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Colorectal Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Colorectal Cancer Treatment Resistance: Oncofetal Reprogramming

Researchers may have uncovered a major factor contributing to treatment resistance in patients with colorectal cancer, according to a recent study published by Mzoughi et al in Nature Genetics. Background Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancer types across the world, with treatment...

Colorectal Cancer

ctDNA and Immunoscore in Resected Stage III Colon Cancer

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Taieb et al, a combined analysis of two phase III adjuvant trials (IDEA-France and IDEA-Greece) in stage III colon cancer showed that the presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) after surgery was prognostic for poorer outcomes and that...

Colorectal Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Potential Benefit of Consuming Yogurt in Decreasing the Risk of Certain Types of Colorectal Cancers

Long-term yogurt intake may protect against the development of colorectal cancer through changes in the gut microbiome, according to a recent study published by Ugai et al in Gut Microbes. Background Yogurt—which contains live strains of bacteria—is thought to protect against many types of...

Colorectal Cancer

Baseline Liquid Biopsy vs Tissue-Based Findings in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

In an analysis reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Stintzing et al found that baseline liquid biopsies identified RAS and BRAF mutations in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer considered RAS wild-type on the basis of tissue analyses. Study Details The study included patients from...

Colorectal Cancer

Triplet Regimen Demonstrates Benefit in BRAF V600E–Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

The BRAF inhibitor encorafenib plus the monoclonal antibody cetuximab combined with mFOLFOX (modified folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin) significantly improved overall response in BRAF V600E–mutant metastatic colorectal cancer, according to data presented at the 2025 ASCO Gastrointestinal ...

Colorectal Cancer

Experimental Regimen Demonstrates Benefit in BRAF V600E–Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

The BRAF inhibitor encorafenib plus the monoclonal antibody cetuximab combined with mFOLFOX (modified folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin) significantly improved overall response in BRAF V600E–mutant metastatic colorectal cancer, according to data presented at the 2025 ASCO Gastrointestinal ...

Colorectal Cancer

Dual Immunotherapy Extended Progression-Free Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Subgroup

An immunotherapy combination for advanced, highly mutated colorectal cancer has significantly delayed disease progression vs single-agent therapy, according to data presented at the 2025 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium.1 The phase III CheckMate 8HW trial compared the PD-1 inhibitor...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology
Immunotherapy
Colorectal Cancer
Hepatobiliary Cancer
Gastrointestinal Cancer

Anticancer Drug Pharmacokinetics May Differ by Sex

Investigators may have uncovered notable pharmacokinetic differences between male and female patients in at least 14 anticancer drugs, according to a recent study published by Delahousse et al in ESMO Open. Background Many cancer drugs have a narrow therapeutic window. As a result, slight...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology
Breast Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Gynecologic Cancers
Lung Cancer
Hepatobiliary Cancer

Trends in Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Appalachia

Investigators have found that although fewer patients may be diagnosed with and dying from cancer in Appalachia, cancer incidence and mortality rates remain substantially higher compared with elsewhere in the United States, according to a recent study published by Burus et al in the Journal of the...

Colorectal Cancer

Results From FIRE-4 Show Liquid Biopsy Can Detect RAS/BRAF-Mutated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

The results from the phase III FIRE-4 randomized clinical trial show that liquid biopsy accurately identified patients with RAS/BRAF V600E wild type–mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. The findings confirm the high clinical relevance of liquid biopsy performed at baseline before the start of...

Colorectal Cancer

Thermal Ablation vs Surgical Resection of Small Resectable Colorectal Liver Metastases

In an interim analysis of a phase III noninferiority trial (COLLISION) reported in The Lancet Oncology, van der Lei et al found that thermal ablation was noninferior to surgical resection in terms of overall survival in patients with small resectable colorectal liver metastases. Study Details In...

colorectal cancer

Anna Martling, MD, PhD, on the ALASCCA Trial in Colorectal Cancer

The randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled ALASCCA Trial screened 3,508 patients across 33 hospitals in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway for eligibility. They either had stage II or III colon cancer or stage I, II, or III rectal cancer. Ultimately, 626 patients continued on with the trial, including 419 with colon cancer, and 207 with rectal cancer. Anna Martling, MD, PhD, of Karolinska Institutet, and colleagues evaluated the impact of low-dose aspirin on recurrence in this patient population, especially those with PI3K pathway alterations (Abstract LBA125). 

colorectal cancer

Cathy Eng, MD, on the FRESCO-2 Study in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Cathy Eng, MD, of Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, reported on findings from the FRESCO-2 study, focusing on overall survival with fruquintinib vs placebo after adjusting for subsequent anticancer therapy in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (Abstract 171). Abstract 171, a poster, was presented at the 2025 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium by Sara Lonardi, MD, of Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS in Padova, Italy; Dr. Eng is the study's senior author.

Colorectal Cancer
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

Novel Combination Targeted Therapies, Chemotherapy in BRAF-Mutated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

First-line treatment with the targeted therapies encorafenib and cetuximab plus a modified leucovorin, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) chemotherapy regimen may be effective in patients with BRAF V600E–mutated metastatic colorectal cancer, according to recent findings presented by Kopetz et ...

colorectal cancer

Scott Kopetz, MD, PhD, FACP, on the BREAKWATER Study in BRAF V600–Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

The open-label, global, randomized phase III BREAKWATER study was an  analysis of first-line encorafenib plus cetuximab plus chemotherapy in patients with BRAF V600E–mutant metastatic colorectal cancer. Here, Scott Kopetz, MD, PhD, FACP, of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, reports the primary analysis of objective response rate and the first interim analysis of overall survival (Abstract 16).

Colorectal Cancer

New Findings on Aspirin and Risk of Colorectal Cancer Recurrence

According to one of the first biomarker-driven randomized study in people with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer, taking 160 mg of aspirin daily after treatment ends may reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in patients with cancers that harbor a PI3K mutation. These mutations are common to many types ...

Colorectal Cancer

New Research Explores Blood Test to Determine Prognosis, Benefit of Celecoxib in Stage III Colon Cancer

Previous research has shown that nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors, may reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. A recent CALGB/SWOG study revealed that adding celecoxib to FOLFOX chemotherapy improved disease-free survival in patients with...

colorectal cancer

Thierry André, MD, on First Results From CheckMate 8HW

Thierry André, MD, of Hôpital Saint-Antoine, presented first results from the ongoing phase III CheckMate 8HW trial comparing nivolumab plus ipilimumab vs nivolumab monotherapy for microsatellite instability–high/mismatch repair–deficient metastatic colorectal cancer (Abstract LBA143).

colorectal cancer

Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH, on A Blood-Based Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH, of NYU Langone, presented results from the PREEMPT CRC study, which evaluated the clinical performance of an investigational blood-based screening test for detecting molecular signals of advanced colorectal neoplasia in an average-risk population (Abstract 18).

Colorectal Cancer

Does a New Blood-Based Screening Test Accurately Detect Colorectal Cancer Risk?

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. This year, it’s expected that more than 53,000 individuals will die of the disease. Although screening for the cancer through colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is effective in detecting the disease, nearly...

Colorectal Cancer

ChatGPT Has Limitations in Clinical Utility for Colorectal Cancer but May Be Useful for Patient Education

A study evaluating ChatGPT’s ability to accurately respond to patient inquiries regarding colon cancer by comparing its responses with assessments from expert clinical oncologists found that questions about symptoms, prevention, and screening for the cancer were highly accurate. However, responses...

Colorectal Cancer

FDA Approves Sotorasib With Panitumumab for KRAS G12C–Mutated Colorectal Cancer

On January 16, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the KRAS G12C inhibitor sotorasib (Lumakras) with the monoclonal antibody panitumumab (Vectibix) for adult patients with KRAS G12C–mutated metastatic colorectal cancer, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have received prior ...

Colorectal Cancer

Trastuzumab/Pertuzumab vs Cetuximab/Irinotecan in RAS/BRAF Wild-Type HER2-Positive Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

In a phase II trial (S1613) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Raghav et al found no difference in progression-free survival overall with trastuzumab/pertuzumab vs cetuximab/irinotecan in the second- or third-line treatment of RAS/BRAF wild-type HER2-positive metastatic colorectal...

Colorectal Cancer

Trends in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Sung et al, analysis of international population-based cancer registry data indicate an increase in incidence of colorectal cancer among younger persons (age < 50 years) in a majority of countries and territories examined. Study Details Colorectal cancer...

Colorectal Cancer

FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Encorafenib Combination for BRAF V600E–Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

On December 20, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to encorafenib (Braftovi) in combination with cetuximab and modified fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected...

Colorectal Cancer

Negative Colonoscopy Screening Results and Risk for Colorectal Cancer and Mortality

In a study reported in JAMA Oncology, Knudsen et al found evidence supporting the consideration of extending the rescreening intervals after a negative colonoscopy screening result beyond the currently recommended 10 years, particularly among individuals with a low-risk profile. Study Details The...

Colorectal Cancer

Intermittent or Continuous Panitumumab Plus FOLFIRI in First-Line Treatment of RAS and BRAF Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

In an Italian phase II trial (IMPROVE) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Avallone et al found that intermittent panitumumab and FOLFIRI (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan) was associated with promising progression-free survival as first-line treatment in patients with RAS/BRAF...

Colorectal Cancer

Nivolumab/Ipilimumab vs Chemotherapy With or Without Targeted Agents in MSI-H or dMMR Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

As reported in The New England Journal of Medicine by Andre et al, interim analysis of the phase III CheckMate 8HW trial has shown that nivolumab plus ipilimumab prolonged progression-free survival vs chemotherapy with or without targeted agents in patients with  microsatellite instability–high...

Colorectal Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Common Bacterial Toxin May Speed Up Colorectal Cancer Metastasis

A bacterial toxin may accelerate the spread of colorectal cancer to other parts of the body, according to a recent study published by He et al in Cell Host & Microbiome. The findings could pave the way for novel tools to detect metastatic colorectal cancer early and determine which patients may ...

Pancreatic Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Multiple Myeloma
Bladder Cancer
Solid Tumors

The Future of Cancer Care, Part 2

The soaring number of cancer survivors since the National Cancer Act of 1971 was enacted into law provides a snapshot of the profound progress made against cancer over the past half-century: 3 million survivors in the 1970s,1 compared to more than 18 million today, and that number is expected to...

Colorectal Cancer
Bladder Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Potential Cancer Vaccine Target Uncovered in E coli Bacteria

Targeting certain bacterial strains linked to cancer with treatments or vaccines may help to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, urothelial carcinoma, and prostate cancer, according to a novel study published by Mäklin et al in The Lancet Microbiome. Background The bacterium Escherichia coli is...

Gastrointestinal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Gastroesophageal Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer

Poor Diets May Increase Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancer

New research may expand on existing evidence that a healthy diet may protect against gastrointestinal cancers and improve disease outcomes, according to a recent study published by Abebe et al in the European Journal of Nutrition. Background Gastrointestinal cancers including esophageal, gastric,...

Colorectal Cancer
Issues in Oncology

At-Home Testing Kits, Coordinated Outreach May Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates

Researchers have demonstrated that a targeted intervention may increase screening rates in patients who do not adhere to current colorectal cancer screening recommendations, according to a recent study published by Reuland et al in JAMA Network Open. Background Colorectal cancer screening is often...

Colorectal Cancer

Onvansertib With Chemotherapy and Bevacizumab in Second-Line Treatment of KRAS-Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

In a phase II trial reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Ahn et al found the combination of the PLK1 inhibitor onvansertib with FOLFIRI (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan) plus bevacizumab showed activity in the second-line treatment of KRAS-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer....

Solid Tumors
Thyroid Cancer
Lung Cancer
Gynecologic Cancers
Colorectal Cancer

Are Young Patients With Cancer Discussing Fertility Preservation With Physicians?

Just 50% of patients with early-onset cancers may report discussing fertility preservation options with their physicians prior to receiving oncology treatments, according to a recent study published by Keller et al in JAMA Network Open. Background “From an early-onset cancer diagnosis through to...

Colorectal Cancer
Immunotherapy
Issues in Oncology

New Insights Into Innate Resistance for Immunotherapies in Colorectal Cancer

Researchers have assessed the efficacy of targeting the CD47 protein combined with traditional immunotherapy drugs in patients with colorectal cancer, with a recent study published by Arai et al in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer. The findings indicated that the combination approach could...

Issues in Oncology
Breast Cancer
Kidney Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Solid Tumors

Neoadjuvant Therapy Yields Notable Outcomes in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

The studies summarized below were reported online over the past month in The ASCO Post, generating a high number of visitors.  For comprehensive news of these studies and more, visit ASCOPost.com. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Phase III KEYNOTE-522 The phase III KEYNOTE-522 trial has...

Colorectal Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Weighing Blood-Based vs Standard Colorectal Cancer Screening Options

Because colonoscopies and more established stool-based tests are more effective at detecting early cancers and precancerous polyps compared with emerging blood-based tests, their long-term impact is projected to be substantially greater than that of blood-based tests, according to a recent study...

Colorectal Cancer
Issues in Oncology

MRI May Help Prevent Unnecessary Surgery in Patients With Rectal Cancer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may help patients with rectal cancer avoid invasive surgery and its potentially lifelong side effects, according to a recent study published by Williams et al in Radiology. Background “After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for rectal cancer, patients are...

Solid Tumors
Colorectal Cancer
Issues in Oncology
Cost of Care

Cancer Diagnoses May Be Linked to Lasting Financial Challenges

Researchers have found that financial fallout can follow patients with cancer and their families as financial bankruptcy, lower credit scores, and other types of financial challenges in the years following a cancer diagnosis, according to two new studies presented by Gomez-Mayorga et al and...

Colorectal Cancer

What Is the Impact of a Colon or Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis on Younger Adults vs Older Adults?

Younger adults with colon cancer tend to be diagnosed at a later stage and have more aggressive types of tumors. Additionally, young patients living with colorectal cancer have long-term, adverse consequences on their lives, which are different from the impact the disease has on older adults,...

Solid Tumors
Lung Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Conversations Between Physicians and Older Patients About Physical Activity May Reduce Falls During Cancer Treatment

Communication between health-care providers and older patients with cancer regarding the significance of physical activity may help reduce the risk of falls during cancer therapy, according to new findings presented by Lu and Zheng at the 2024 ASCO Quality Care Symposium (Abstract 224). Background...

Colorectal Cancer
Issues in Oncology
Health-Care Policy
Legislation

ACA May Increase Access to Colorectal Cancer Care Among Underserved Groups

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has increased guideline-concordant care for colorectal cancer among non-White patients, those from rural areas, and those from the most deprived neighborhoods in Pennsylvania, according to new findings presented by Kudaravalli et al at the 2024 American Association for ...

Colorectal Cancer

ASCO Issues First Guideline Specific to Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

ASCO has released its first clinical practice guideline focused specifically on the management of locally advanced rectal cancer.1 “Rectal cancer, and especially locally advanced rectal cancer, is a complex disease that requires individualized approaches using multimodality therapies to have the...

Colorectal Cancer

High-Dose Vitamin D3 Does Not Provide Benefit for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Results from the multicenter double-blind randomized phase III SOLARIS trial (Alliance A021703) showed that the addition of high-dose vitamin D3 to standard treatment did not improve progression-free survival vs standard-dose vitamin D3 in patients with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer. The...

Colorectal Cancer

Association of Body Mass Index and Risk of Colorectal Cancer and Related Mortality in Asia

In a study reported in JAMA Network Open, Paragomi et al found that higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with increased risk of incident colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer–related mortality in Asian countries. Study Details The study included data pooled from 17 prospective cohorts...

Colorectal Cancer

Complete Mesocolic Excision vs D2 Dissection for Right-Sided Colon Cancer

As reported in Journal of Clinical Oncology by Lu et al, the Chinese phase III RELARC trial showed no significant improvement in disease-free survival with complete mesocolic excision vs D2 lymph node dissection in patients with right-sided colon cancer. As stated by the investigators, “…[complete...

Colorectal Cancer
Gastroesophageal Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Omitting 5-FU Bolus May Reduce Side Effects in Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancers

Investigators have found that administering fluorouracil (5-FU) through continuous infusion and omitting the bolus component in patients undergoing commonly used treatment regimens targeting metastatic gastrointestinal cancers may improve tolerability without reducing treatment efficacy or...

Colorectal Cancer

Addition of Oxaliplatin to Fluoropyrimidine/Bevacizumab in Initial Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in Older Patients

In a Japanese phase III trial (JCOG1018) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Takashima et al found that adding oxaliplatin to fluoropyrimidine/bevacizumab did not improve progression-free survival in the initial treatment of older patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer....

Colorectal Cancer
Issues in Oncology

New Study Illuminates Variations in Performance Characteristics Between FIT Tests

Researchers have found substantial variations in the performance characteristics of five commonly used fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), according to a recent study published by Levy et al in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Background Stool-based tests like FIT are currently recommended for...

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