Research on colorectal and bowel cancer. Covers AI-audited colonoscopy, gut-bacteria links, family risk, and early-onset differences.
A growing number of rectal cancer patients are choosing a watch-and-wait approach over surgery, with the number increasing nearly 10% between 2006 and 2020. This approach requires frequent follow-ups but may allow patients to avoid long-term bowel dysfunction.
Cancer kills more Black people than White individuals in the Barretos region, whereas in São Paulo city, it is the opposite, according to a study published in Cancer Causes & Control. The disparity is most pronounced for breast and cervical cancer among Black women.
Experts predict a significant increase in bowel cancer death rates among young adults in the EU and UK, driven by rising obesity and heavy alcohol consumption. Death rates are predicted to rise by 26% in men and nearly 39% in women in the UK, with similar increases seen in Italy and other European countries.
A study from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that unintentional weight loss is associated with an increased risk of cancer diagnosis within the coming year. The research suggests that patients experiencing unexpected weight loss should see their doctor to consider possible causes, including cancer. Healthy weight loss can come from ...
Despite declining overall US cancer mortality rates, substantial racial disparities persisted for many common cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer. Structural racism, medical mistrust, and health care access inequities contribute to these disparities.
A Phase I trial demonstrated that a vaccine targeting KRAS mutations delayed relapse in patients with high-risk pancreatic and colorectal cancer. The vaccine induced significant T cell responses, which correlated with reduced risk of relapse.
A study in the JAMA Network Open found that Hispanic and American Indian individuals with breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer were undercaptured in the National Cancer Database, but representation improved over time. Further investigation is needed to understand where these populations seek cancer care.
A study of 64 patients with MSI-H/dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer found that 88% had not experienced a recurrence two years after stopping immunotherapy. The progression-free survival rate was 98% at one year and 84% at three years post-treatment.
Researchers found that blocking cholesterol production prevented progression of serrated-type intestinal tumors in mice, suggesting a potential new strategy for treating these aggressive cancers. The study's findings support the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs to prevent or treat these tumors.
Researchers found that probiotics can limit CRC-promoting bacteria, rebalance the microbial profile, and induce targeted cancer cell death. Postbiotics derived from probiotic bacteria have also been shown to prevent CRC by limiting tumor proliferation and modulating the balance of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic factors.
Researchers found that GLP-1 RAs significantly reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer in patients with diabetes, compared to those treated with other anti-diabetic drugs. The study's findings support the need for clinical trials to determine whether these medications could prevent one of the deadliest types of cancers.
A recent study from Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions aimed to understand the challenges and supports affecting individuals with GI cancer and their caregivers when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding malnutrition. The research highlighted the importance of creating dietary interventions that...
Researchers have developed gene-specific classification criteria for assessing the medical relevance of unclear genetic variants that can lead to hereditary colorectal cancer. The new criteria are expected to reclassify a significant proportion of these variants as harmless, providing relief to carriers worldwide.
Researchers found that cancer cells with multiple mutations alter cell competition, allowing them to infiltrate and form highly invasive tumors. The study identified a key mechanism, MMP21, which promotes the production of diffusely invasive cancer cells.
A meta-analysis of five randomised controlled trials shows that giving iron intravenously before colorectal surgery improves outcomes for patients, reducing the need for blood transfusion. The study found a significant reduction in blood transfusions by 33% in patients with colorectal cancer.
A new study found that most people with colorectal cancer in sub-Saharan Africa receive inadequate treatment, leading to significantly improved life expectancy through simple measures. The mortality rate is up to 3.5 times higher in regions studied compared to countries with medium HDI scores.
A study of 34,000 patients found that screening-detected colorectal cancer had a lower risk of recurrence. The risk of recurrence decreased over time, and risk-stratified surveillance protocols may be warranted for selected patient groups.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that over 10% of fecal immunochemical tests used for routine colorectal cancer screening contained unsatisfactory samples. This led to fewer than half of patients completing follow-up testing within 15 months. The authors suggest potential solutions to improve comp...
A study of 54,000 participants found that diabetes was associated with an elevated risk of colorectal cancer. The association was attenuated for those who completed colonoscopies, highlighting the potential benefits of preventative screening.
The UTHealth Houston Institute for Implementation Science has received a five-year, $5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to support research and training in implementation science. Researchers will focus on improving cancer control efforts in Mexico and Latin America.
Researchers at Kanazawa University found that genetic alterations underlie the dual function of activins in colorectal cancer. Mutations in genes such as Kras and Trp53 can promote tumor progression while also suppressing it, highlighting the complex role of TGF-ß signaling.
Scientists at Nagoya University have discovered a reliable cancer marker, stromal cell-derived factor 4 (SDF-4), that detects gastric cancer with high accuracy. The protein is found in high levels even in patients with stage I gastric cancer, suggesting its potential for early detection.
A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen finds that reducing nitrate levels in Danish drinking water could avoid 127 cases of colorectal cancer annually and save $300 million a year. Implementing stricter nitrate limits, such as lowering the maximum standard to 4 mg/L, can result in an additional $138 million saved.
A recent study published in Nature Communications validates MSIntuit CRC, an AI-driven digital pathology diagnostic, as a reliable pre-screening tool for colorectal cancer. The diagnostic accurately rules out nearly 50% of MSS patients while correctly classifying over 96% of MSI patients.
Researchers found that presenting adults between 76 and 85 with personalized information about the benefits and harms of colon cancer screening decreases excess screening. The study involved 431 older adults who received either standard or personalized care, with no significant differences in screening orders between the two groups.
A research group led by Professor Kaspar Althoefer has been awarded a €10m ERC Synergy grant to develop a revolutionary new system for screening and treating colorectal cancer. The system, which combines medical robotics, artificial intelligence, and minimally invasive surgery, aims to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
A clinical trial in Spain found that only 1 in 3 family members of patients with colorectal cancer participate in screening, missing opportunities for early detection. The study used fecal testing and colonoscopy to screen first-degree relatives, but uptake was low.
Researchers developed an AI tool for automatic colorectal cancer tissue analysis, refining neural networks to offer faster and more precise classification. The tool's public accessibility aims to spur further advancements and breakthroughs in colorectal cancer research.
A study published in CANCER reveals that individuals with diabetes, especially those with diabetic complications, have a higher risk of dying early from colorectal cancer. Patients with complicated diabetes had an 85% higher odds of death from any cause and 41% higher odds of death from cancer.
A new multitarget stool RNA test, ColoSense, has been shown to detect colorectal neoplasia with high sensitivity and comparable specificity to existing molecular diagnostic tests. The test also demonstrated significant improvement in sensitivity relative to the fecal immunochemical test.
A large-scale prospective study identified significant variations in the gut microbiome of individuals who developed pre-cancerous colonic lesions. These findings suggest that the microbiome could act as a valuable tool to improve existing tests, advancing early detection methods for colorectal cancer.
TTUHSC researchers received funding for pilot studies on photothermal tumor therapy, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and colorectal cancer screening in underserved areas. The grants support the purchase of a cell sorter and address regional health disparities.
A new study published in JNCCN found that intensive local-regional treatment to remove as much tumor as possible did not significantly impact overall quality of life for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. However, the treatment was associated with a higher risk of adverse events.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting the BRAF/EGFR/MEK pathway significantly reduced cancer stemness and drug resistance in primary colorectal cancer cells. The study also identified a triple combination treatment against BRAF, EGFR, and MEK as a promising approach to block these activities and develop effective treatments.
A multilevel primary care intervention, including electronic health record reminders and patient outreach, improved timely follow-up of overdue abnormal cancer screening test results for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer. The intervention was found to be effective in reducing missed screenings.
A VHIO-led study has identified DPPA3 as a regulator of dormant cancer cells and chemoresistance in colorectal cancer. High levels of DPPA3 are found to predict disease relapse, while HIF1 is proposed as a potential therapeutic target to sensitize CRC cells to chemotherapy.
A recent study from China found that comprehensive treatment, including CRS, chemotherapy, and HIPEC, significantly improved patient outcomes for CRC with SPM. Complete cytoreductive surgery was an independent predictor of improved survival. More research is needed to refine treatment strategies.
A new Canadian guideline aims to promote health equity among marginalized groups by providing 16 preventive care recommendations. The guidelines focus on removing barriers to healthcare, prioritizing people from disadvantaged groups, and improving access to essential screenings and interventions.
Researchers explore kinase inhibitors as targeted therapies for specific CRC subsets, offering hope for improved treatment options. Key findings suggest that uncovering essential kinases for tumor growth can lead to more effective treatment strategies in metastatic or later-stage CRC patients.
Researchers have identified new genetic markers to detect Lynch syndrome-associated colorectal cancer with 92% accuracy. The discovery could lead to a non-invasive screening option using stool samples, reducing the need for annual colonoscopies and invasive tests.
Researchers found higher 5-year survival rates among Kaiser Permanente patients compared to National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) estimates. Improved screening rates, cancer treatment pathways, and coordinated care may have contributed to these higher survival rates.
Researchers have discovered two FDA-approved and EMA-approved drugs that inhibit prmt5, a protein linked to promoting tumor growth in several cancers. These repurposed drugs show promise in reducing cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth.
A large study found that people with an evening chronotype were more likely to engage in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, poor sleep, and physical inactivity. These individuals had a 72% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with a morning chronotype.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found an association between breastfeeding as an infant and an increased risk of colorectal cancer in adulthood. Researchers analyzed data from over 158,000 women and discovered that breastfed individuals were 23% more likely to develop colorectal cancer later in life.
Research published in BMJ Oncology reveals a global increase of 79% in new cancer cases among those under 50 between 1990 and 2019. Breast cancer accounted for the highest number of early onset cases, while cancers of the windpipe and prostate rose the fastest.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that statin treatment was associated with a lower risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis. After a follow-up period of 5.6 years, the study showed that 70 statin users had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer compared to 90 non-statin users.
Researchers from Helmholtz Munich and TU Dresden develop AI-powered biomarker detection that outperforms previous approaches. The algorithm achieves high sensitivity on resection tissue samples and shows promise as a pre-screening tool for biopsy tissue.
A novel liquid biopsy technology developed by UCSC Assistant Professor Daniel Kim's lab leverages RNA 'dark matter' to enhance cancer diagnosis. The test detects both protein-coding and repetitive noncoding RNAs in the blood, showing improved sensitivity for early-stage cancer detection.
Mayo Clinic researchers found that cells expressing PD-1 and PD-L1 within a certain distance of each other can predict the success of immunotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer. This spatial analysis may help select patients most likely to benefit from treatment, improving outcomes and minimizing unnecessary treatments.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 clinical trials involving 2.1 million individuals found no significant lifetime gain from common cancer screening tests. However, colorectal cancer screening with sigmoidoscopy may have a potential benefit, according to the study.
A new commentary suggests that vitamin D supplementation can improve survival outcomes for patients with digestive tract cancers, particularly those with a high-risk genetic makeup. The study found that patients with antibodies to control the production of mutated p53 protein saw improved survival rates when taking daily vitamin D3 sup...
A statistician at Virginia Commonwealth University has been awarded a $1.7 million grant to investigate the long-term effects of neighborhood exposures and racial segregation on cancer risk. The researcher aims to better understand how geographic and socioeconomic factors contribute to disparities in cancer incidence and mortality.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that high-fat diets change gut bacteria and bile acids, leading to inflammation and affecting intestinal stem cell replenishment. The altered bile acids cause inflammation and increase cancer risk in mice.
A new study estimates that cancer screenings have saved the US at least $6.5 trillion and led to 12 million more years of life, with significant economic impact from breast, colon, cervical, and lung cancer screenings.
Researchers identified 2476 nonsynonymous mutations in SA-CRC, including four newly discovered driver genes. The study also found distinct genomic profiles of SA-CRC compared to other colorectal cancers.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that chronic exposure to fine particulate air pollutants (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) increases the risk of colorectal and prostate cancers in older adults. NO2 exposure was also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, while PM2.5 exposure had mixed results.
A meta-analysis of multiple studies found no association between depression and anxiety and most types of cancer. However, the study found a link between depression and anxiety with a 6% higher risk of developing lung cancer and smoking-related cancers.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that chronic exposure to fine particulate air pollutants (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) may increase non-lung cancer risk in older adults, with significant associations with colorectal and prostate cancers.
A new study found that 81% of women report persistent GI symptoms years after diagnosis, with abdominal bloating and gas being the most common. The analysis also showed that severe GI symptoms are linked to poor quality of life, social activities, and body image satisfaction.
The American College of Physicians recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 50 for asymptomatic adults with average risk. The guideline aims to balance benefits and harms of screening in this population. Screening in younger adults may not offer significant net benefit due to lower incidence rates.