20 Apr 2026

CRC Research Update — April 20, 2026

Creator: The CRC Digest
Published: 2026-04-20T12:15:08Z

Today's colorectal cancer research highlights

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IMPORTANT: The CRC Digest curates and summarizes publicly available research for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this newsletter constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. The information provided should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Content is generated with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team. We are not medical professionals. Individual results, treatments, and outcomes vary.

Signal Key

TRIAL DATA clinical trial results, efficacy data, survival endpoints TREATMENT new treatment options, regimen changes, combination therapies REGULATORY FDA/EMA approvals, guideline updates, NCCN/ESMO changes RESEARCH cancer biology, biomarker discoveries, resistance pathways SCREENING screening, colonoscopy guidelines, liquid biopsy, molecular profiling LIVING WITH CRC survivorship, quality of life, side effects, patient decision-making, caregiver support

CRC Research Update

Liquid Biopsy Shows Promise for Detecting Recurrence After Liver Metastasis Surgery
A meta-analysis found that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing can help identify patients at risk for recurrence after surgical removal of colorectal cancer liver metastases, potentially guiding decisions about additional treatment. (Clinical Colorectal Cancer)
Lenvatinib Plus Pembrolizumab Combination Tested in Previously Treated Advanced CRC
Results from the Phase II LEAP-005 study of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab for patients with previously treated advanced colorectal cancer have been published. (Clinical Colorectal Cancer)
First Clinical Data Presented for ST316, a Novel β-Catenin Inhibitor
Sapience Therapeutics presented first clinical results from a Phase 2 study of ST316, a first-in-class β-catenin antagonist, in second-line colorectal cancer at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026. (PR Newswire)
Study Explores Patients' Experiences with Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment
Interviews with 12 colorectal cancer patients revealed how chemotherapy affects cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and daily functioning. (Journal of Health Psychology)

💙 Living with CRC

Survivorship, quality of life, and supportive care

Patients Describe Complex Impact of Chemo Brain on Daily Life
Qualitative study identifies how cognitive impairment from chemotherapy affects memory, concentration, and emotional health in colorectal cancer patients. (Journal of Health Psychology)
Case Series Reports Bowel Narrowing as Rare Side Effect of Immunotherapy
Doctors report cases of bowel stenosis (narrowing) in dMMR colorectal cancer patients treated with immunotherapy, a side effect that clinicians should monitor. (Clinical Colorectal Cancer)

🔎 Screening Watch

Screening guidelines, early detection, and prevention advances

Blood-Based ctDNA Testing May Help Monitor for Cancer Return After Surgery
Meta-analysis supports use of circulating tumor DNA as a biomarker to detect recurrence risk in patients who had liver metastases surgically removed. (Clinical Colorectal Cancer)

Research continues to advance our understanding of treatment options, side effects, and monitoring strategies for colorectal cancer patients.

CRC Research Update

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