Articles tagged with Colorectal Cancer
A new study finds that patients in high-spending areas do not necessarily have better health outcomes than those in low-spending areas. However, the authors also reveal that increased spending can be beneficial in certain cases, such as when chemotherapy is provided to patients with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
A randomized trial found that telephone mentoring from trained peer coaches increased the likelihood of keeping a first colonoscopy appointment by two times. Patients with peer support were more likely to be insured and have better primary care adherence, and nearly 70% kept their appointments.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers suggests that colon cancer screenings may bring little benefit and pose harm to certain patients. The 'payoff time' method estimates the minimum time required for screening benefits to outweigh harms, revealing a significant gap in current guidelines.
The QUASAR trial found that chemotherapy with fluorouracil and folinic acid reduces the risk of recurrence by 22% and death by 18% in patients with stage II colorectal cancer. The absolute improvements are small, but still significant.
A group of UK doctors call on the government to implement folic acid fortification in flour to prevent neural tube defects, which could save around 400 pregnancies annually. They argue that two studies cited as a delay do not support a link between folic acid and colorectal cancer.
A study found that Medicare beneficiaries are not receiving adequate colorectal cancer screening, with only 25% meeting guidelines. The investigation highlights the need for continued efforts to promote screening and reduce mortality from this common disease.
Researchers have successfully implemented community-based projects to address cancer disparities among African-American and Hispanic communities, and Navajo Nation population. The initiatives improve data collection, provide insight into social factors, and lead to sustained health improvements.
Researchers found a protective effect of the TT version of the MTHFR gene against colorectal cancer in Asian populations, but not in others. The study suggests genetics may play a role in understanding health disparities in minority groups.
A study by University of California, Irvine researchers found that low doses of freeze-dried grape powder inhibit genes linked to sporadic colorectal cancer. The study suggests a diet rich in grapes may help prevent colon cancer, which kills over half a million people worldwide each year.
Researchers have developed two molecular analogues of curcumin that demonstrate enhanced tumor suppressive properties against colorectal cancer. These new compounds have shown improved bioavailability and potency compared to natural curcumin.
Researchers found that children of parents who died from these cancers have significantly worse survival rates than those with good parental survival. The risk of death was increased by 75% for breast cancer and 107% for prostate cancer.
Research investigates the role of NCAM-180 as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer, finding low frequency and lack of prognostic value. The study concludes that routine use of NCAM-180 expression is not feasible due to its rarity.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that minority patients prefer optical colonoscopy (OC) over computed tomographic (CT) colonography for colorectal cancer screening. OC was associated with less discomfort, embarrassment, and pain compared to CT colonography.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found no correlation between vitamin D levels and overall cancer death rates. However, elevated vitamin D levels were linked to a significant decrease in colorectal cancer mortality rates.
Researchers aim to determine who is at risk for colorectal cancer and tailor screening tests accordingly. Dr. Thomas F. Imperiale advocates for more targeted approaches, such as using easily accessible factors like age and family medical history.
The report found that cancer death rates declined by an average of 2.1 percent per year from 2002 to 2004, nearly twice the annual decrease of 1.1 percent per year from 1993 to 2002. Cancer incidence rates among American Indians and Alaska Natives varied two-fold across six geographic regions.
Researchers found that initial screening colonoscopy with polyp removal significantly reduces colon cancer mortality. The study suggests extending follow-up surveillance intervals from 3-5 years to 6 or more years, contingent on adequate bowel preparation and visualization of the colon.
New studies support continued colorectal cancer screening among healthy elderly Americans, with screenings leading to earlier stage of CRC diagnosis and improved survival. Researchers found that adenomas were detected more frequently in older patients, and asymptomatic patients had significantly improved survival rates.
Researchers found that mesalamine use among patients with inflammatory bowel disease was associated with a decreased incidence of colorectal cancer. Mesalamine use was linked to an 89% reduction in risk of colorectal cancer, according to the study.
African-Americans have a higher incidence of colorectal cancer, with advanced polyps on the right side of the colon more common. Latin Americans also show similar high-risk findings to African-Americans in colonoscopy screenings.
Research found obesity to be the highest attributable risk factor for developing colorectal cancer in women. Among participants, 20% were obese and 14% were smokers, with BMI accounting for one-fifth of significant polyps detected during colonoscopy.
A study found that diabetes increases levels of CA 19-9, a tumor marker for pancreatic cancer. Elevated CA 19-9 levels in diabetics may indicate chronic pancreatitis rather than pancreatic cancer.
Researchers mapped the human genome for breast and colon cancers, finding that most cancer-causing gene mutations are diverse and vary from person to person. The study suggests that personalized medicine may focus on complex pathways linking less-commonly mutated genes.
A retrospective study of 68 postoperative CRC patients found that 18F-DG PET/CT detected more lesions than CT or ultrasonography alone in 30.4% of cases with recurrence and/or metastasis. The imaging technique also helped alter treatment plans in 16.2% of cases.
Researchers found significant IL-8 up-regulation in all inflammatory, non-malignant, and malignant colorectal entities compared to normal tissues. The study suggests an association between IL-8 expression and the development of colorectal cancer and liver metastases.
Researchers found that patients with large polyps or adenomas may need more frequent follow-up, while those with only a few small polyps can be screened less often. Relatives of patients with large polyps should also be targeted for screening.
The Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) detects human blood in the stool and has a high sensitivity of 81.8% for detecting colorectal cancers. FIT also has a higher specificity than traditional guaiac tests, reducing false positives and unnecessary procedures.
A new version of the colon cancer screening test effectively detects colorectal cancer and may replace the current unrehydrated guaiac test. The fecal immunochemical test had a sensitivity of 81.8% for detecting colorectal cancers, outperforming the guaiac test's 64.3% sensitivity rate.
A study found that patients with newly diagnosed coronary artery disease had nearly twice the prevalence of colorectal tumors compared to the general population. Colorectal cancer is associated with chronic inflammation, a common pathway with atherosclerosis and CAD.
Researchers found that personalized behavioral intervention services significantly improved colorectal cancer screening rates in primary care practices. The tailored interventions resulted in increased screenings among patients who were not up-to-date with guidelines, with rates reaching as high as 48%.
Researchers found that personalized interventions significantly improved colon cancer screening rates in primary care practices. Screening rates increased by 33-48% compared to usual care, with the most substantial improvements seen when personal messages addressed personal barriers to screening. The study suggests that a relatively si...
A study has identified mimecan and TXNDC5 as potential biomarkers for early detection of colorectal cancer. The research found that these proteins are differentially expressed in colorectal adenoma, a precursor lesion to the disease.
New chemotherapy regimens such as irinotecan and oxaliplatin-based treatments have been shown to prolong the survival of patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The meta-analysis found that these regimens can provide an estimated absolute survival benefit of 8-4.7 months for certain patient groups.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that higher education levels are associated with decreased cancer mortality rates among black and white men and women. The difference in mortality was greatest between those with 12 or fewer years of education and those with more than 12 years. This association is ...
The Canadian mortality rate from colorectal cancer is high due to insufficient screening and prevention measures, resulting in advanced-stage treatments being administered too late. Effective screening tests can prevent the disease by detecting benign polyps, but education programs are necessary to address this issue.
The American Gastroenterological Association has established minimum standards for gastroenterologist performance of CT colonography, requiring at least 75 endoscopically confirmed cases to be interpreted. The guidelines emphasize the importance of training and quality control to ensure accurate screening for colorectal cancer.
Researchers discover that the L1-CAM gene is highly expressed in colorectal cancer cells that have spread to the liver, while normal colon tissue lacks this gene. This finding highlights the importance of L1-CAM in metastasis and opens new avenues for cancer research.
A diet rich in choline, found in red meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy products, may increase the risk of colorectal polyps. Research suggests that higher intake of choline is associated with an elevated risk, contradicting previous expectations.
A University of Minnesota team found that the TOPK enzyme, which regulates cell growth and other functions, promotes transformation in colorectal carcinoma by activating related enzymes. This suggests that drugs targeting TOPK could have anti-cancer benefits.
The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center has received significant funding from the National Cancer Institute to advance innovative colorectal cancer research. The center will focus on developing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches using high-throughput screening strategies, aiming to identify new treatments for this deadly disease.
Researchers found a 15% reduction in colorectal cancer diagnosis among patients with osteoarthritis who took NSAIDs, consistent with previous findings on pre-cancerous polyps. The study supports the need for further research to identify safe NSAID agents for regular preventive therapy.
Researchers found that patients treated with single-drug therapy had shorter overall survival, but those receiving sequential treatment had similar survival rates to combination therapy regimens. The study results challenge conventional clinical practice and suggest a more gentle approach for some patients.
Researchers found a significant link between genetic variation on chromosome 8 and the risk of colorectal cancer, with individuals carrying the specific marker being 23% more likely to develop the disease. The study suggests that this single genetic variation might account for 14% of colorectal cancer cases in Israel.
Researchers at the University of Southern California have identified a common genetic risk factor for colorectal and prostate cancer. The study found that one variant previously associated with prostate cancer also increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Researchers have found a new virus, NV1020, to be effective against colorectal cancer with minimal side effects. The treatment has shown promising results in reducing tumor masses and improving patient survival.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified cancer stem cells in colorectal tumors, which can propagate and maintain the growth of the tumor. These stem cells have been found to be responsible for the spread of cancer to distant sites and are likely to be responsible when tumors resurface or spread.
A large multicenter study examined circulating tumor cells in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, showing their predictive value for survival and cancer progression. Patients with fewer than 3 CTCs had superior median survival times compared to those with detectable CTCs.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that aspirin's colorectal cancer prevention mechanism depends on the inhibition of COX-2 enzyme. Regular aspirin intake only reduced the incidence of colorectal tumors that overexpress COX-2, highlighting a potential target for personalized treatment strategies.
Researchers have found a significant reduction in the overall colorectal tumor miss rate using advanced colonoscopy technologies, establishing a new benchmark for accurate screening and detection. High levels of C-reactive protein are also associated with increased risk of colorectal adenoma in men, but not in women.
Researchers found that pre-operative CT scans in patients experiencing acute appendicitis symptoms may delay surgery, increasing the risk of appendix rupture. Colonoscopies are recommended over flexible sigmoidoscopy for detecting advanced neoplastic lesions, with notable racial disparities observed.
A study published at Digestive Disease Week found that a lifelong vegetarian diet can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Additionally, consuming a fatty soup as an appetizer before dinner may lead to reduced food intake in both lean and obese individuals.
A study published in The Lancet found that long-term aspirin use can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 37% overall and 74% after 10-15 years. The benefits are likely to outweigh the risks in individuals at increased risk of colon cancer.
A meta-analysis of studies found that controlling for socioeconomic factors reduced racial disparities in colorectal cancer survival. Lower socioeconomic status is linked to poorer health outcomes and reduced access to healthcare.
A new study finds that virtual colonoscopy with removal of lesions 6 mm or greater is the most cost-effective colon cancer screening test. The study reveals that targeting smaller lesions has little impact on reducing CRC incidence and increases financial costs, while also leading to adverse events.
A daily dose of adult-strength aspirin was associated with a moderate decreased cancer risk, particularly for colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers. However, the effect on other types of cancer was not significant.
Researchers found that cetuximab improved overall survival by 23% and reduced disease progression risk by 32%. The drug targets the EGFR receptor on cancer cells, preventing cell growth and triggering an immune response.
Researchers discovered a gene called Atp5a1 that, when mutated, reduces the incidence of polyps in mice. The mutation leads to decreased levels of Atp5a1 gene expression, which may provide insights into its potential role in human cancer.
A large study found that doubling fat intake is linked to a 15% increase in breast cancer risk, regardless of the type of fat consumed. In contrast, higher consumption of lignans, found in plants and whole grains, may be associated with a reduced risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.
Researchers found simultaneous surgeries on colon and liver may reduce length of hospital stay and surgical complications without compromising long-term survival. In certain patient groups, simultaneous surgery was as safe as separate surgeries, potentially leading to better outcomes.
A new study found that routine colonoscopic surveillance improves survival for colorectal cancer patients. Patients who underwent regular follow-up colonoscopies had better five-year survival rates compared to those who did not receive screenings.