Articles tagged with 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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...
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.
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.
During the US economic recession, continuously insured Americans underwent fewer screening colonoscopies due to increased direct out-of-pocket costs. This reduction in screenings was observed across all age groups, with a notable impact on those aged 50-64.
Repeated flexible sigmoidoscopy screenings increased the detection of colorectal cancer or advanced adenoma in participants by 26% and 34%, respectively. This improvement comes with a higher cost and increased need for diagnostic interventions.
A new study found that many cancer patients continue to smoke after diagnosis, with 39% of lung cancer and 14% of colorectal cancer patients smoking at diagnosis. Factors such as insurance, emotional support, and education level can predict continued smoking in these patients.
Researchers found that prostaglandin E2 accelerates colorectal cancer development by silencing tumor-suppressing genes and increasing DNA methylation. Combining anti-inflammatory and demethylating agents reduced tumors by up to 93% in mice with colorectal cancer.
A new, investigational colorectal cancer screening test developed by Mayo Clinic and Exact Sciences Inc. has shown highly accurate results in detecting precancerous tumors and early-stage cancer, improving the chances of better outcomes for patients. The test is noninvasive, patient-friendly, and requires no bowel preparation or diet c...
Researchers found that regorafenib slowed tumor progression and lengthened patient lives by 29% compared to placebo. The median survival time increased from 5 months to 6.5 months, with a 23% reduced risk of cancer-related death.
A new study found that while colorectal cancer mortality rates decreased in both African Americans and whites over the past two decades, the rate of decrease was smaller among African Americans. For distant stage disease, the decline was 32.6% for African Americans versus 4.6% for whites.
A Phase 2 trial found that combining bevacizumab with chemoradiation therapy can reduce the spread of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and improve survival rates. The study showed over 90% of patients survived two years without distant metastases.
A recent study found that elevated blood sugar levels are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women. Researchers observed nearly 5,000 women over 12 years and discovered that those with higher glucose levels were more likely to develop the disease.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that CT colonography significantly increased participation in colorectal cancer screening, with a more than 50% increase compared to traditional colonoscopy. This non-invasive technique has the potential to positively impact overall patient outcomes and reduce complications and costs.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is more effective than guaiac fecal occult blood testing (gFOBT) in colonoscopy screenings, increasing attendance and diagnostic yield while reducing false positives. FIT is also cost-effective and clinically beneficial for d...
A study used the Sleeping Beauty transposon system to profile genes driving colorectal cancer, identifying over 200 genes that can be disrupted. These findings provide strong evidence for driver mutations in human tumours and lay the foundation for more effective targeted treatments.
A new study has found that listening to Mozart while performing colonoscopy can increase adenoma detection rates in physicians. The study, which used a randomized controlled trial, compared music with no music and found significant improvements in adenoma detection rates for two endoscopists.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that a two-hour focused training significantly increased the ability of physicians to detect precancerous polyps in the colon. The study suggests new educational methods could increase colorectal cancer detection rates and reduce cancer deaths.
A new study found that structured endoscopist training can significantly improve detection of pre-cancerous growths in the colon. Researchers identified several high-risk sub-groups, including Non-Hispanic Blacks, females, and patients over age 60, who are more likely to develop aggressive proximal colorectal cancers.