Research on colorectal and bowel cancer. Covers AI-audited colonoscopy, gut-bacteria links, family risk, and early-onset differences.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine have identified 115 genes associated with metastatic potential in colorectal cancer. The study found that BAMBI gene is more active in metastatic tumors, promoting metastasis formation through key signaling pathways.
A University at Buffalo study found that improved communication between patients and primary care physicians increases the chances of those due for screening following their doctor's advice. The more convenient the screening process is, the greater the chance patients will follow through.
Researchers identified a novel mechanism linking a common single-base variant in chromosome 8 to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. This variant is carried by nearly all African populations and contributes significantly to the disease at a population level, yet its impact on individual susceptibility is minimal.
Researchers found increased mRNA levels of PN-1, a prostasin inhibitor, in colorectal tissue samples from patients with mild/moderate dysplasia and severe dysplasia before colorectal cancer. Elevated PN-1 levels coincide with the acquisition of malignant properties in colorectal tissue.
A recent study found that colorectal cancer incidence rates decreased significantly among whites aged 65 and over, but not among those in poorer communities. The researchers suggest that lack of access to healthcare may be the reason for this disparity. Colorectal endoscopic screening rates also increased among whites, but were lower a...
Researchers have identified N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 4 (NDRG4) as a potential biomarker for colorectal cancer and a candidate tumor suppressor gene. The study found that NDRG4 promoter methylation was more prevalent in colorectal cancers than in noncancerous colon mucosa.
A new CT scan method has been shown to be accurate in detecting colorectal cancer in individuals at increased risk. The study found a sensitivity of 85.3% and specificity of 87.8%, making it a potentially effective alternative to colonoscopy for screening.
A recent study found that US counties with a higher percentage of African-American patients tend to have fewer gastroenterologists and radiation oncologists, while those with more Asian Americans have more specialists. This disparity is linked to disparities in access to quality healthcare services.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that patients with extrahepatic disease, high carcinoembriogenic antigen levels, or multiple nodules have poorer survival rates. Despite this, advances in surgical technique and complementary treatments are increasing the number of patients benefiting from curative treatment.
Researchers develop synthetic protein that induces blood clotting, cutting off tumor's nutrient and oxygen supply. The treatment resulted in a 53% decrease in tumor volume and slowed cancer cell growth by 49%.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that current alcohol drinking and a high body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24.0 kg/m2 are independent risk factors for colon and rectal cancer. Former alcohol consumption and a positive family history of cancer are also linked to an increased risk of colon cancer.
A global study found colorectal cancer incidence rates for males and females increased in 27 countries between 1983 and 2002. The rise is attributed to Westernization and lifestyle changes, including obesity, physical inactivity, and diet.
Australian researchers have developed gene expression biomarkers that can accurately detect pre-cancerous and cancerous colorectal growths from non-cancerous controls. This breakthrough is a result of a collaborative study involving CSIRO, Flinders University, and Clinical Genomics Pty Ltd.
Incidence rates of colorectal cancer are rising among young adults in the US due to increased obesity and unfavorable dietary patterns. Studies found a 1.5% annual increase in incidence rates from 1992-2005, with left-sided tumors being more common.
A new DNA stool test has been developed by Mayo Clinic researchers to detect digestive cancers in multiple organs, including pancreas, stomach, and esophageal cancers. The test was shown to be highly sensitive, detecting cancers at each organ site with high accuracy.
Recent studies have shown that patients under deep sedation during colonoscopy are more likely to have large polyps detected, which could lead to earlier detection of colon cancer. Additionally, research suggests that removing advanced pre-malignant polyps sooner than recommended may be beneficial in reducing the risk of colon cancer.
A new study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that most patients with stage IV colorectal cancer do not require surgery to remove the primary tumor. Chemotherapy is an effective treatment option for these patients, allowing them to avoid surgical complications and start treatment sooner. The retrospective study analyzed 2...
Researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found a significant increase in median overall survival from 8 to 30 months for patients with advanced disease, and a projected five-year survival rate of over 30 percent. The study attributes the improvements to better surgical interventions and new chemotherapeutic agents.
A meta-analysis of 12,294 patients found bevacizumab significantly increases the risk of gastrointestinal perforation, especially in those with advanced colorectal and renal cell cancers. The study also showed a dose-dependent relationship between bevacizumab dose and GI perforation risk.
A novel marker of TSPAN1 has been identified as a significant prognostic indicator for patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma. The protein's expression was found to correlate with histological grade, cell proliferation, lymph nodal metastasis, and TNM staging, leading to a shorter survival period in those with overexpression.
Researchers have identified a common genetic variation associated with the risk of colorectal cancer and its functional implications. The study found that this variation causes the expression of a nearby gene, SMAD7, to decrease, leading to critical signaling events that can set cells on the path to cancer.
A large study found that hormone therapy use was associated with a 28% lower incidence rate of colorectal cancer in older women. However, the mechanisms behind this protective effect are still unclear. The study also found no associations between hormone use and specific molecular markers or DNA methylation patterns.
Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin discovered that CXCL12 can prevent colorectal cancer cells from adhering to underlying proteins, leading to programmed cell death. The study suggests a potential mechanism for slowing cancer spread and improving patient prognosis.
Researchers analyzed primary care records of 5,477 colorectal cancer patients and 38,314 controls to quantify the exact risks posed by eight clinical features. The study found that rectal bleeding carries a high risk warranting investigation regardless of other symptoms.
Research suggests that folate intake can have dual positive and negative effects, with adequate intake offering protection against cancer but excessive amounts facilitating tumor growth. The optimal level of folate intake varies depending on the individual's specific circumstances, highlighting the need for tailored guidelines.
Researchers found a possible genetic cause for increased risk of advanced colorectal cancer in African-Americans, with the Pro72 allele linked to higher mortality rates. The study analyzed 137 tumors and found that African-Americans had a higher frequency of this allele, which was associated with shorter survival rates.
Research suggests that aspirin can reduce the risk of polyps forming in the colon or rectum, a precursor to colorectal cancer. Studies have shown mixed results regarding the optimal dose and duration of use, but experts call for more evidence on the effects of aspirin on cancer.
Researchers found that inhibiting an enzyme called 11-beta-HSD2 blocks COX-2 activity, preventing colorectal cancer growth and metastasis. Long-term inhibition did not cause side effects on the heart and blood vessels.
Researchers found that inhibiting the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11βHSD2) with licorice extract or by silencing its gene prevents colorectal cancer progression in mice. This approach produces effects specific to the colon and kidney, unlike existing preventive therapies.
The German colonoscopy program has prevented approximately 15,000 cases of colorectal cancer between 2003 and 2010. The program's effectiveness is attributed to the early detection of cancer precursors through endoscopic examinations.
Researchers found that using a novel water method for unsedated colonoscopy improved cecal intubation rates and patient willingness to repeat the procedure. The study also revealed that the duration of the interval between bowel preparation completion and colonoscopy start time predicts prep quality.
Researchers found that gene expression profiles differed between tumor samples from patients who had taken vitamin E, selenium, or both supplements compared to those on placebo. The study provides insight into the effects of preoperative supplement use on prostate cancer gene expression, a potential area for future investigation.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that mail reminders increased colon cancer screening rates by 44% compared to non-reminded patients. Electronic physician reminders also showed promise, especially among patients with three or more primary care visits, resulting in a 59.5% screening rate.
A study published by the American Cancer Society found that patients seeking health information online are more likely to be aware of and receive the latest cancer treatments. Patients who search for information on targeted therapies like Avastin and Erbitux are up to 3.22 times more likely to receive these treatments.
A 15-month study found that patients who received mailed reminders for colorectal cancer screenings were more likely to schedule screenings than those without reminders. This approach increased screening rates by 16% compared to the control group.
Women with higher calcium intake have a lower risk of cancer overall and specific digestive system cancers like colorectal cancer, according to the study. Calcium consumption was inversely associated with an increased risk of these types of cancers in both men and women.
A new study finds that racial disparities in colorectal cancer screening persist, with significant gaps between white patients and those of other ethnicities, including Hispanics. Increasing screening rates among Medicare recipients have not narrowed these gaps.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found a biomarker, guanylyl cyclase 2C (GUCY2C), that predicts disease recurrence in colorectal cancer. The study revealed that 87.5% of patients had positive GUCY2C expression and 20.9% developed recurrent disease.
Researchers identified guanylyl cyclase C as a molecular marker for metastatic colorectal cancer that can detect occult metastases in lymph nodes, improving risk stratification. About 13% of patients with pN0 colorectal cancer were found to be free of tumor cells, while 87% had results suggesting occult metastases.
Research found capecitabine and irinotecan with bevacizumab to have comparable tumor response rates of 29% and 35%, similar overall survival at 15 months and 24 months. Toxicity was generally well-tolerated in a small patient population.
A study found that rural physicians in Arizona estimated they could increase their endoscopic procedures by 53.1%, while urban physicians estimated an additional 35.7% with improved compensation. The potential increase is attributed to the growing population of older individuals moving to warmer climates.
Researchers found immunological tests to be more accurate in detecting precancerous lesions, identifying over twice as many lesions as HaemOccult test. However, some tests yielded too many false positives, emphasizing the need for high detection rates and reliable all-clears.
A new study reveals that primary care physicians often fail to recommend colorectal cancer screening, even in patients who visit their offices frequently. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 50,000 patients, found that over half of those with regular visits did not receive screening.
Research from Thomas Jefferson University reveals that African-American patients with colorectal cancer are more likely to present with advanced disease and have a worse five-year survival rate. Socioeconomic factors, including access to healthcare screening, may contribute to these disparities.
A pre-emptive skin regimen can significantly reduce skin-associated toxicities associated with panitumumab for metastatic colorectal cancer treatment. The study found that this approach reduced the incidence of grade 2 or higher skin toxicities by over 50%. Patients who received prophylactic treatment reported improved quality of life,...
Researchers found that trained primary care physicians can perform colonoscopies with a low complication rate and high polyp detection rate, comparable to specialists. This fills the gap in colorectal cancer screening as the US population ages and demand for screenings grows.
Studies show that primary care physicians can safely and effectively perform colonoscopies, with quality and safety indicators comparable to those of gastroenterologist specialists. Having a personal health care provider is associated with a three times higher likelihood of colorectal cancer screening, highlighting the potential for po...
A recent study by Charles Drew University found that gay and bisexual black men have the lowest use of prostate cancer testing. The percentage of gay and bisexual black men who received the PSA test was 12-28% lower than heterosexual blacks and 15-28% lower than gay and bisexual whites.
Individuals with the ADH1C*1 gene variant produce more acetaldehyde, leading to greater cellular DNA damage and a heightened risk of colorectal cancer. Chronic drinking is also a known risk factor for colorectal cancer.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine concludes that screening colonoscopy is associated with fewer deaths from colorectal cancer, but primarily on the left side. The findings emphasize the need for skilled physicians to perform effective colonoscopies.
A Canadian study found colonoscopy is associated with lower death rates from colorectal cancer, but raises concerns about detection of lesions on the right side of the colon. Patients are urged to seek a qualified gastrointestinal endoscopist to perform a thorough colonoscopy.
A recent meta-analysis published in JAMA found that smoking is significantly associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) and death. The study analyzed data from nearly 40,000 new cases of CRC, indicating a 25% higher risk of CRC death among smokers compared to non-smokers.
University of Texas Medical Branch researchers have identified a promising new target for colon cancer therapy by mapping the biochemical pathway critical to the spread of tumors. High levels of the enzyme Akt2 are found in association with other cancers, and its inhibition shows promise in stopping colon cancer's spread.
Researchers found that narrow-band imaging (NBI) was not more accurate than white light colonoscopy in differentiating colorectal polyps during real-time colonoscopy. However, NBI accuracy improved significantly after the endoscopists gained experience with the new diagnostic tool.
A new study by American College of Physicians reveals that colonoscopy strongly reduces mortality from left-sided colorectal cancer, while offering little benefit against right-sided cases. The researchers suggest factors such as incomplete examinations and varying tumor biology contribute to these limitations.
A major study of over 14,000 male physicians found that long-term vitamin E and C supplementation had no significant impact on prostate cancer or total cancer risk. The study suggests that these supplements may not be effective in preventing cancer in middle-aged and older men.
Researchers found two insulin-related proteins that predict survival chances in colorectal cancer patients. High IGFBP-1 levels were associated with lower mortality rates, while high C-peptide levels increased the risk of overall death and other conditions.
A long-term study found that high insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) levels reduced overall death risk by over 50%, while high C-peptide levels doubled the risk of death. Lifestyle factors like obesity and physical inactivity are associated with high insulin levels, which can fuel colon cancer growth.
Researchers found excellent agreement between CT colonography's bone density measurements and DEXA results, identifying osteoporotic bones in patients. CT colonography may be a cost-effective way to screen more people for osteoporosis without additional radiation.
A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials found that bevacizumab increases the risk of venous thromboembolism by 33% compared to controls. The risk is highest for patients with colorectal cancer, with an incidence rate of 19.1%.