ScienceDaily: Colon Cancer News

Significant under-use of genetic testing for inherited cancers puts health of entire families at risk

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:25:25 EDT

French researchers who carried out the first-ever national study of the take-up of genetic testing for BRCA1 and 2 and MMR (Lynch syndrome) mutations have found that, although there had been a steady increase in tests performed for the cancer-causing mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2, this was not the case with the MMR mutation, where the numbers undergoing the test are still tiny. Only a third of relatives of individuals with either mutation underwent genetic testing themselves.

Scientists put bowel cancer under the microscope

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:41:41 EDT

Researchers have begun a two-year study which could help prolong the lives of people with colorectal tumors.

Key find for early bladder cancer treatment

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:29:29 EDT

Aggressive forms of bladder cancer involve the protein PODXL – a discovery that could hold the key to improved treatment, according to new research.

Potential new way to detect colorectal and other cancers

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:01:01 EDT

A unique new study reveals a novel mechanism explaining the previously unknown root cause of some forms of colorectal cancers.

Screening detects ovarian cancer using neighboring cells

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:58:58 EDT

Pioneering biophotonics technology detects the early presence of ovarian cancer in humans by examining cells easily brushed from the neighboring cervix or uterus, not the ovaries themselves. The results have the potential to translate into a minimally invasive early detection method using cells collected by a swab, exactly like a pap smear.

Differences in staging and treatment likely to be behind UK's low bowel cancer survival

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:47:47 EDT

Incomplete diagnostic investigation and failure to get the best treatment are the most likely reasons why survival for bowel cancer patients is lower in the UK than in other comparable countries, according to new research.

Soy-based compound may reduce tumor cell proliferation in colorectal cancer

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:40:40 EDT

Scientists have developed a soy-based treatment for colorectal cancer, a promising agent in ovarian cancer, and a new drug target for advanced prostate cancer.

Exposure to space radiation reduces ability of intestinal cells to destroy oncoprotein

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:48:48 EDT

With so much recent interest in space travel, many have asked, is it safe? Two studies funded by NASA help explain why space radiation may increase the risk of colorectal cancer in humans.

Different drug combinations work best for prevention versus treatment of colorectal tumors

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:32:32 EDT

Researchers have tested the effectiveness of two promising drugs in preventing and treating colorectal adenomas in mice. Scientists found that the effect of these drugs, which have already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of other conditions, depends on whether adenomas are present when drug treatment begins.

Men and women get sick in different ways: Developing gender-specific medicine is a major challenge of the future

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:08:08 EDT

Recent research in laboratory medicine has revealed crucial differences between men and women with regard to cardiovascular illness, cancer, liver disease, osteoporosis, and in the area of pharmacology.

Strong anti-cancer properties discovered in soybeans

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:50:50 EDT

Proteins found in soybeans could inhibit the growth of colon, liver and lung cancers. Soybean meal is a bi-product following oil extraction from soybean seeds. It is rich in protein, which usually makes up around 40% of the nutritional components of the seeds and dependent on the line, and can also contain high oleic acid (a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid).

Visceral fat causally linked to intestinal cancer

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:38:38 EST

Visceral fat, or fat stored deep in the abdominal cavity, is directly linked to an increased risk for colon cancer, according to new data from a mouse study.

Obesity, physical inactivity linked with risk for certain molecular subtype of colorectal cancer

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:51:51 EST

An increasing body mass index was associated with a higher risk for colorectal cancer with a specific molecular characteristic, and inversely, physical activity was linked to a decreased risk for that same cancer, according to new research.

Variations in four genes associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:47:47 EST

Medical researchers have identified variations in four genes that are linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Molecules generated that can halt metastasis of colon cancer

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:25:25 EST

Medical researchers have managed to halt the progress of colon cancer and its metastasis in the liver in an experimental model with mice. This advance, that may open a new path for the future treatment of such pathologies, has been achieved by creating molecules which interfere with the adhesion of tumor cells to other cells of the organism. In this way, the molecules halt both the growth of the tumor and the dissemination of the tumor to and its proliferation in other organs.

Alcohol consumption is a leading preventable cause of cancer death in U.S., experts say

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:41:41 EST

Researchers have shown that alcohol is a major contributor to cancer deaths and years of potential life lost. These findings also show that reducing alcohol consumption is an important cancer prevention strategy as alcohol is a known carcinogen even when consumed in small quantities.

Colon cancer exhibits a corresponding epigenetic pattern in mice and humans

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:21:21 EST

The epigenetic investigation of mice can as a result contribute to early diagnosis of cancer in humans.

Blood vessel cells coax colorectal cancer cells into more dangerous state

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 08:22:22 EST

Blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to tumors can also deliver something else - a signal that strengthens nearby cancer cells, making them more resistant to chemotherapy, more likely to spread to other organs and more lethal, scientists report.

How cancer cells rewire their metabolism to survive

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:44:44 EST

Many scientists have tried killing tumors by taking away their favorite food, a sugar called glucose. Unfortunately, this treatment approach not only fails to work, it backfires--glucose-starved tumors get more aggressive. In a new study, researchers discovered that the protein PKCz is responsible for this paradox. The research suggests that glucose depletion therapies might work, as long as the cancer cells produce PKCz.

Rice-cell cocktail tough on cancer cells, nice to normal cells

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:22:22 EST

In lab tests, juice from rice cells knocked out two kinds of human cancer cells as well or better than the potent anti-cancer drug Taxol. Plus, it did something extra: it left normal cells unharmed.

New drug protects against side effects of chemotherapy

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:16:16 EST

A drug developed in Sweden protects against the side effects of cancer treatments while strengthening the effects on the tumor. An international drug evaluation is now starting up on a larger group of patients.

As colorectal cancer gets more aggressive, treatment with grape seed extract is even more effective, study shows

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:58:58 EST

When the going gets tough, grape seed extract gets going: A new study shows that the more advanced are colorectal cancer cells, the more GSE inhibits their growth and survival. On the other end of the disease spectrum, GSE leaves healthy cells alone entirely.

Potential new treatment for gastrointestinal cancers discovered

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:58:58 EST

Researchers have identified a complex of proteins that promotes the growth of some types of colon and gastric cancers, and shown that medications that block the function of this complex have the potential to be developed into a new treatment for these diseases.

Cancer mortality down 20 percent from 1991 peak

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:58:58 EST

An annual report from the American Cancer Society finds as of 2009, the overall death rate for cancer in the United States had declined 20 percent from its peak in 1991, translating to the avoidance of approximately 1.2 million deaths from cancer, 152,900 of these in 2009 alone.

New model may help predict response to chemotherapy for colorectal cancer

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 08:49:49 EST

Scientists may be able to better predict which patients with colorectal cancer will respond to chemotherapy using a new mathematical model that measures the amount of stress required for a cancer cell to die without harming healthy tissue.

Cancer screening unlikely to benefit patients with a short life expectancy: Less than 10 years and risks are likely to outweigh benefits

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 20:16:16 EST

Breast and colorectal cancer screening should be targeted towards patients with a life expectancy greater than 10 years: for any shorter life expectancy the harms are likely to outweigh the benefits, concludes a new study.

Diabetes, blood pressure link to colon cancer recurrence, survival, research shows

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:04:04 EST

A retrospective analysis of more than 36,000 patients with colon cancer showed that those with early stage disease and diabetes or high blood pressure -- two components of metabolic syndrome -- have a greater risk for cancer recurrence and of dying compared to patients without either condition. The results suggest such patients may need to be followed more closely and could potentially benefit from wider use of additional chemotherapy.

Cancer patients may not be getting adequate care for debilitating fatigue

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:12:12 EST

Many people who have been through cancer and its treatment have trouble with their recovery because of severe, debilitating fatigue that can last for months or even years. But even though a variety of treatments exist for cancer-related fatigue, few doctors are recommending them to patients, according to a recent study.

Snack attack: Eating unhealthy snack foods may affect cancer risk in patients with Lynch syndrome

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:15:15 EST

A new analysis has found that loading up on snack foods may increase cancer risk in individuals with an inborn susceptibility to colorectal and other cancers. The study suggests that an eating pattern low in snack foods could help these individuals -- who have a condition called Lynch syndrome -- lower their risk.

'Two-faced' cells discovered in colon cancer

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:23:23 EST

A "two-faced" group of cells at work in human colon cancer can either suppress or promote tumor growth. These cells are a subset of T-regulatory (Treg) cells, known to suppress immune responses in healthy people. The discovery of Treg diversity in cancer and its role in control of cancer inflammation may lead to new approaches for therapeutics.

Patients with family history of colorectal cancer may be at risk for aggressive form of the disease

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:42:42 EST

When people with a family history of colorectal cancer develop the disease, their tumors often carry a molecular sign that the cancer could be life-threatening, scientists report. The finding suggests it may be possible to identify colorectal cancer patients who should receive more aggressive therapies and whose relatives may be at increased risk for the aggressive form of the disease.

Protein controlling glucose metabolism also a tumor suppressor

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:19:19 EST

A protein that regulates how cells process glucose also may be a tumor suppressor, adding to the potential that therapies directed at cellular metabolism may help suppress tumor growth. A multi-institutional research team describes finding that cells lacking the enzyme SIRT6, which controls how cells process glucose, quickly become cancerous. They also found evidence that uncontrolled glycolysis may drive tumor formation in the absence of SIRT6 and that suppressing glycolysis can halt tumor formation.

Breath test could possibly diagnose colorectal cancer

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 08:43:43 EST

A new study has demonstrated for the first time that a simple breath analysis could be used for colorectal cancer screening.

Mechanism for the transformation of colon polyps

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:44:44 EST

The causes underlying the development of certain types of common cancers have not yet been elucidated. In order to better determine the origin and the sequence of events responsible for the onset of colon cancer, scientists have sequenced the DNA of biopsied tissue from colon polyps. The results show that these precancerous lesions have a specific profile.

Could mistletoe give the kiss of death to cancer?

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 09:47:47 EST

Mistletoe has become an important symbol of Christmas, but it also has the potential to play a vital role as an alternative therapy for sufferers of colon cancer.

Scientists pair blood test and gene sequencing to detect cancer

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:26:26 EST

Scientists have combined the ability to detect cancer DNA in the blood with genome sequencing technology in a test that could be used to screen for cancers, monitor cancer patients for recurrence and find residual cancer left after surgery.

New drug overcomes resistance in patients with rare sarcoma, study suggests

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 21:03:03 EST

A new targeted drug demonstrated its ability to control metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor, an uncommon and life-threatening form of sarcoma, after the disease had become resistant to all existing therapies.

Awareness could eliminate inequalities in cancer diagnoses

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 08:36:36 EST

There are substantial inequalities in the stage at which cancer patients receive their diagnosis -- a critical factor for cancer survival -- a new study reveals. The researchers found that age, sex and income as well as the type of cancer influenced the risk of a patient being diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease.

Stroma implicated as cancer culprit: Scientists discover a key process that allows colon cancer to metastasize

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:54:54 EST

Researchers have determined that the ability of colon cancer to metastasize lies in the healthy cells, called stroma, that surround the tumor. Although the stroma has long been hypothesized to be complicit in this process, this study marks the first time that healthy cells in the microenvironment have been observed to play a fundamental role in allowing metastasis to occur in a specific tumor type.

Starchy, high carbohydrate diet associated with recurrence of colon cancer

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:15:15 EST

Colon cancer survivors whose diet is heavy in complex sugars and carbohydrate-rich foods are far more likely to have a recurrence of the disease than are patients who eat a better balance of foods, a new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers indicates.

Genetic test results for Lynch syndrome improved with new computer program

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:10:10 EDT

Genetic test results for Lynch syndrome often prove inconclusive, but two new studies show that two-thirds to three-fourths of genetic variants can be classified into categories that indicate the most appropriate screening and treatment guidelines.

High levels of vitamin D in plasma protects against bladder cancer

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:14:14 EDT

High levels of vitamin D are associated with protection against bladder cancer, according to a study by molecular biologists and epidemiologists.

Gene mutation identifies colorectal cancer patients who live longer with aspirin therapy

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 17:53:53 EDT

Aspirin therapy can extend the life of colorectal cancer patients whose tumors carry a mutation in a key gene, but has no effect on patients who lack the mutation, researchers report.

Increased use of colonoscopy screening could explain decrease in colorectal cancer rates

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:23:23 EDT

Use of colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening could explain a significant decrease in the cancer's incidence over the past decade, according to a new study.

Blood chromosome differences are linked to pancreatic cancer

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:48:48 EDT

A new study shows that a blood marker is linked to pancreatic cancer. Researchers say the new study is the first time pancreatic cancer risk has been linked to differences in telomeres' length in blood cells.

Increased colorectal cancer risk for extended family members

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 08:12:12 EDT

Women under age 50 who have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer, and first, second and third degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer may have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), according to two separate studies.

Chronic constipation linked to increased risk of colorectal cancer

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 08:12:12 EDT

Patients with chronic constipation may be at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer and benign neoplasms, according to new study.

Hay fever, asthma combination linked to lower risk for death from colorectal cancer, study finds

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:19:19 EDT

People with both hay fever and asthma -- but not people with only one of these two conditions -- experienced an approximately 17 percent lower risk for dying from colorectal cancer, according to new research.

Referring cancer patients to more experienced and successful hospitals for surgery could save lives

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 10:27:27 EDT

Researchers report that referring cancer patients to hospitals with better track records for surgery could save lives and not raise the cost to patients.

Study identifies strategy for improved screening for type of hereditary colorectal cancer

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 16:28:28 EDT

In a comparison of strategies to identify individuals with Lynch syndrome, the most common form of hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC), caused by mutations in certain genes (DNA mismatch repair [MMR] genes), universal tumor MMR testing among certain CRC patients had a greater sensitivity for the identification of Lynch syndrome compared with multiple alternative strategies, although the diagnostic improvement was modest.

New noninvasive test for colorectal cancer shows promise

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 13:15:15 EDT

A new noninvasive test for colorectal cancer screening demonstrated high sensitivity for detecting colorectal cancer, in particular precancers that are most likely to develop into cancer, according to new data.

Animal models can revolutionize the study of cancer

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:15:15 EDT

Animal models have served to validate the effectiveness of a new drug against ovarian cancer resistant to cisplatin.

New function of protein involved in colon cancer identified

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:15:15 EDT

Researchers have determined the function of a new variant of enzyme IKKalpha (IKK±) is to activate some of the genes taking part in the tumor progressions of colorectal cancer. In the future, this knowledge will make it possible to design new drugs that inhibit this enzyme specifically and are less toxic for the remaining body cells, hence improving the treatment for this disease.

New study sheds light on cancer-protective properties of milk

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:37:37 EDT

Milk consumption has been linked to improved health, with decreased risks of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and colon cancer. Scientists found that lactoferricin4-14, a milk protein with known health effects, significantly reduces the growth rate of colon cancer cells over time by prolonging the period of the cell cycle before chromosomes are replicated. In a new study, investigators report that treatment with Lfcin4-14 reduced DNA damage in colon cancer cells exposed to ultraviolet light.

Should aspirin be used to help prevent cancer?

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 08:43:43 EDT

Aspirin, the everyday drug taken by countless people around the world to ward off pain and reduce their risk of developing heart disease, may have a new trick up its sleeve –- preventing cancer.

Colorectal cancer gene database helpful in furthering research

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 17:47:47 EDT

The CRCgene database, which gathers all genetic association studies on colorectal cancer, allows for researchers to accurately interpret the risk factors of the disease and provides insight into the direction of further colorectal cancer research, according to a new study.

Geneticists verify cholesterol-cancer link

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:32:32 EDT

Scientists have discovered new genetic evidence linking cholesterol and cancer, raising the possibility that cholesterol medications could be useful in the future for cancer prevention or to augment existing cancer treatment. The data support several recent population-based studies that suggest individuals who take cholesterol-lowering drugs may have a reduced risk of cancer, and, conversely that individuals with the highest levels of cholesterol seem to have an elevated risk of cancer.

Chemotherapy-resistant cancer stem cell could be 'Achilles' heel' of cancer

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:21:21 EDT

Scientists have discovered a subpopulation of cells that display cancer stem cell properties and resistance to chemotherapy, and participate in tumor progression. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new tests for early cancer diagnosis, prognostic tests, and innovative therapeutic strategies, they report.

New cancer drug is ten times more potent

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:21:21 EDT

Chemists have taken an existing drug that is being developed for use in fighting certain types of cancer, added a special structure to it, and created a more potent, efficient weapon against cancer.

Newly discovered genetic markers could signal colon cancer development

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:35:35 EDT

Researchers have discovered how some proteins may cause the development of some forms of colon cancers.