RxPG News : Colon

Advances in screening and markers improve early detection of colorectal cancer

Wed, 23 May 2007 16:00:00 PST

Although colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, when detected early, it has one of the highest cure rates. For this reason, innovative and improved methods to screen for and detect this disease are essential. Research presented today at Digestive Disease Week? 2007 (DDW?) demonstrates the breadth of technological and research advances that are helping to decrease both the number of deaths and the number of new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in the United States. DDW is the largest international gathering of physicians and researchers in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery.

Rice bran can reduce the risk of intestinal cancer

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:58:22 PST

A study by biomedical scientists at the University of Leicester has revealed for the first time that rice bran could reduce the risk of intestinal cancer.

Simutaneous removal of primary and liver metastasis favourable in some colorectal cancer patients

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 14:16:39 PST

A single surgery to remove cancer from both the colon and the liver to which it has spread may be better in some cases than the current standard treatment of two separate surgeries with chemotherapy in between, according to a study led by Duke University Medical Center researchers.

Follow-up endoscopic surveillance in colorectal cancer patients improves survival

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 08:39:29 PST

Colorectal cancer patients who undergo colonoscopic surveillance during follow-up after surgery experience improved survival, according to a study to be published in the April issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology but currently available on-line. Results of the study suggest that colorectal cancer patients should undergo routine colonoscopic surveillance at one year after their surgery and that more intensive surveillance may be needed in patients found to have advanced neoplasia as well as those with a prior history of adenomatous colon polyps.

Researchers identify cell pathway which plays a critical role in the development of colon cancer

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 07:09:32 PST

For the one in 18 men and women who will be diagnosed with cancer of the colon and rectum during their lifetime and over 150,000 people diagnosed on a yearly basis, todays genetic research news offers some optimism.

Regular aerobics protects men from colon cancer

Wed, 13 Sep 2006 20:04:00 PST

Regular, moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise significantly reduces a risk factor associated with the formation of colon polyps and colon cancer in men, according to a study led by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Role for MicroRNAs in Oxygenation, Nourishing of Colon Tumors

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 14:46:00 PST

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine have identified how molecules of microRNA are responsible for the growth of blood vessels in a model for human colon cancer. The process, called angiogenesis, results in ability of ravenous cancer cells to recruit blood vessels and receive a steady supply of nutrients and oxygen. The findings, which appear in the online version of Nature Genetics, suggest that these microRNAs might also be a good target for future therapeutics designed to slow the growth of cancer cells.

New genetic test to spotlight heightened bowel cancer risk

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 20:18:00 PST

Cancer Research UK scientists have devised a new means to identify groups of people genetically more at risk from bowel cancer. This could lead to new measures to prevent the disease for thousands of people in the future, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

$2.6 million in grants for metastatic colon cancer research

Sat, 08 Jul 2006 21:59:00 PST

The American Association for Cancer Research announces the first 11 recipients of the new Jeannik M. Littlefield-AACR Grants in Metastatic Colon Cancer Research. The awards, ranging to $250,000, were established in February 2006, to support innovative research projects designed to accelerate the discovery and development of new agents to treat metastatic colon cancer

NSAIDs don't reduce colorectal cancer risk in chronic smokers

Sat, 01 Jul 2006 17:29:00 PST

It is widely known that the use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 40 percent, but this protective effect may not extend to long-term smokers, who already face an increased risk of the disease, according to a study led by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Timing of radiation treatments for colon cancer may need adjusting

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 16:16:00 PST

Scientists have unexpectedly discovered that mice with the gene defect that causes colon cancer in humans can differ from normal mice in how they respond to radiation treatments. The large intestine carrying the gene defect in mice that received staggered doses of radiation was three to four times more resistant to the radiation than in control mice.

How growth hormone therapy can lead to colon polyps

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 16:10:00 PST

The use of growth hormone therapy has been linked in some people to the development of colon polyps, a possible precursor to colorectal cancer but medical researchers have debated the extent of a cancer risk. In addition, the reason for a polyp link to growth hormone has been unclear. But new research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill indicates the probable answer: loss of function of one of a pair of genes that normally would inhibit growth hormone signals inside the cell. The study also offers a possible molecular marker that could help determine which people taking growth hormone therapy are at increased risk for colon polyps. Researchers already know that colon polyps tend to occur in people who already have excessive amounts of growth hormone, such as those with a disease called acromegaly, or gigantism.

Review study sets treatment standard for elderly with colon cancer

Sun, 12 Feb 2006 18:53:00 PST

One of the newest and most potent chemotherapies for colon cancer is as safe and effective for the elderly as it is for younger patients, based on a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-led data review. The analysis focused on nearly 4,000 colon cancer patients who had been enrolled in four large-scale clinical trials that began in the 1990s nationwide and in Europe. The four studies helped establish the value against colorectal cancer of the chemotherapy regimen known as FOLFOX4, a combination of the standard anticancer drugs 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin and the new drug oxaliplatin.

Eating red meat could damage DNA by N-nitrosocompounds

Fri, 03 Feb 2006 15:38:00 PST

Eating a lot of red meat could damage the body's DNA and raise the risk of bowel cancer, a study says.

Diet pattern may effect the development of colon cancer

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 22:33:00 PST

A recent study in The American Journal of Gastroenterology revealed that patterns in diet may effect the development of colorectal adenomas, or precancerous polyps of the colon.

High dietary fiber intake do not reduce colorectal cancer risk

Wed, 14 Dec 2005 16:53:00 PST

In an analysis combining data from 13 studies, high intake of dietary fiber was not associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer, according to a study in the December 14 issue of JAMA.

Chemotherapy after stage 3 colon cancer increases survival

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 18:48:00 PST

More patients with stage III colon cancer are receiving chemotherapy after surgery, with an associated significant increase in 5-year survival, according to a study in the December 7 issue of JAMA. The study also found that women, blacks and the elderly were less likely to receive this treatment.

Preventing bowel cancer in high risk families by screening with colonoscopy

Tue, 25 Oct 2005 21:53:00 PST

BOWEL cancer rates could be reduced by up to 80 per cent in people with a moderate family history of the disease by screening with colonoscopy, according to new research published in the British Medical Journal.

How TGFBR1*6A contributes to cancer development

Thu, 06 Oct 2005 21:36:00 PST

A relatively common cancer susceptibility gene appears to be frequently acquired in metastatic lesions from colorectal cancer, and give cancer cells a growth advantage, according to a study in the October 5 issue of JAMA.

Investigating the link between being overweight and colon cancer

Sun, 04 Sep 2005 20:17:00 PST

Researchers at the University of Leeds are investigating the link between being overweight and the risk of colon cancer with a grant of £98,587 from the world cancer research fund.

Aspirin Use Reduces Colorectal Cancer Risk Among Women

Wed, 24 Aug 2005 19:22:00 PST

Women who took two or more aspirin or NSAIDs per week for more than 10 years significantly reduced their risk of colorectal cancer, according to an article in the August 24/31 issue of JAMA.

Study Examines Racial Disparities in Colon Cancer Treatment

Fri, 19 Aug 2005 04:59:00 PST

Elderly black and white colon cancer patients are equally likely to consult with medical oncologists, but they do not receive recommended adjuvant treatment at the same rates after this consultation, according to a new study.

Panitumumab gets fast track designation for metastatic colorectal cancer

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 23:27:00 PST

Amgen and Abgenix, Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast track designation for panitumumab, an experimental fully human monoclonal antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr), for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have failed standard chemotherapy treatment.

Updated Phase II COFU Trial Data

Mon, 20 Jun 2005 18:56:00 PST

ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Amex:ANX) today announced response data from all 48 measurable patients in its 50-patient Phase II trial with CoFactor(TM) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as a first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. CoFactor is ADVENTRX's biomodulator designed to enhance the effects of the widely used cancer drug, 5-FU.

FDA Approves Capecitabine for Adjuvant Treatment of Colon Cancer

Fri, 17 Jun 2005 09:43:00 PST

Roche announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xeloda(R) (capecitabine) -- an innovative oral chemotherapy -- for the adjuvant (post-surgery) treatment of patients with Dukes' C colon cancer.

FDA Approves Oral Chemotherapy Pill for Colon Cancer

Fri, 17 Jun 2005 09:22:00 PST

THE FDA HAS APPROVED THE ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY, XELODA, TO TREAT DUKES C COLON CANCER PATIENTS WHO HAVE UNDERGONE COMPLETE RESECTION OF THE PRIMARY TUMOR WHEN FLUOROPYRIMIDINE THERAPY ALONE IS PREFERRED.

Chemotherapy options improve for patients with advanced colorectal cancer

Tue, 07 Jun 2005 11:59:00 PST

For the first time, researchers have shown that a chemotherapy regimen of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) is as safe and effective as infusional 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid plus oxaliplatin (FUFOX) in the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal carcinoma (MCRC). The findings are reported today at the 2nd ESMO Scientific & Educational Conference (ESEC) in Budapest, Hungary.

Oncolytic Herpes simplex virus shows early promise against colorectal cancer

Tue, 07 Jun 2005 11:51:00 PST

A single injection of a genetically engineered virus has shown promise as a treatment for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver, according to preliminary results reported today at the 2nd ESMO Scientific & Educational Conference (ESEC) in Budapest, Hungary.

Increased Vitamin B consumption reduces risk of colorectal cancer

Sat, 04 Jun 2005 02:05:00 PST

According to a study published in the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) journal Gastroenterology, women with a high dietary intake of vitamin B6 over several years have a decreased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Women who consume moderate to large amounts of alcohol in addition to vitamin B6 have more than a 70 percent reduced risk of developing CRC.

More Data Support Panitumumab's Role in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Tue, 17 May 2005 19:13:00 PST

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN), the world's largest biotechnology company, and Abgenix, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABGX), a leading antibody development company, today announced updated results from an ongoing Phase 2 study of panitumumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr).

Aspirin May Reduce Risk of Colon Cancer Recurrence

Tue, 17 May 2005 01:54:00 PST

Researchers from the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB), a national clinical research group in the United States, found that regular aspirin use among colon cancer patients following surgery reduced the risk of recurrence and death by approximately 50% compared with non-users.

Keyhole Surgery Set to become Gold Standard in Colon Cancer

Fri, 13 May 2005 21:48:00 PST

Keyhole surgery for colon cancer is as effective as open surgery in the short term, concludes a randomised trial published in this weeks issue of The Lancet.

Check Colon Tumors for Signs of Syndrome - Study

Sat, 07 May 2005 18:51:00 PST

A new study suggests that, after surgery, all colon tumors should be tested to learn if the patient may have an inherited syndrome that carries an extremely high risk of cancer. It also suggests that this prescreening can be done using a relatively inexpensive microscopy test already used in hospital pathology laboratories.

Vitamin B6 May Reduce Risk of Colorectal Tumors

Wed, 04 May 2005 17:26:00 PST

Vitamin B6 intake may be associated with lower future risk of colorectal tumors in women, according to a new study.

Phase III Trail to Study Benefits of Panitumumab in Chemotherapy Regimens for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Wed, 27 Apr 2005 09:11:00 PST

Amgen Inc. (Nasdaq: AMGN - News) and Abgenix, Inc. (Nasdaq: ABGX - News) today announced the initiation of a Phase 3 clinical study to evaluate the potential benefits of adding panitumumab, an experimental fully human monoclonal antibody, administered every other week to bevacizumab (Avastin(TM), Genentech) and either oxaliplatin- (Eloxatin®, sanofi-aventis) or irinotecan-based (Camptosar®, Pfizer) chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Major Colorectal Cancer Screening Study Enters Last Phase of Recruitment

Wed, 20 Apr 2005 19:46:00 PST

Having recently enrolled the 4,000th study participant, researchers want to emphasize that there is still an opportunity for an additional 400 people to participate in this trial before recruitment stops at the end of May.

Organochlorines in Diet increase risk of Colon Cancer

Sun, 03 Apr 2005 11:36:00 PST

A team of researchers at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, The Catalan Institute of Oncology and the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) have published a study indicating that exposure to organochlorine compounds, which we ingest in our diets, increases the risk of suffering colorectal cancer.

Capecitabine : An Innovative Oral Chemotherapy Provides an Effective, Convenient Alternative for Colon Cancer Patients

Sun, 03 Apr 2005 10:14:00 PST

Roche announced today that the European authorities have approved Xeloda ( capecitabine ), an innovative oral chemotherapy, to be used as an adjuvant treatment ( post-surgery ) for colon cancer. Patients will now have the choice of an effective, convenient chemotherapy that prolongs cancer free life, with a less serious side effect profile compared to the current standard treatment of intravenous 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin ( i.v. 5-FU/LV ).

For African Americans Colo-Rectal Screening should begin at 45

Mon, 21 Mar 2005 18:09:00 PST

Physician experts from the American College of Gastroenterology have issued new recommendations to healthcare providers to begin colorectal cancer screening in African Americans at age 45 rather than 50 years. Colonoscopy is the preferred method of screening for colorectal cancer and data support the recommendation that African-Americans begin screening at a younger age because of the high incidence of colorectal cancer and a greater prevalence of proximal or right-sided polyps and cancerous lesions in this population.

PTK/ZK CONFIRM 1 Study Shows Positive Drug Effects in Phase III Study in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Mon, 21 Mar 2005 15:18:00 PST

Novartis Pharma AG and Schering AG announced today that the analysis of progression free survival (PFS) as assessed by central radiology review in the CONFIRM 1 trial with the investigational drug PTK/ZK did not achieve statistical significance. However, a separate pre-planned analysis of progression-free survival as assessed by the investigators achieved statistical significance.

Aspirin's ability to prevent colon polyps may not apply equally to all

Fri, 18 Mar 2005 23:24:00 PST

The association between regular aspirin use and a reduced risk of precancerous colon polyps may be strongest in those with particular genetic variants. In the March 16 Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers report that aspirin use appears to reduce the incidence of colon polyps more strongly in women with alternative forms of a gene involved in the metabolism of aspirin than in those with the most common form of the gene. The report from researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) analyzes data from the Nurse's Health Study.

Antioxidant blood levels key to MnSOD gene

Fri, 18 Mar 2005 23:24:00 PST

Greater levels of selenium, vitamin E and the tomato nutrient lycopene have been shown to reduce prostate cancer in one out of every four Caucasian males -- those who inherit a specific genetic variation that's particularly sensitive to oxidative stress.

Variant Polymorphism May Affect Aspirin Chemoprevention of Colorectal Cancer

Fri, 18 Mar 2005 23:18:00 PST

A new study has found that, among women with a common variant polymorphism that affects an enzyme that metabolizes aspirin, regular aspirin use is associated with a decreased risk of colorectal adenoma. But regular aspirin use is not associated with the same reduction in risk of colorectal adenoma among women who have a normal form of the enzyme.

Prostate screenings could be 'teachable moment' to encourage colon checks

Thu, 03 Mar 2005 17:12:00 PST

Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in men, but according to a new University of Michigan Health System study, fewer than half of men surveyed were up-to-date with colon cancer screenings.

Role of IGF2 in Colon Cancer

Fri, 25 Feb 2005 18:39:00 PST

A team of scientists from the United States, Sweden and Japan has discovered that in mice having a double dose of one protein is sufficient to change the normal balance of cells within the lining of the colon, thereby doubling the risk that a cancer-causing genetic mutation will trigger a tumor there. Roughly 10 percent of people have this double protein dose as well.

CK2 protein sustains colon cancer cells by stopping apoptosis

Fri, 25 Feb 2005 18:28:00 PST

A protein called CK2 plays a deadly role in colorectal carcinoma by blocking the ability of these tumors to activate a natural self-destruct mechanism that would clear this cancer from the body.

Grant Awarded For Study of Tumor-Specific DNA Mutations Involved in Colorectal Cancer

Thu, 24 Feb 2005 07:00:00 PST

The research could lead to a better understanding of the disease, improved tools for cancer detection and diagnosis, new targets for therapeutic and preventive intervention, and opportunities for more individualized treatment.

Another molecular player in colon cancer initiation identified

Thu, 03 Feb 2005 00:26:00 PST

Gastric and colorectal cancers account for more than 1 million deaths worldwide every year and several research groups have been working to identify the molecular events that result in the initiation and progression of these tumors. It has been established that interfering with the function of one gene, called Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) has a profound effect on the cells lining the innermost layer of the colon (called the epithelium) and causes them to lose control over their proliferation leading to tumors.

Oxaliplatin-Bevacizumab Combination Regimen Shows a Better Survival Advantage in Advanced Colorectal Cancer,2 studies show

Mon, 31 Jan 2005 20:26:00 PST

Sanofi-aventis announced today preliminary results of two large prospective trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of Eloxatin(R) (oxaliplatin for injection)-based regimens in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.These data were presented at the Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, co-sponsored by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO), and the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO).

New option for non-invasive colorectal cancer testing

Thu, 23 Dec 2004 22:01:00 PST

A new option for non-invasive colorectal cancer testing may encourage some people who avoid screening for the deadly disease to be tested.

A study published in the December 23 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine reports that a non-invasive test for DNA mutations present in stool has an encouraging rate of detecting colorectal cancer compared to the standard non-invasive method -- fecal occult (hidden) blood stool testing, although neither approached the detection rate of colonoscopy, an invasive procedure.

Researchers discover new gene in colon cancer

Mon, 13 Dec 2004 18:34:00 PST

Cancer researchers at the Case Western Reserve University (Case) School of Medicine, University Hospitals of Cleveland (UHC) and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute have found a "Celebrex-like" gene that suppresses the growth of colon cancer. The researchers discovered that the gene, called 15-PGDH, is found in normal cells and is virtually undetectable in colon cancer cells. When the researchers restored the gene in tumor cells and injected them into immune-deficient mice, the mice showed little or no tumor development. The study appears in the Dec. 14 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.