Articles tagged with Colorectal Cancer
Virtual colonoscopy is effective in detecting large colorectal polyps and masses, but is less sensitive for smaller ones. The review found no direct evidence on the effect of screening methods on cancer incidence or death prevention.
Researchers say virtual colonoscopy may be the answer to improving screening rates for colorectal cancer. The non-invasive test is highly sensitive and specific, while also being convenient and cost-effective, with minimal risk of side effects.
Researchers found that certain dietary chemical compounds, such as PCBs, increase the risk of colon cancer by causing genetic alterations in genes like K-Ras and p53. The study suggests that diet plays a significant role in colorectal cancer development, with fat, red meat, and excessive calorie consumption being major risk factors.
The study found a significant increase in patients becoming up-to-date with screening recommendations and tests, from 38.7% to 56.1%, and the use of posters and brochures about CRC screening increased from 20.5% to 69.3%. Direct discussion of screening was the most common method for educating patients.
A new syndrome of colorectal cancer has been identified, characterized by frequent mutations in the BRAF oncogene and DNA methylation. This inherited form of cancer often develops in previously harmless polyps and can occur in young individuals, emphasizing the importance of early detection and prevention.
A cohort study in Japan found that daily coffee consumption was associated with a reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In contrast, no association was found between coffee consumption and colorectal cancer incidence. The authors suggest further studies to confirm these findings.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that increases in managed care market share were not associated with improved quality of care for cancer patients, except for a specific blood test. The authors conclude that expansion of managed care may not improve quality of care for all patients.
A new genetic test has been found to detect mutations that conventional DNA tests may miss, particularly large genomic deletions. This test, known as conversion analysis, increased the diagnostic yield of deleterious mutations by 56%. The study suggests this method could be a valuable addition to current genetic testing strategies.
A study of 45,354 US women found that high calcium intake reduced the risk of colorectal cancer by 26%. Consuming a diet rich in calcium, even lower than current recommended daily allowance, is a safe and effective way for women to guard themselves against colorectal cancer.
Researchers found that elevated levels of ávâ6 expression in colon carcinoma cells are associated with reduced patient survival. The molecule is identified as an independent prognostic marker for colorectal cancer and predictive of early-stage disease outcomes.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends colonoscopy as the preferred screening method for colorectal cancer due to its ability to detect and remove precancerous polyps. In-office fecal occult blood tests are not recommended as a standalone screening test, but can be used in conjunction with flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Current FOBT screening recommendations are being reexamined due to low test accuracy and non-compliance. A study of 3,121 people found that single office-based FOBT tests missed advanced precancerous lesions 95% of the time.
A recent study published in JAMA found that long-term high consumption of red and processed meat is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. The study, which included over 148,000 adults, also found that poultry and fish consumption was inversely linked to colon cancer risk.
Fewer than half of patients had received at least one screening test more than six months prior to diagnosis. Patients with a history of screening had earlier stage and presumably more treatable disease, highlighting the underuse of colorectal procedures in clinical practice.
A new stool DNA test has been found to detect a significant proportion of colorectal cancers, potentially overcoming barriers to screening among unwilling individuals. The test, which analyzes tumor-specific DNA, detected 52% of cancers in average-risk asymptomatic individuals.
The NIH has suspended the use of celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, in its large-scale cancer prevention trial after finding a two-fold increased risk of cardiovascular toxicities. The decision was made following a September 2004 report that highlighted concerns over the safety of rofecoxib, another COX-2 inhibitor.
A study estimates that 41 million Americans are eligible for colorectal cancer screening, but only a fraction have received it. The capacity for screening tests like flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy is limited, with colonoscopies being the most expensive option.
CT colonography offers improved accuracy and convenience for colorectal cancer screening, but challenges remain in standardization, patient preparation, and interpretation of results. Standardization and training are necessary for widespread adoption.
Researchers developed a method combining CYP3A4 phenotyping with UGT1A1 genotyping to optimize irinotecan chemotherapy. Greater height, obesity, and lower physical activity levels are linked to increased endometrial cancer risk.
A recent study has revealed a genetic link to colon cancer, identifying the MutY human homologue (MYH) gene as a risk factor. The research found that children of MYH gene carriers have a higher risk of developing the disease, with a 1:2 ratio.
Increased use of virtual colonoscopy is expected to lead to a decrease in traditional colonoscopies due to improved detection rates. Virtual colonoscopy without bowel preparation has been found to be as effective as traditional colonoscopy in detecting colorectal polyps, increasing patient compliance and potential screening rates.
A new study suggests that virtual colonoscopy may be associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer deaths and procedure-related deaths. The model attributes this higher rate of mortality to declining sensitivity when the two tests are performed, as well as increased radiation exposure.
A new study identifies 38 patients under 50 with colorectal cancer, half with family history. The research concludes that African-Americans and Hispanics should begin screening at age 40 regardless of family history.
A UCLA study of 22,343 adults aged 50+ in California found that 54% had a recent CRC test, with disparities seen among Latinos, women, and those without insurance or continuity of care. Improving access to screening through policies and education programs can help address these gaps.
Researchers used a mouse model to show that TGF-b production in tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes is crucial for colon cancer progression. Inhibition of IL-6 trans-signaling prevented tumor growth, suggesting novel therapeutic approaches for colorectal cancer.
Allopurinol, commonly used for gout, was found to significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in patients taking the medication for at least five years. The study analyzed data from 1,781 patients and showed a notable reduction in risk.
A retrospective cohort study of 24,918 patients with type 2 diabetes found those on more than three years of insulin therapy have a significantly higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. The study's lead author hopes the findings will lead to more effective cancer prevention efforts.
A new targeted cancer treatment, cetuximab, has shown improved response rates and survival times in advanced colorectal cancer patients who develop an acne-like rash. The study found that the severity of the rash correlated with better tumour responses and longer median survival times.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new potential target for preventing colon cancer: the PPARdelta gene. By 'knocking out' this gene in mice, they found that polyp development was inhibited, providing a promising avenue for safer prevention methods.
The American College of Gastroenterology states that colonoscopy is the best and gold-standard test for colorectal cancer screening and prevention. It prevents about 80 percent of colorectal cancers from developing by removing precancerous polyps, while CT colonography has shown poor results in comparison.
Virtual colonoscopy has shown promise as a colorectal cancer screening option, with limitations in detecting flat polyps and varying results in clinical trials. Further research is needed to determine the optimal size for removing small growths and standardizing test performance.
A recent study found that cancer survivors experience significant long-term burdens, including lower quality of life and lost productivity, persisting even beyond 10 years after diagnosis. The burden varies by cancer type, with those diagnosed with shorter-survival cancers reporting greater impacts.
The American Gastroenterological Association disputes the validity of a recent study suggesting that too many surveillance colonoscopies are being performed. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, highlights the importance of determining the clinical significance of small polyps and notes the need for further research to ...
Physicians often recommend more frequent surveillance colonoscopies than recommended guidelines, citing clinical evidence and personal factors as influential. This may lead to unnecessary procedures, affecting quality of care and resource utilization.
A national study led by UC Davis researchers found that surveillance colonoscopies are performed more frequently than necessary, with 24% of gastroenterologists recommending unnecessary procedures. The study suggests that implementation of clinical guidelines can help optimize patient care and reduce healthcare burden.
A study found that physical symptoms, such as shortness of breath and weakness, predict cancer prognosis. Physical health-related quality of life (hrQoL) factors were stronger predictors of survival than psychosocial factors.
A new phase 2 study shows that combining cetuximab with irinotecan can resensitize tumors resistant to irinotecan, offering patients a new treatment option. The study's modest benefits in stopping cancer growth and improving patient response are seen as a step forward in treating colorectal cancer.
Researchers engineered a decoy Met receptor that successfully competes for HGF binding, inhibiting tumor growth and survival. The Sema domain of the Met receptor is also necessary for activation, offering a new therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Researchers found that higher milk consumption and total calcium intake were associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The risk decreased with increasing milk consumption, particularly cancers of the distal colon and rectum.
A recent study found that calcium supplementation can slightly decrease the risk of all types of colorectal polyps, with a greater effect on advanced lesions. Additionally, a diet high in fiber and low in fat may enhance this preventive effect.
Researchers found that calcium supplementation slightly decreases the risk of all types of colorectal polyps, with a greater effect on advanced lesions. A diet high in fiber and low in fat also shows promise in increasing the preventive effect of calcium.
A Phase III trial found that CAMPTOSAR combinations with select targeted agents improve survival for MCRC patients. The combination of Avastin and IFL yields an average survival of 25.1 months compared to 15.8 months with IFL alone. A Phase II trial also shows the efficacy of Erbitux plus CAMPTOSAR and infusional FOLFIRI in EGFR-expres...
A new study demonstrates that Xeloda reduces the risk of colon cancer recurrence (relapse-free survival) by 14% compared to i.v. 5-FU/LV after surgery. The global trial, X-ACT, met its primary endpoint and offers new hope for patients with early stage colon cancer.
Dr. Bernard Levin, a colorectal cancer expert, is honored by ASCO for his significant contributions to preventing and managing cancer. He will deliver an acceptance lecture on June 6, highlighting his leadership in multidisciplinary programs in research, service, and education.
Researchers found that combining Avastin with chemotherapy improves median survival, reduces risk of death and increases response rates in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The study showed a nearly five-month improvement in patient survival, demonstrating the potential of targeting tumor blood supply as a viable treatment option.
The FDA-approved Avastin increases patient survival by almost five months when combined with chemotherapy, showing a 10.6-month progression-free survival rate compared to 6.2 months in the control group.
A UCSF physician argues that blanket screenings can compromise quality patient care, particularly for elderly patients with severe illnesses. She advocates for a more targeted approach to screening, considering a patient's prognosis and preferences.
A randomized trial found that direct mailing of fecal occult blood tests increased colorectal cancer screening rates by 16.9% among those who received kits and 23.2% among those with reminders, compared to 1.5% for the control group.
A randomized clinical trial found that regional and systemic adjuvant chemotherapy regimens had similar survival rates for colon cancer patients, with the combination regimen offering no added benefit. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, also showed lower adverse reaction rates for regional therapy.
A new five-year, $5.6 million NCI grant is supporting a clinical trial to study a blood test for detecting colorectal cancer recurrence based on the protein guanylyl cyclase C (GCC). The trial aims to determine if GCC testing by RT-PCR analysis is more sensitive and specific than current methods in early detection of recurrence.
Researchers found that African Americans and whites with identical health care coverage experience no racial disparity in colon cancer survival. While subtle differences were seen in treatment options, the study suggests equal access to care can eliminate disparities
A study found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with a slightly increased risk of colorectal cancer. The American College of Physicians task force released eight recommendations to redefine the domain of general internal medicine, suggesting a balance between breadth and depth in practice, as well as team-based care.
Researchers have identified a potential DNA marker, SFRP2, that can be used to detect colorectal cancer in stool samples with high sensitivity and specificity. This breakthrough could lead to earlier detection and treatment of the disease.
A study published in JAMA found that computed tomographic colonography (CTC) had lower sensitivity rates compared to conventional colonoscopy for detecting colorectal tumors, raising concerns about its readiness for widespread clinical use.
A 10-year study found that laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer has the same prognosis as conventional surgery, with a 76% 5-year survival rate. The procedure resulted in shorter postoperative recovery times but longer surgery durations compared to conventional surgery.
Two new studies found no association between aspirin use and mortality from pancreatic cancer, while elevated insulin production was linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Hyperinsulinemia, a condition associated with type 2 diabetes, also appears to be linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
A new clinical trial called TREE-2 is evaluating the safety and efficacy of three regimens of ELoxatin as a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The study combines an effective anti-angiogenesis antibody with chemotherapy to improve treatment outcomes.
A new computer-based program, HCCRACT-R, provides personalized colon cancer risk data and helps individuals make informed decisions. The tool, developed by Dr. Weinstein, takes into account both modifiable and unchangeable risk factors, and has been shown to correct misconceptions about risk perception in over 75% of participants.
Researchers have discovered that short-term use of estrogen plus progestin is associated with a decreased incidence of colorectal cancers. However, these cancers are diagnosed at more advanced stages, suggesting further study is needed to understand this phenomenon.
New guidelines have been revised to improve the detection of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) by prioritizing MSI testing in patients under 50 and those with family history, reducing risk for cancers associated with specific mutations.