CRC Research Update

  • SCREENING

    Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Incidence Accelerates Through 2023

    SEER data show early-onset CRC incidence accelerated during 2019-2023 with an annual percent change of 8.3%, while incidence among adults 65 and older declined. Black patients more often presented with stage IV disease (33.9% vs 29.3%) and had lower 3-year overall survival (67.3% vs 76.2%) compared to White patients. (Am J Surg)

  • SCREENING

    Blood-Based CRC Screening Tests Show Promise but Have Key Limitations

    Three blood-based CRC screening tests (Epi proColon, Shield, and the Freenome test) have completed large validation studies, but all show low sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions, low rates of follow-up colonoscopy after an abnormal test, and concerns about cost-effectiveness. (Gastrointest Endosc Clin N Am)

  • SCREENING

    Meta-Analysis Examines Fecal Immunochemical Test Accuracy

    A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) for colorectal cancer and advanced neoplasm, examining variations in performance by sex, geographic region, study design, FIT platform, and positivity threshold. (Cancer Res Treat)

  • RESEARCH

    Nanoparticle Platform Targets Radioresistance in KRAS-Mutant CRC

    Researchers developed sulfasalazine-loaded hafnium oxide nanoparticles (HfO2@SAS) to overcome radiotherapy resistance in KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer by targeting the SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway and inducing ferroptosis (a form of cell death). (Biomaterials)

🔬 Under 50 Spotlight

Research relevant to early-onset and younger CRC patients

  • Risk Factors for Early-Onset CRC Reviewed

    A clinical review highlights that early-onset CRC (diagnosed before age 50) arises from both nonmodifiable factors (age, family history, race/ethnicity) and modifiable factors (obesity, diet, inactivity, alcohol, tobacco). (Gastrointest Endosc Clin N Am)

  • Vietnamese Cohort Compares Early- vs Late-Onset CRC Outcomes

    A retrospective study of 486 patients who underwent curative resection in Vietnam's Mekong Delta compared clinicopathologic features and survival between early-onset and late-onset colorectal cancer. (Arq Bras Cir Dig)

Today's research underscores the urgent need to address rising early-onset CRC rates and improve screening access across all populations. Stay informed and discuss screening options with your care team.