophagus and colorectal cancers. Women who drank green tea at least three times a week had a 17-21% lower risk compared to non-tea drinkers.
A recent study found that over one-third of cancer survivors in the US experience physical and mental health problems after treatment. The study identified groups at higher risk for long-term quality-of-life issues, with those with certain types of cancer facing significant challenges.
A nationwide study led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that 69% of advanced lung cancer and 81% of advanced colorectal cancer patients believe chemotherapy can cure their disease. However, skilled clinicians can set realistic expectations without losing hope or trust.
A recent study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that increased use of colonoscopy screening may be responsible for the significant decrease in colorectal cancer incidence over the past decade. The study analyzed data from over 2 million patients and found a correlation between Medicare's extension of colonoscopy covera...
Researchers presented new insights on esophageal cancer prevention with statins, which showed a 30% reduction in incidence. Additionally, mortality rates from upper gastrointestinal bleeding decreased by 45%, while novel treatments for GERD and IBS were introduced, including electrical stimulation of the esophagus.
Two studies suggest that women under 50 with endometrial cancer have a four-fold increased risk of colorectal cancer, while extended family members of patients with colorectal cancer also show an elevated risk. Additionally, obesity and gender may impact adenoma detection rates.
Thomas Jefferson University researcher Scott Waldman receives a $1.2 million NCI grant to investigate the relationship between obesity and cancer, with a focus on guanylyl cyclase C hormone receptor. The research aims to understand how obesity increases colorectal cancer risk and potentially identify a therapeutic target.
Patients with chronic constipation may be at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and benign neoplasms. The study found a consistent association between chronic constipation and the development of these conditions.
African-Americans and those living in high-poverty areas were more likely to present with an emergency diagnosis, indicating missed opportunities for screening. The study highlights the need to address these disparities to reduce mortality from colorectal cancer.
A randomized trial of over 14,000 male physicians found that long-term daily multivitamin use resulted in a modest but statistically significant reduction in cancer incidence. The study suggests that multivitamins may have a greater benefit on more clinically relevant cancer diagnoses.
A new noninvasive test measures DNA changes and fecal blood to detect precancerous lesions, showing high detection rates for cancers and precursors. The test achieved 98% sensitivity for all cancers and 83% for precursors with high-grade dysplasia.
A study of 5,442 female health professionals found that combined folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 supplements did not reduce the risk of colorectal adenomas. No association was seen between supplement intake and cancer risk despite previous observational studies suggesting potential protective effects.
Researchers have identified a new function of the IKKalpha enzyme variant in colorectal cancer progression. This breakthrough could lead to the design of targeted drugs that inhibit this specific form of the enzyme, reducing harm to healthy cells.
New studies report that robotic-assisted bladder procedures and minimally invasive colorectal operations can improve outcomes in older patients. Robotic-assisted bladder surgery, which was previously not offered to patients over 80, showed a seven-day hospital stay and only three complications within 90 days.
The American Gastroenterological Association and other GI societies have issued updated guidelines for colonoscopy surveillance after screening and polypectomy. These recommendations support previous guidelines, addressing areas such as the need to repeat colonoscopies every 10 years for average-risk patients with a clean exam result.
Evidence suggests aspirin may lower colorectal cancer risk by 24% and mortality rates by 35%, but concerns remain about side effects. The ESMO Congress debates whether aspirin should be used for chemoprevention of colorectal adenoma/cancer.
A new database compiled by researchers has linked 16 independent gene variants to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The database, known as CRCgene, provides valuable insights for furthering research on the disease.
A new $13 million project at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center aims to identify genetic links to colorectal cancer using next-generation sequencing. The study will reveal entire genome sequences of a subset of samples and capture rare variants that could lead to improved drug development and disease prevention.
The study found that RRM2 overexpression is positively correlated with invasive properties of CRC cells. Silencing RRM2 inhibited hyperplasia and invasiveness, indicating its role in CRC progression. Additionally, RRM2 depletion increased UV sensitivity, suggesting a facilitating factor in DNA damage repair.
A study using narrow band imaging found high accuracy for predicting polyp type and suggests leaving distal colon hyperplastic polyps in place with acceptable accuracy. The technology improved visualization of mucosal characteristics, enabling real-time assessment of polyp type.
A drug trial found that TAS-102 improved survival time, reduced risk of death, and controlled disease progression in patients with advanced, inoperable colorectal cancer. Patients treated with TAS-102 had a median overall survival of 9 months, compared to 6.6 months for the placebo group.
Researchers have discovered a link between reactivated R-spondin proteins and colon cancer development, potentially leading to more personalized therapies. The discovery involves gene mutations that trigger cell proliferation in the colon.
Recent studies suggest that colonoscopy-related factors are more predictive of colorectal cancer risk than polyp characteristics. High levels of lead exposure also pose significant health risks, even at low blood lead levels. Meanwhile, a new lung cancer screening model shows high accuracy in identifying patients who will benefit from ...
A recent mouse study found a clear link between inflammation in the gut and changes in bacterial communities. The research team discovered that inflammation leads to simplification of diverse microbial communities, allowing new bacteria to establish footholds, such as E. coli, which promotes tumor formation.
A systematic approach to improve screening rates for colorectal cancer resulted in a fourfold increase in screening among low-risk individuals. The protocol, which included introductory phone calls and mailed testing kits, saw CRC screening rates jump from 47 to 72 percent in three years.
A Swiss study found that colonoscopy with polypectomy significantly reduces colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. The screened group had 12 cases, while the non-screened group had 213 cases, resulting in lower cancer-related death rates.
The study found that colon and rectal cancers have nearly indistinguishable genomic alterations, leading researchers to group them as one type of cancer. Several recurrent genetic errors contribute to colorectal cancer, with potential targets for treatment identified including genes ERBB2 and IGF2.
A study found that inactivating the epidermal growth factor receptor increases colorectal tumors, while promoting its activity reduces inflammation and tumor development. This suggests that increasing epidermal growth factor activity in IBD patients may lower their long-term cancer risk.
The number of Americans with a history of cancer is expected to reach 18 million by 2022, with 45% of survivors aged 70 or older. Improved cancer survival rates have led to the growth in survivor prevalence despite decreasing cancer incidence rates.
A study using PET/CT imaging with F-18 FDG reveals that molecular imaging biomarkers can predict the effectiveness of radiochemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. This improvement in treatment planning could lead to more effective and cost-efficient care.
A new study suggests that some physicians would recommend colorectal cancer screening for 80-year-old patients with advanced lung cancer who would not benefit from the procedure. Physicians were found to be more likely to recommend invasive tests like colonoscopy rather than non-invasive ones.
Scientists from Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR) present promising research findings at ASCO. The studies aim to advance the scientific dialogue and potentially lead to new cancer treatments.
Researchers found that patients prefer colonoscopy over computed tomography colonography, despite its more invasive nature. The study highlights the importance of a patient's experience in the process of colonoscopy and suggests that colonoscopy is the preferred test for screening average-risk patients.
A large population-based randomized trial found that flexible sigmoidoscopy screening reduced overall colorectal cancer mortality by 26% and incidence by 21% compared to usual care. The test detected 24% of diagnosed cancers with fewer side effects than colonoscopy.
A web-based video instructional program significantly improves patient compliance with colonoscopy screenings, cutting no-show rates by up to 40%. The study found that patients who watched the video were more likely to arrive prepared and cancel appointments less frequently, leading to better outcomes for cancer detection and treatment.
Researchers from the University of Southampton have developed a groundbreaking study to investigate the experiences and needs of people after primary treatment of colorectal cancer. The CREW study aims to inform healthcare providers about what helps or hinders rapid and effective recovery, with over 1,000 patients recruited.
Researchers found no link between beta blocker use and colorectal cancer risk, even after considering patient characteristics. Long-term use or subtypes of beta blockers showed no reduction in colorectal cancer risk.
Current colorectal cancer screening guidelines for individuals with first-degree relatives having precancerous colon polyps are not based on well-designed studies. A new systematic review calls for new research to measure the risk and identify modifying factors.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine have identified variant enhancer loci (VELs) that can turn genes on or off in colorectal cancer. The discovery provides clues about the disease's development and could lead to new therapeutic targets.
A new study finds that differences in screening account for 42% of the observed disparity in colorectal cancer incidence and 19% of disparity in mortality between blacks and whites. Equal access to care could substantially reduce racial disparities in colorectal cancer rates.
A randomized clinical trial found that patients given a choice between fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and colonoscopy completed CRC screening more often than those assigned to colonoscopy alone. Racial/ethnic differences in screening completion rates were observed, with African-Americans having the lowest rate.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have developed a new approach to overcome drug resistance in colorectal cancer patients. Their novel drug, ARI-4175, has shown promise in extending survival by enlisting the body's own immune system to reject tumors.
Researchers developed a multimarker molecular stool test that is highly sensitive to early-stage cancers and precancerous adenomas. The test was unaffected by variables such as age, sex, race, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, body mass, and medication use.
A Mayo Clinic study identified two genes that are optimal targets for a new noninvasive colon cancer test, developed by Mayo Clinic and Exact Sciences Corporation. The test uses stool sample analysis to detect specific DNA changes associated with cancer development.
Researchers have identified a new population of intestinal stem cells marked by the protein Lrig1, which appears to be relatively quiescent and acts as a tumor suppressor. This finding may hold clues to the origin of colorectal cancer and could lead to better understanding of its development and therapeutic targets.
US cancer death rates have declined between 2004 and 2008, with a decrease in cancer diagnoses for men and women. The rate of new cancer diagnoses decreased an average of less than one percent per year, while death rates from all cancers continued to fall.
A study by University of Kentucky researchers found that colorectal cancer screening rates were higher in the Appalachian population with multiple morbidities compared to those with no morbidities. The study revealed a dose-response relationship between the number of morbidities and the prevalence of colon cancer screening.
A new study describes innovative efforts to increase colorectal cancer screening rates among Alaska Natives, resulting in a 55% statewide screening rate. The pilot projects included training mid-level providers, itinerant endoscopy services, patient navigator services, and database creation to identify high-risk individuals.
The American College of Physicians recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 50 for average-risk adults, with individualized assessments and tailored intervals based on risk factors. The guidelines also encourage shared decision-making between patients and physicians to weigh benefits and harms.
The American College of Physicians has released a guidance statement for colorectal cancer screening, emphasizing the importance of individualized risk assessment and recommending screening starting at age 50 for average-risk adults. A survey found that most physicians are confused by cancer screening statistics, with many relying on m...
A recent analysis of data from the National CT Colonography Trial confirms the efficacy of CT colonography as a front-line colorectal cancer screening tool for seniors. The study found that CT colonography accurately detects polyps and precancerous lesions in people aged 65 and older, comparable to standard colonoscopy.
A new study published in Radiology found that computed tomography (CT) colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy, is an effective screening tool for colorectal cancer in adults over 65. The study analyzed data from 477 patients over 65 and found high diagnostic accuracy rates comparable to those for younger patients.
Virtual colonoscopies are comparably effective to standard colonoscopy in detecting colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. The Colon Cancer Alliance and ACR urge Medicare to cover seniors for screening CT colonography, which is endorsed by the American Cancer Society.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that removing polyps by colonoscopy prevents not only colorectal cancer development but also deaths from the disease. Patients who underwent the procedure had a 53% lower death rate from colorectal cancer compared to those without removed polyps.