May 2024  According to a recent study published in Microbiology Spectrum, specific microbiome “signatures” were associated with KRAS mutations in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). These signatures include unique microbiome characteristics such as the presence of specific bacteria, which may serve as a biomarker or indicator for the presence of certain subtypes of CRC, such as KRAS-mutated disease.  KRAS  Approximately 40% of CRCs are KRAS-mutated, which is a prognostic biomarker for lower survival rates and more aggressive tumours.   Prognostic biomarker: a substa ..read more

May 2024  A recent study published in the Journal of Immunotherapy and Precision Oncology suggests that the makeup of the gut microbiome may reveal distinct characteristics or signatures associated with race, ethnicity, and age of onset in patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC).   The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and protozoa, that colonize our gastrointestinal system. The gut microbiome influences our health in many ways, playing a key role in our immune health and protecting us against pathogens (micro ..read more

While treatment may be lifesaving, many folks experience a wide variety of treatment side-effects that lead to a reduction in quality of life and an increase in stress. Some of these side-effects may include extreme fatigue, nausea, brain fog, insomnia or troubles sleeping, reduction in the immune system, and troubles with memory [1]. A very large component of navigating a cancer diagnosis is the emotions (anxiety, fear, sadness, and more), stress of juggling cancer related appointments with other demanding life responsibilities such as work, children, family, and so much more! [2]. This is ce ..read more

April 2024  This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of dostarlimab treatment given before and after surgery (perioperative) compared to standard of care in participants with T4N0 or stage III mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) / microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) colon cancer with no prior therapy or surgery. Learn more about biomarkers here.   Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3  Stage 4  T1 or T2  T3 or T4  Any T  Any T  N0  N0  N1 or N2  Any N  M0  M0  M0  M1    T1. The cancer has grow ..read more

April 2024 This study aims to investigate dostarlimab therapy in patients with locally advanced mismatch-repair deficient (dMMR) / microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) rectal cancer who have not received any previous treatment. Patients who achieve a complete clinical response (no detectable tumour remains) after treatment with dostarlimab will under non-operative management, which includes close monitoring of any potential cancer recurrence. The study findings will be used to determine if dostarlimab therapy alone is effective to treatment dMMR/MSI-H locally advanced rectal cancer, allowi ..read more

Benefits of family support Family is one of the most important sources and support systems that patients have (Faraji et al., 2023; Sebastian et al., 2022). When patients have a strong network to rely on, they can dedicate more of their time to their treatment and other issues they are facing (Sebastian et al., 2022). Families provide strength, comfort, understanding, and love. They provide reassurance, distractions, consoling, and companionship. Having a strong family support system, and a strong family dynamic allows for patients to adjust well after treatment, have an overall better mental ..read more

April 2024 A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer and an increased risk of dying from it (mortality). Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach. Infection can damage the tissue of the stomach and the small intestine, causing inflammation (swelling, redness, and soreness) and sometimes ulcers (sores) in the upper digestive tract. It is a common bacteria that many people may have but may not show any symptoms. It is, however, a main cause of s ..read more

April 2024 Refractory cancer: cancer that does not respond to treatment Fruquintinib (Fruzaqla) is a targeted therapy used in the treatment of patients with heavily pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer. It is a treatment that is used when other standard of care treatments such as fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, anti-VEGF therapy, and anti-EGFR therapy (if applicable) have failed to control the disease. Fruquintinib was approved in the United States in November 2023 based on the evidence from the international FRESCO-2 and Chinese FRESCO clinical trials. I ..read more

February 2024 For cancer survivors, chronic pain is a potential long-lasting side effect of cancer treatment that can negatively impact quality of life. It is one of the most common symptoms reported by people who are living with cancer or have completed treatment, with about 55% of people undergoing treatment and 40% of people who have completed treatment reporting pain[1]. Studies have shown that people who are more physically active are less likely to experience pain compared to those who are less active[2]. A recent study published in Cancer found that cancer survivors who perform more phy ..read more

The use of ctDNA to determine benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery Findings from a recent study on the potential benefit of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) testing for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) were presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium this January. Currently, understanding whether a patient requires additional treatment after surgery is primarily based on their cancer stage and other key risk factors including whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other tissues and organs (distant metastasis ..read more