Research on colorectal and bowel cancer. Covers AI-audited colonoscopy, gut-bacteria links, family risk, and early-onset differences.
A nationwide Swedish study found nearly three times as many young adults under 50 diagnosed with colorectal cancer today compared to the early 1990s. The disease has become two to three times more common in this age group, with underlying causes not fully understood.
A study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that routine AI assistance during colonoscopies can lead to a decrease in the ability of endoscopists to detect precancerous growths without AI aid. This reduction in skills may impact patient-related outcomes and highlight the need for further research on the long-ter...
A novel cancer vaccine has shown encouraging early results in patients with pancreatic and colorectal cancer, two of the most difficult-to-treat malignancies. The vaccine targets KRAS mutations found in about 25% of solid tumors and drives about 90% of pancreatic cancers and 50% of colorectal cancers.
Researchers found people with both types of polyps are up to five times more likely to develop advanced pre-cancerous changes. The study supports growing evidence that these two types may represent separate cancer pathways.
A new deep learning model, MSI-SEER, achieves high accuracy in predicting microsatellite instability-high tumors and their responsiveness to immunotherapy. The model combines tumor MSI status with stroma-to-tumor ratio for highly accurate ICI response prediction.
A new study by the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute expands and optimizes 3D models to investigate colorectal cancer. The results show that different culture conditions affect spheroid morphology and compactness, highlighting the need for standardization.
Researchers found that automatically mailing a stool-based screening test resulted in the highest screening rates among adults aged 45-49. The study, which included over 20,000 patients, showed that this approach can encourage timely screening and potentially save lives.
Local-stage colorectal cancer incidence among US adults ages 45-49 increased by 50% between 2021 and 2022, with a steep rise in 2019-2022. Screening rates also increased during this period, driven by recommendations to start screening at age 45.
A UCLA-led study found that while blood-based tests offer a convenient option for screening, only 49% of patients completed a follow-up colonoscopy within six months. The study's findings highlight the need for improved follow-up care to detect and treat colorectal cancer effectively.
A new review integrates advances from genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics to understand colorectal cancer's progression to the liver. The study identifies potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets, offering fresh hope for improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Colorectal cancer claims more lives in Black communities than any other racial group, with incidence and mortality rates about 20% and 30% higher respectively. A new review by UCLA researchers highlights the need for equal access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment to eliminate these disparities.
Researchers discovered that statins selectively modulate key components of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, leading to lower levels of tumor-promoting proteins and cancer-suppressing cellular behaviors. Statins downregulate SATB1 while increasing SATB2, making cancer cells less able to grow and spread.
A recent national study reveals complex patterns of burden and survival trends for digestive system malignancies (DSMTs) in China. Despite progress in reducing mortality from some cancers, the overall impact remains significant, with notable disparities across demographic and geographic lines.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found no statistical relationship between pathologic complete response (pCR) and overall survival in rectal cancer patients. This challenges the FDA's use of pCR as a surrogate endpoint for drug approval, which may lead to treatments being fast-tracked without evidence of improved long-term su...
Early-onset gastrointestinal cancers are rising globally, particularly among younger adults. Colorectal cancer is the most common early-onset GI cancer, accounting for over half of cases, and its incidence is increasing faster than any other type of early-onset cancer.
A recent analysis of 16 years of data on Japanese adults reveals a strong association between socioeconomic status and the incidence of five common cancers. Communities with low employment rates or low incomes show higher cancer rates compared to those with higher socioeconomic status.
The study highlights a significant increase in early-onset colorectal cancer rates globally, particularly in high-income countries. Younger patients are more likely to receive aggressive treatment without survival advantage, and survivors often report problems with anxiety, body image, and sexual dysfunction.
Researchers at UChicago have developed a more sensitive liquid biopsy test that uses RNA to detect the earliest stages of colorectal cancer with 95% accuracy. The test analyzes RNA modification levels in blood samples, which remain stable regardless of sample preparation.
A new study by Mass General Brigham found that hospitals that implemented improved recovery protocols saw a significant decrease in patients' long-term opioid use. The research suggests that minimizing opioid exposure during and after surgery can help reduce the risk of addiction.
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment, including improved outcomes for elderly patients with IDH-mutant AML who are not eligible for intensive chemotherapy. Additionally, new targeted therapies have been approved as frontline treatments, while pre-surgical radiation therapy may offer an alte...
Sylvester researchers found that alcohol-related cancer deaths increased by nearly double from 1990 to 2021, primarily affecting men over 55. A new four-drug combination has been shown to be highly effective and safe in treating patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
Researchers have identified a specific KRAS mutation, KRAS G12V, that may be targeted therapeutically to treat colon cancer. This mutation can be selectively inhibited using ACSS2 enzyme, potentially creating new therapeutic targets for personalized medicine.
A new precision oncology paper presents a case of a 62-year-old man with metastatic colorectal cancer who underwent multiple lines of therapy. The WIN International Molecular Tumor Board proposed personalized treatment plans based on the tumor's unique genetic mutations, highlighting the growing role of precision oncology in guiding th...
CIK cell therapy improved overall and progression-free survival for patients with colorectal cancer, regardless of disease stage. Serum CEA levels can predict treatment response, paving the way for a simple blood test.
This article highlights the regulatory effects of copper metabolism on cuproptosis in intestinal diseases like colitis and carcinogenesis. Cuproptosis exhibits a bidirectional regulatory role in modulating oxidative stress responses, metabolic reprogramming, and immunotherapeutic efficacy.
Researchers found that combining selinexor with Irinotecan shrunk tumors in preclinical models of colorectal cancer, suggesting a new potential treatment. The study also identified XPO1 mutations linked to rare cancers like endometrial cancer and found that these mutations make cells resistant to chemotherapy.
Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with biweekly TAS-102 showed similar treatment effectiveness while experiencing reduced toxicity and lower rates of myelosuppression compared to standard dosing. This alternative schedule may be particularly useful for older patients or those with chemotherapy-related toxicities.
A University of British Columbia-led study found that colorectal cancer survivors experience a range of long-term sexual health issues, including dyspareunia and pelvic inflammatory disease. The study highlights the need for better education and support for women after cancer.
A circulating tumor DNA-based blood test demonstrated acceptable accuracy for colorectal cancer detection in an average-risk population. However, it struggled to detect advanced precancerous lesions, highlighting the need for further improvements.
A Phase III trial led by MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrates a triplet combination of encorafenib, cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 significantly improves progression-free survival and overall survival in BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. The regimen offers a clear survival advantage over standard chemotherapy alone.
A new study analyzed trends over time in alcohol-linked cancer mortality across the US, finding nearly double the number of alcohol-related cancer deaths between 1990 and 2021. The burden is highest among men over 55, with liver, colorectal, and esophageal cancers seeing significant increases.
Researchers discovered biomarkers in gut bacteria and metabolites that can help diagnose and treat gastrointestinal diseases. The study found that certain biomarkers could predict multiple diseases, including gastric cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers discovered that EGFR plays an active role in KRAS-mutated colon cancer, despite previous assumptions. The study found that blocking EGFR can slow down sugar metabolism and activate a gene signature associated with longer survival in patients with KRAS mutations.
Researchers have developed a machine learning tool that identifies metabolism-related molecular profile differences between colorectal cancer patients and healthy individuals. The tool, called PANDA, shows promise as a noninvasive method of diagnosing colorectal cancer and monitoring disease progression.
Researchers from City of Hope will present novel cancer treatment approaches and combinations, including innovative combination therapies for breast, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal cancers. Additionally, they'll discuss the safety of readministering trastuzumab-deruxtecan to metastatic breast cancer patients with low-grade lung co...
A study published in PNAS reveals that colorectal cancer cells utilize a protein called TBX3, which regulates embryo development, to contribute to their aggressiveness and metastasis. The discovery opens up possibilities for developing targeted therapies to prevent tumor cell spread.
A research team has identified a long noncoding RNA named ESSENCE as a critical regulator of tumor progression in colorectal cancer. ESSENCE stabilizes a key metabolic enzyme, CAD, to promote cancer growth and suppress ferroptosis. This discovery proposes a novel combination therapy targeting ESSENCE-high tumors.
Research finds that multitarget stool DNA tests have higher sensitivity than FIT, but are not as cost-effective for early detection of colorectal cancer. Costs per detected advanced neoplasia case or early-detected CRC case are 7- to 9-fold higher for MSDT-based and N-G MSDT-based screening.
Researchers found that current drinkers who consumed 14 or more drinks per week had a 25% higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to those who drank less than one drink per week. The study also presented data on a novel immunotherapy treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, showing greater success and fewer side effects.
The study found increasing incidence rates for five cancer types without corresponding increases in late-onset age groups. The greatest increases were seen in female breast cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, and uterine cancer.
A recent study found that a protein called URI degrades p53, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumour formation. Researchers have identified URI as a crucial regulator of p53 levels, which may be associated with environmental factors such as poor diet.
Two new predictive algorithms use health data and blood tests to identify high-risk patients, offering improved accuracy in diagnosing cancers. The models identified additional medical conditions associated with increased cancer risk and new symptoms indicative of multiple cancer types.
Researchers found AI outperformed physicians in answering GI cancer questions, with oncologists preferring ChatGPT's responses nearly 80% of the time. Additionally, fewer patients are getting surgery for benign colon polyps as endoscopic techniques rise, reducing serious complications and mortality rates.
New studies showcase radiotherapy's potential as a curative treatment for rectal cancer, offering safer alternatives to surgery. Reduced-dose treatments and immunotherapy-combined regimens have improved tumour control and reduced side effects.
Researchers from the University of Southampton engineered a new type of super-strong antibody that triggers a stronger response from the immune system compared to naturally produced antibodies. The study confirms that making subtle increases in rigidity stimulates immune activity, creating a powerful immune response against disease.
Flinders University researchers found that most people, regardless of age, want more frequent bowel cancer surveillance. A faecal test may provide reassurance for those at risk, particularly younger adults with a higher fear of bowel cancer.
A recent study reveals that a specific genetic variation affects the adherence of an anaerobic bacterium to tumor cells, promoting colorectal cancer progression. The study highlights the complex dynamics between host genetics and intratumoral microbiota in CRC progression.
A liquid biopsy-based assay detected signs of recurrence prior to imaging and provided prognostic value in patients with resectable colorectal cancer. The study found that ctDNA levels could predict clinical relapse, and earlier detection may help avoid unnecessary chemotherapy.
A clinical trial found that LUT014, a topical BRAF inhibitor, significantly reduced the severity of acne-like skin rashes caused by targeted therapy for colorectal cancer. Patients who received LUT014 had improved quality of life and were able to continue receiving their cancer treatment with reduced side effects.
A novel topical BRAF inhibitor gel called LUT014 has been shown to significantly reduce the severity of an acne-like rash in patients undergoing anti-EGFR therapies for colorectal cancer. The treatment's safety and effectiveness have been confirmed, offering a potential solution to managing this common side effect.
A topical BRAF-inhibiting gel, LUT014, improved acneiform rash in 69% of patients with grade 2 or 3 rash and received an EGFR-targeted antibody. The treatment also showed a 33% success rate for the placebo arm, but was associated with similar adverse events.
Researchers at Ohio State University have identified new targeted therapies for treating small cell lung cancer, predicting melanoma spread, and reducing endometrial cancer risk. A 31-gene expression profile has been developed to identify patients at high risk of melanoma spread, allowing for closer monitoring and earlier treatment.
A 20-year initiative that offered flexible screening options at a major health system doubled screening rates and cut cancer incidence by a third, halving deaths. The program eliminated racial disparities in outcomes, with Black patients' deaths declining from 52.2 to 23.5 per 100,000.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center present promising results from clinical trials in three minisymposia abstracts. The studies explore personalized vaccine combination therapy for colorectal cancer, radiotherapy to avoid toxicities of systemic treatments for kidney cancer, and engineered exosomes to silence mutant KRAS in pancrea...
A Phase 3 clinical trial has shown that a combination of sotorasib and panitumumab significantly improves progression-free survival in patients with KRAS G12C metastatic colorectal cancer. The study found improved overall survival rates, with the high-dose sotorasib group experiencing a 30% prolongation compared to standard care.
Researchers identify colibactin, a bacterial toxin that alters DNA, as a potential trigger for early-onset colorectal cancer. Exposure to colibactin in childhood may imprint a distinct genetic signature on colon cells, increasing the risk of developing cancer before age 50.
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is strengthening its commitment to Project Cure CRC, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the disease through innovative research and patient navigation. The organization has awarded three new grants and will present two poster sessions at the AACR Annual Meeting.
Liquid biopsy analyzes circulating tumor components in body fluids to detect cancer at early stages, offering a safer and more dynamic alternative to traditional tissue biopsies. This non-invasive approach has shown promise in detecting various types of cancer, including lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, and gastric cancers.
Researchers have discovered RNA pseudouridine as a novel diagnostic target for colorectal cancer. The study found correlations between pseudouridine modifications and clinical markers, enabling potential non-invasive diagnosis. The findings provide a molecular framework for RNA epigenetics-based stratification and targeted interventions.
Researchers analyzed CRC tumors with high tumor mutation burden to characterize BRAF-associated mutations and decipher their role in carcinogenesis. They found TMB-high tumors likely arise from a heterogeneous population of cells harboring numerous gene mutations distinct from driver oncogenes.