CRC Research Update

  • SCREENING

    Six-Marker Blood Test Shows Promise for CRC Screening in High-Risk Patients

    A prospective study evaluated a multi-target DNA methylation panel (Septin9 region 1, BCAT1, IKZF1, BCAN, VAV3, Septin9 region 2) assessed in plasma samples for colorectal cancer risk stratification, offering a potential non-invasive alternative to colonoscopy. (Clin Chem Lab Med)

  • SCREENING

    FIT Performance Data Now Available for Adults 55 and Younger

    A cross-sectional German study of 1,724 participants aged 55 or younger assessed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) diagnostic performance at various fecal hemoglobin cutoffs for detecting advanced neoplasia, addressing a critical data gap as screening ages are lowered. (Clin Colorectal Cancer)

  • RESEARCH

    Spatial Tumor Variation May Explain HER2 Testing Discrepancies

    A retrospective analysis of 1,343 colorectal cancer cases found that spatial intratumoral heterogeneity in HER2 overexpression contributes to discordance between immunohistochemistry/FISH and next-generation sequencing, with implications for HER2-targeted therapy selection. (Virchows Arch)

  • REGULATORY

    Updated Guidelines for Resectable Colorectal Cancer Published

    The American Society of Surgical Oncology summarized contemporary guidance from NCCN, ESMO, and JSCCR, highlighting recent evolution in molecular characterization (including mismatch repair status), neoadjuvant therapy, and organ-preservation strategies. (Ann Surg Oncol)

🔬 Under 50 Spotlight

Research relevant to early-onset and younger CRC patients

  • Polyp Risk Rises with Age in Young Adults, Study Finds

    A retrospective colonoscopy study of 3,959 adults aged 18-44 used Joinpoint regression to identify age inflection points for polyp detection rates, with detection rates for polyps, adenomas, and serrated lesions all rising significantly with age. (J Clin Med)

  • Canadian Symposium Highlights Care Gaps for Early-Onset Cancer Patients

    The 2025 Early Age Onset Cancer Symposium identified critical gaps including diagnostic delays, screening eligibility criteria that no longer reflect current disease epidemiology, and insufficient age-appropriate infrastructure for patients under 50. (Curr Oncol)

💙 Living with CRC

Survivorship, quality of life, and supportive care

  • Immunotherapy May Reshape Fertility Counseling for Young Women with CRC

    A narrative review found that immune checkpoint inhibitors for dMMR/MSI-H colorectal cancer may affect reproductive-age women through direct reproductive uncertainty (including endocrine toxicities and hypothesized, but currently unproven, direct gonadal effects) and potential avoidance of pelvic radiotherapy. (J Clin Med)

🧬 Biomarker Spotlight

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

  • Review Examines Resistance Mechanisms to Anti-EGFR Therapies

    A review of cetuximab and panitumumab resistance found that intrinsic resistance often stems from pre-existing KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations, while acquired resistance develops through clonal evolution under therapeutic pressure. (Pharmaceuticals)

Research continues to advance on multiple fronts — from earlier detection to personalized treatment strategies.