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The CRC Digest

Thursday, October 15, 2026

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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.

CRC Research Update

• ◆ TRIAL DATA

  Fruquintinib plus TAS-102 shows activity in heavily pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer

  A phase II trial of 50 patients who had failed at least two prior therapies found median progression-free survival of 6.07 months and overall survival of 14.10 months, with 68% experiencing grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events. (MedComm)

• ◆ TRIAL DATA

  ctDNA-guided chemotherapy strategy misses primary endpoint but reduces neurotoxicity

  The phase 2 PEGASUS trial in 135 patients with high-risk stage II/III colon cancer used serial ctDNA testing to guide treatment intensity; 3-year disease-free survival was 58.4% in ctDNA-positive patients versus 82.8% in ctDNA-negative patients, though the strategy reduced neurotoxicity compared to historical controls. (Nature Cancer)

• ♥ LIVING WITH CRC

  Survey finds low awareness of early-onset colorectal cancer among young adults

  A survey of 1,000 people aged 20-44 found only 24% were aware of early-onset colorectal cancer, 29% had not heard of any symptoms, and female respondents felt less comfortable than males discussing the disease with healthcare providers (55% vs 67%). (Dis Colon Rectum)

• ◇ RESEARCH

  FGFR inhibition enhances immune checkpoint blockade in preclinical models

  Combining FGFR pathway inhibition with PD-1 blockade reduced T cell exhaustion and promoted antitumor macrophage activity in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer models, with TCGA data showing high FGFR3 expression correlates with worse prognosis. (BMC Cancer)

Today's findings span late-line combination therapy, liquid biopsy–guided treatment strategies, and preclinical efforts to overcome immune resistance in microsatellite stable disease.