Research on colorectal and bowel cancer. Covers AI-audited colonoscopy, gut-bacteria links, family risk, and early-onset differences.
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%.
A large clinical trial found that calcium supplementation reduced colorectal adenoma recurrence risk by 32% only in those with low magnesium to calcium ratio. This suggests a personalized diet/supplementation regimen considering both nutrients may be more effective than supplementing with one alone.
A recent study found that the cost of treating colorectal cancer can range from tens of thousands of dollars, with newer therapies often costing significantly more than older agents. This variation in costs raises questions about access to care and the value of these treatments for patients.
A study found that surgical removal of small colon polyps is not necessary due to low risk of cancer development. The study suggests that imaging surveillance for isolated small polyps detected during CT colonography may be an alternative to unnecessary colonoscopy procedures.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that overall beta-catenin expression is associated with better differentiation and earlier staging in colorectal cancer. High staining density also predicted superior survival, suggesting an alternative role for beta-catenin beyond the Wnt-signaling pathway.
Researchers found that BRAF mutations are associated with resistance to anti-EGFR therapy in colorectal cancer patients. The study suggests that combination therapy blocking EGFR and BRAF may be a useful approach to increase patient benefits.
Researchers identified an 11-gene signature that separates responders from non-responders to FOLFIRI chemotherapy. The gene signature can predict treatment outcomes with 100% accuracy in a small sample size of 19 patients.
Research reveals endocan protein expression is higher in normal tissues than in colorectal cancer, with positive correlation to tissue differentiation. Elevated serum levels of endocan found in late-stage lung cancer, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that CT colonography is accurate for detecting colonic masses or polyps equal to or greater than 10mm. This non-invasive technique replaced double contrast barium enema (DCBE) for evaluating incomplete colonoscopies.
A new study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that routine colorectal cancer screenings may not provide significant life expectancy benefits after age 75. The study suggests that individuals who have had adenomas or colorectal cancer should continue surveillance in this age group.
A new study suggests that colon cancer screening for patients starting at age 55 could save the US at least $2 for every dollar spent. The research found that nearly 45% of uninsured patients who underwent free colonoscopies had polyps, highlighting the need for earlier screening.
A new study suggests that implementing a nationwide CRC screening program for uninsured patients starting at age 55 can reduce healthcare costs by an estimated $2.58 for every dollar spent, saving over $1 million in federal healthcare dollars annually.
Patients with metabolic syndrome have a significantly higher lifetime risk of colorectal cancer compared to those without the condition. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends closely adhering to published guidelines for colorectal cancer screening.
A Mayo Clinic-led study found that the first generation of a stool DNA test detected 20% of colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps, compared to fecal blood tests. The test's limitations include sample degradation and low sensitivity, but second-generation tests improved detection rates.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology confirms that colonoscopy reduces colorectal cancer incidence, with the greatest benefit seen after seven years of follow-up. However, the effectiveness of colonoscopy is reduced for cancers arising in the proximal colon.
A study found that a specific gene variation linked to a protein hormone secreted by fat cells is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. The discovery suggests that the adiponectin axis may play an important role in modifying colorectal cancer risk.
Researchers found that complete removal of peritoneal surface disease (PSD) combined with heated chemotherapy can produce long-term survival in select patients. The study suggests a new approach to treating previously considered incurable cases of colorectal cancer.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that young adults without family history of bowel disease have few pre-cancerous polyps. Screening guidelines recommend colonoscopies starting at age 50, but the study suggests African Americans should consider colonoscopy over sigmoidoscopy.
Researchers found a significant relationship between loss of heterozygosity (LOH) frequencies on the D4S3018 locus and larger tumor size. Additionally, LOH at the D4S1534 locus was linked to liver metastasis in sporadic colorectal carcinoma patients.
A new study published in JAMA found that black Americans have a higher occurrence of colon polyps compared to white patients. The research suggests that black men and women are at greater risk for serious polyps, emphasizing the importance of regular screening among this demographic.
A study found that black patients undergoing screening colonoscopy have a higher prevalence of colon polyps compared to white patients. Black men and women were more likely to have large polyps, with increased odds in those over 50 years old.
Research found that high alpha-catenin expression is associated with increased lymph node involvement and progressive disease in colorectal cancer. Alpha-catenin also showed distinct patterns in tumors of different colon locations, highlighting differences in molecular pathways between proximal and distal colon cancers.
BAMBI overexpression is correlated with aggressive tumor phenotypes and predicts tumor recurrence in CRC. A new active monoclonal anti-BAMBI antibody may offer improved survival for CRC patients and serve as a diagnostic tool.
A large study found that rescreening average-risk individuals after a normal initial colonoscopy every five years is sufficient to determine the optimal screening interval. The study's findings contradict previous recommendations of 10-year screenings and may impact screening costs and individual follow-up rates.
The AGA Institute concludes that CT colonography is a viable colorectal cancer screening option, detecting 90% of large polyps. However, small polyps are less detectable, and radiation risks are still uncertain. Colonoscopy remains the definitive test for early detection and prevention.
A new study found that people with an initial negative colonoscopy have a very low risk of developing colorectal cancer within five years. Based on this study, rescreening may not be necessary sooner than five years after the initial screening. The study's findings confirm what many gastroenterologists already believed.
A new colorectal screening procedure, CT colonography, has been found to be highly accurate in detecting intermediate and large polyps. The study, which used virtual reality technology, compared the accuracy of CT colonography with conventional colonoscopy and found that it was comparable in its ability to accurately detect problems.
Genetic testing identifies patients with advanced colorectal cancer who are likely to survive longer on cetuximab, a new standard of care for targeted therapies. Tumor cell analysis also reveals high levels of circulating cells before treatment as an indicator of disease aggressiveness.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed an interactive multimedia computer program to provide personalized education on colorectal cancer screening. The program aims to increase screening rates among Hispanic patients, who are less likely to receive screenings compared to non-Hispanic whites.
A new analysis reveals that fewer than half of older patients with colorectal cancer receive the recommended screening schedule to detect any recurrence. The study found that some patients may not meet guideline standards due to other procedures, while others receive testing that goes beyond guidelines.
A new study confirms that colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 50, with colonoscopies being the most effective method for preventing the disease. The study found that the prevalence of colorectal polyps increases sharply after age 50, and African Americans have a higher rate of right-sided polyps.
A recent study found that positron emission tomography (PET) scans led to changes in treatment plans for more than half of patients with suspected recurrent colorectal cancer. The study, conducted at four sites in Australia, involved 191 patients and showed that PET scans identified additional disease sites in 48% of patients, allowing...
Researchers have developed a more accurate way to identify aggressive bowel cancer forms, suggesting patients with the Lamin A marker should receive chemotherapy in addition to surgery for improved recovery and survival. The study aims to develop a robust prognostic tool for widespread use in bowel cancer treatment.
A UK-led team of scientists has developed a more accurate way of identifying aggressive forms of bowel cancer, which should lead to better treatment and survival rates. The study found that patients with a stem cell marker protein called Lamin A present in their tissue are more likely to have an aggressive form of the disease.
A genetic trait linked to a 10-20 percent incidence in colorectal cancer patients significantly increases the risk of developing cancer to 50 percent if inherited, surpassing other known gene mutations.
A study published in Cancer Research found that the CB1 receptor plays a tumor-suppressing role in human colorectal cancer. Researchers discovered that CB1 expression is lost in most colorectal cancers, leading to increased tumor growth. Restoring CB1 expression with an existing drug showed promise in reducing tumors.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that higher education levels were associated with significant mortality reductions in four common cancers: lung, colorectal, prostate, and breast. Individuals with a college degree experienced greater declines in cancer mortality rates compared to those with less e...
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals that the protein TCF7L2 actually suppresses the growth of human cancer cells in culture, contrary to its previous role in promoting colorectal cancer. This groundbreaking finding opens new avenues for understanding and treating colorectal cancer.
A study analyzing national surveys found racial disparities in colon cancer screening rates, with blacks and Hispanics having lower rates than whites. The findings suggest that culturally targeted interventions and improved access to healthcare may help address these disparities.
Researchers at MIT discovered a new compound, cDPCP, that targets colorectal cells more effectively than oxaliplatin, potentially sparing other body tissues from damage. The study found that cDPCP requires the assistance of organic cation transporters to enter cells.
A new study found that African Americans with a family history of colorectal cancer are less likely to be screened, contrary to expectations. Regular screening is crucial for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, which affects African Americans disproportionately due to their high incidence and mortality rates.
Researchers at A*STAR have discovered a novel approach to kill colon cancer cells using a genetic regulator called DACT3. The team developed a pharmacological strategy to restore DACT3 expression, leading to effective inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and massive death of colon cancer cells.
A family history of colorectal cancer is associated with a significant reduction in cancer recurrence and death, especially among patients receiving chemotherapy treatment. The study found that having more affected first-degree relatives further increased the protective effect, suggesting a distinct underlying molecular mechanism.
A USC study found that pre-menopausal women with metastatic colorectal cancer lived longer than younger men, while older women had significantly worse overall survival. The study also showed ethnic differences in survival rates, with Hispanics and Asians having better outcomes than Caucasians and African-Americans.
Researchers found that serum RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation is a promising biomarker for diagnosing gastric and colorectal cancer. The study detected higher rates of this abnormality in tumor tissues and patient sera compared to benign disease or healthy individuals.
New developments in sedation techniques, including computer-assisted systems and propofol administration, are expected to increase the effectiveness of colonoscopy and ease patient concerns. These advancements aim to encourage patients to get screened for colorectal cancer, which is curable when detected early.
A new study suggests that the depth of cancer penetration in the bowel wall affects survival rates, and proposes changes to current guidelines. Patients with thin lesions confined to the bowel wall have better survival outcomes than those with thicker cancers.
Ning Wong, a physician at Fox Chase Cancer Center, has received the ASCO Career Development Award for her exceptional work in genitourinary malignancies and health services research. The $200,000 grant will support her independent clinical cancer research program.
A study found that moderate drinking in women increases the risk of developing ER+/PR+ breast cancer, with higher risks observed for those who consumed more alcohol. Researchers also identified a link between specific genetic variations and increased breast cancer risk among postmenopausal drinkers.
A Mayo-led study found that smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal tumors lacking DNA repair proteins. Women who smoked were more likely to develop these tumors, which may be due to the loss of function in genes responsible for repairing genetic damage.
Studies show that introducing patient navigators in safety net health systems increases colonoscopy completion rates among urban minorities, reducing no-show rates by up to 9.8%. This individual intervention approach may be particularly effective in addressing the complex barriers to colorectal cancer screening in low-income and minori...
Researchers found higher levels of autozygosity among colorectal cancer patients, particularly those of Jewish heritage, which may lead to novel cancer-causing genes. The study suggests a new type of genetic signpost that clinicians can follow for a range of cancers in various population groups.
The EORTC Intergroup trial found that chemotherapy plus surgery on liver tumors improved progression-free survival by 26% in patients with colorectal cancer. Patients who received chemotherapy before and after surgery had a higher rate of progression-free survival compared to those who underwent surgery alone.
Researchers found hepcidin expression positively associated with stage of colorectal disease and also expressed in a subset of colorectal cancer tissues. This suggests that cancer cells sequester iron to feed their high metabolic activity, perpetuating the cancer phenotype.
Researchers found that surgery combined with heated Intraperitoneal Hyperthermic Chemotherapy (IPHC) improves survival rates for patients with peritoneal carcinoma originating from colorectal or appendix cancer. The study also showed that IPHC may have some benefit in select patients with peritoneal carcinoma and hepatic metastases.
Researchers found non-polypoid (flat) colon lesions are relatively common and more likely to contain cancerous tissue than polypoid lesions. The study estimated the prevalence of NP-CRNs to be 9.35% and found that depressed-type NP-CRNs had a higher risk of containing cancer.
A novel hMSH2 gene mutation was found in a Chinese HNPCC kindred, associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in four successive generations. The mutation resulted in Asp 603 Gly of hMSH2 and was present in four out of ten family members.
A new study suggests that smokers may benefit from earlier colon cancer screening due to their increased risk of developing the disease. The research found that current smokers were diagnosed with colon cancer approximately seven years earlier than people who never smoked.
A study found that healthcare providers play a significant role in patients' likelihood of being screened for colorectal cancer. Patient barriers such as concerns about payment and fears of detection also impact screening rates. Interventions targeting both providers and patients are necessary to boost screening rates.
A study published in Gastroenterology found that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing colorectal polyps, with a two-fold increased risk for current smokers. The findings suggest that approximately 20-25% of colorectal polyps may be attributed to tobacco use.