27 Mar 2026

CRC Research Update — March 27, 2026

Creator: The CRC Digest
Published: 2026-03-27T11:33:25Z

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

CRC screening rates remain low among newly eligible 45-49 year-olds
A 2023 national survey found screening uptake among adults aged 45-49 years was significantly lower than among those aged 50-54 years, despite guidelines recommending screening starting at age 45. (Am J Manag Care)
Real-world data confirms effectiveness of trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab in later-line mCRC
The Italian FLOWER study evaluated FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab in a large, unselected real-world population of metastatic CRC patients—often older and more heterogeneous than clinical trial participants—and assessed whether prior bevacizumab exposure affects outcomes. (ESMO Gastrointest Oncol)
Diet and exercise intervention improves survival and quality of life in CRC survivors
A multicenter phase II trial in North Africa enrolled 300 nonmetastatic CRC survivors in remission and found that a culturally adapted lifestyle intervention combining diet and physical activity improved both survival outcomes and quality of life. (JCO Glob Oncol)
Machine learning model predicts MSI-H status in right colon cancer using imaging
Researchers developed a noninvasive radiomics-based machine learning model that predicts microsatellite instability (dMMR/MSI-H) status in right colon cancer patients, potentially providing a preoperative decision-making tool. Study included 247 patients with right colon cancer. (Front Oncol)

🔎 Screening Watch

Screening guidelines, early detection, and prevention advances

Thai researchers develop risk-based colonoscopy prioritization model
A new prediction model for advanced colorectal neoplasia in asymptomatic Thai adults aged ≥40 years uses routine clinical variables to help prioritize colonoscopy access in settings with limited capacity. (J Gastroenterol Hepatol)
Study compares 17 risk prediction models to enhance FIT-based screening
A large Chinese cohort study evaluated 17 different risk prediction models to improve the effectiveness of fecal immunochemical test (FIT)-based colorectal cancer screening. (Cancer Biol Med)

💙 Living with CRC

Survivorship, quality of life, and supportive care

Study examines toxicity of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with diverting stoma
Researchers compared toxicity of CAPOX versus 5-FU/oxaliplatin regimens in stage III CRC patients who had a diverting stoma, providing data on treatment tolerability in this specific population. (JCO Oncol Pract)
Scoping review examines long-term financial toxicity in cancer patients
A review of longitudinal studies identifies measurement time points, assessment tools, and influencing factors for financial toxicity, revealing the occurrence trajectory and long-term impacts among cancer patients. (Front Public Health)

Research continues to advance on multiple fronts—from improving screening access to supporting survivors through treatment and beyond.

CRC Research Update

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