CRC Research Update

  • RESEARCH

    Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Accelerated Aging in Colorectal Tissue

    A study of 106 participants found that higher intake of ultra-processed foods was significantly associated with accelerated epigenetic aging in normal colorectal tissues, a finding that may help explain rising early-onset CRC rates. (JNCI Cancer Spectrum)

  • RESEARCH

    KRAS Mutations Shape Immunosuppressive Tumor Environment

    A review describes how KRAS mutations—present in approximately 52% of colorectal cancers—actively create an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, presenting a major barrier to both targeted therapy and immunotherapy. (Frontiers in Oncology)

  • TREATMENT

    Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Compares Immunotherapy Options for MSI-H/dMMR mCRC

    A U.S. healthcare payer analysis evaluated nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus pembrolizumab and chemotherapy as first-line treatment for the 4-5% of metastatic colorectal cancers that are microsatellite instability-high or mismatch repair deficient. (Advances in Therapy)

  • SCREENING

    National Database Analysis Examines Post-Pandemic Cancer Screening Patterns

    Researchers analyzed National Cancer Database records from 2010 to 2023 to compare predicted versus observed incidence rates and late-stage disease proportions for screenable cancers including colorectal cancer following the COVID-19 pandemic screening decline. (Journal of Surgical Research)

🔬 Under 50 Spotlight

Research relevant to early-onset and younger CRC patients

🧬 Biomarker Spotlight

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

  • RESEARCH

    Cytokines May Modulate Checkpoint Inhibitor Response in MSI-H CRC

    A review highlights how cytokines can critically modulate immune checkpoint inhibitor effectiveness in mismatch repair-deficient/microsatellite instability-high colorectal cancer by influencing checkpoint expression and shaping the tumor microenvironment. (Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology)

Today's research spans diet-related risk factors, tumor biology, immunotherapy strategies, and screening patterns in the post-pandemic era.