18 Jul 2026

CRC Research Update — July 18, 2026

Creator: The CRC Digest
Published: 2026-07-18T11:35:50Z

Today's colorectal cancer research highlights

2 min read

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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

Saliva microbiome shows promise for detecting early-onset colorectal cancer
A prospective study of 65 early-onset CRC patients and 63 controls found distinct salivary microbiome profiles that could distinguish patients from healthy individuals using machine learning algorithms, suggesting potential as a non-invasive screening tool. (BMC Microbiol)
Colonoscopy screening impact studied in adults aged 71-75 with borderline FIT results
Using registry data from 2014 to 2024, researchers compared CRC incidence among 2,773 screening participants aged 71-75 with FIT values just above versus just below the 100-ng/ml referral threshold to assess the impact of offering colonoscopy in this age group not consistently included in screening programs. (Int J Epidemiol)
Circulating tumor DNA may predict blood clot risk in locally advanced rectal cancer
Researchers aimed to explore the association between baseline ctDNA levels and venous thromboembolism occurrence in locally advanced rectal cancer patients treated with chemoradiation, analyzing tumor-specific mutations including KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA. (Cancer Treat Res Commun)
Sex-specific patterns found in diabetes and fatty liver disease among CRC patients
A retrospective study of electronic medical records explored sex-specific prevalence and co-occurrence patterns of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among colorectal cancer patients, examining associated metabolic profiles. (Front Med)
Dietary guidance during treatment linked to quality of life after cancer care
A cross-sectional study of 610 cancer survivors (including 132 colorectal cancer patients) examined whether guidance on dietary habits or nutrition-related problems from healthcare professionals during treatment was associated with quality of life after treatment completion. (Nutrients)

🔬 Under 50 Spotlight

Research relevant to early-onset and younger CRC patients

Salivary microbiome profiles distinguish early-onset CRC patients from healthy controls
Researchers collected saliva samples from 65 EOCRC patients and 63 controls, profiling the microbiota and developing screening models using machine learning algorithms. (BMC Microbiol)

🔎 Screening Watch

Screening guidelines, early detection, and prevention advances

Study examines colonoscopy impact in older adults with borderline FIT values
Researchers used a regression discontinuity design to investigate whether CRC screening affects incidence among 2,773 adults aged 71-75 with FIT values between 80-120 ng/ml. (Int J Epidemiol)
Salivary microbiome evaluated as non-invasive screening tool for early-onset CRC
High-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of saliva samples showed distinct microbiota profiles in EOCRC patients compared to controls. (BMC Microbiol)

🧬 Biomarker Spotlight

Research by genetic subtype — KRAS, BRAF, MSI-H, HER2, and more

Baseline ctDNA analyzed for thrombotic risk in locally advanced rectal cancer
Plasma ctDNA was analyzed by droplet digital PCR for tumor-specific mutations including KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA to explore association with VTE occurrence. (Cancer Treat Res Commun)

⚥ Sex & Gender in CRC

Research on sex-specific differences in treatment, outcomes, and screening

Study reveals sex-specific metabolic comorbidity patterns in CRC patients
Researchers explored sex-specific prevalence and co-occurrence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among CRC patients using electronic medical records. (Front Med)

Stay informed, stay hopeful — research continues to advance our understanding of colorectal cancer.

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