11 Sep 2026

CRC Research Update — September 11, 2026

Creator: The CRC Digest
Published: 2026-09-11T11:26:57Z

Today's colorectal cancer research highlights

2 min read

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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

SCREENING
Blood test combining cfDNA fragmentomics and methylation markers detects precancerous lesions
A study of 380 CRC patients, 121 individuals with precancerous lesions, and 506 healthy controls found that adding methylation analysis of SEPT9 and HS3ST2 to cfDNA fragmentomics improved detection of precancerous lesions, a key limitation of blood-based screening. (The ASCO Post)
TREATMENT
ctDNA-guided rechallenge with cetuximab plus irinotecan shows activity in RAS/BRAF wild-type mCRC
A Phase II trial enrolled patients with RAS/BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer who had progressed on prior cetuximab-based therapy, using circulating tumor DNA testing to select patients for rechallenge with cetuximab plus irinotecan. (Clinical and Translational Medicine)
TRIAL DATA
AZUR-4 Phase II trial tests neoadjuvant dostarlimab plus CAPEOX in MSS stage III colon cancer
This randomized Phase II study compares neoadjuvant dostarlimab plus CAPEOX versus CAPEOX alone in previously untreated T4N0 or stage III mismatch repair proficient/microsatellite stable resectable colon cancer. (Clinical Colorectal Cancer)
LIVING WITH CRC
Network analysis reveals symptom cluster stability during adjuvant chemotherapy
A prospective longitudinal study used network temperature to characterize temporal changes in symptom clusters among postoperative colorectal cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, finding that symptom burden compromises quality of life. (Supportive Care in Cancer)

🔬 Under 50 Spotlight

Research relevant to early-onset and younger CRC patients

Machine learning may enable early detection in under-50 population
A review highlights that early-onset colorectal cancer incidence is rising fastest in the population below guideline-endorsed screening age, and blood-based liquid biopsy combined with machine learning offers a plausible route to early detection. (Frontiers in Oncology)

🧬 Biomarker Spotlight

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

Encorafenib, cetuximab, and nivolumab rechallenge succeeds in BRAF V600E mCRC case
A case report from the AGMT mCRC Registry describes successful rechallenge with encorafenib and cetuximab combined with nivolumab in a patient with BRAF V600E mutated, mismatch-repair-proficient metastatic colorectal cancer. (Clinical Colorectal Cancer)
Lynch syndrome diagnosis rate in China far below expected prevalence
A national survey of 81 physicians from 81 Chinese hospitals found a Lynch syndrome diagnosis rate of only 0.83% versus the expected 2-3%, despite 95.1% of hospitals offering dMMR immunohistochemistry. (Familial Cancer)

This week's research spans blood-based screening advances, biomarker-guided treatment strategies, and real-world gaps in hereditary cancer diagnosis.

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KRAS Mutations Immunotherapy (MSI-H)BRAF Early-Onset / Under 50 Liver Metastases Clinical Trials Living with CRC All Issues

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