Antibiotic Sponge Ineffective at Preventing Surgical Infection 08/11/2010
Patients undergoing colorectal surgery are reported to experience an increased incidence of surgical-site infection with the addition of a gentamicin-collagen sponge enclosed at the surgery site. These findings were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.[1] Colon cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United ...

Screening Rates Among Older Americans 07/14/2010
More older Americans are undergoing screening for colon cancer, but the rates for breast cancer screening remain the same, according to a government report released on July 6, 2010.[1] The best “treatment” of cancer is preventing its occurrence in the first place or detecting it early when it may be ...

Radioembolization plus Fluorouracil Active in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Liver Metastases 07/01/2010
Radioembolization plus the chemotherapy agent fluorouracil slows cancer progression for colorectal cancer patients whose disease has progressed following prior treatment with chemotherapy and have metastases limited to the liver. These findings were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1] Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths ...

Potential Role for Oncotype DX Colon Cancer Test in Stage III Cancer 06/09/2010
The Oncotype DX® colon cancer test, which is currently available for treatment planning in Stage II colon cancer, may also predict recurrence risk in Stage III colon cancer. These results were presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Gene expression profiling explores the patterns of ...

Erbitux Does Not Improve Survival in Stage III Colon Cancer with Normal KRAS 06/08/2010
The addition of Erbitux® (cetuximab) to standard adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage III colon cancer who have normal KRAS gene activity does not improve survival, according to the results of a Phase III study presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Stage III colon ...

Optimal Outcomes with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Inhibitors Require Appropriate Hypertension Assessment, Monitoring, and Management 05/27/2010
An expert panel provided consensus recommendations for appropriate prevention, surveillance and treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) in patients treated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway inhibitors. These recommendations were recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.[1] Researchers continue to evaluate novel therapeutic strategies, such ...

Depression May Persist With Metastatic Cancer 05/26/2010
A substantial number of patients with metastatic cancer may suffer from depression which tends to persist and grow more severe toward the end of life, according to the results of a study published early online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1] While cancer and other serious illnesses are risk factors ...

Rates of Adenoma Detection Linked to Risk of Interval Colorectal Cancer 05/17/2010
Endoscopists who detect tumors or polyps (adenomas) at a higher rate during colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer tend to produce a lower risk for interval cancer among their patients, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death ...

Coffee and Soft Drinks Not Associated with Increased Risk of Colon Cancer 05/12/2010
Consumption of coffee and sugary soft drinks does not increase the risk of colon cancer, according to the results of a study published early online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.[1] High tea consumption, on the other hand, might be associated with a modest ...

Colorectal Cancer Screening with Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Reduces Incidence and Death 05/06/2010
Among individuals between 55 and 64 years of age, one screening using flexible sigmoidoscopy can reduce risk of developing colorectal cancer and dying from the disease, according to a study published in The Lancet. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the ...

Study Explores Which Patients Respond Best to Vectibix 04/19/2010
Previous studies have reported that colorectal cancers with mutations in a gene known as KRAS do not respond well to drugs such as Vectibix® (panitumumab). In an effort to expand these findings and further individualize colorectal cancer treatment, researchers evaluated several additional genes. The results were ...

Most Survivors of Lung and Colorectal Cancer Keep Their Jobs 04/14/2010
Among people diagnosed with nonmetastatic lung or colorectal cancer, the majority return to work, according to a study recently published in Journal of Clinical Oncology. Those who do leave the workforce tend to have worse prognoses and lower socioeconomic status. Cancer treatment affects everyone differently, and many ...

Lower Use of Diagnostic Testing May Explain Higher Colorectal Cancer Mortality in African Americans 04/06/2010
The higher incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer among African Americans compared with Whites may be due to differences in health care utilization rather than differences in susceptibility to cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of the National ...

Cost Versus Benefit Among Chemotherapy Drugs for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 03/26/2010
New chemotherapy agents for metastatic colorectal cancer modestly improve survival time but come with substantial costs, according to the results of a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.[1] Metastatic colorectal cancer refers to cancer that has spread from the colon to distant sites in ...

Older Stage III Colon Cancer Patients Not Being Treated According to Evidence-based Recommendations 03/25/2010
The treatment of Stage III colon cancer does not always follow evidence-based recommendations, especially for older patients, according to the results of an observational study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.[1] Stage III colon cancer refers to cancer that has spread through ...

Low Levels of Vitamin B6 May Increase Risk of Colorectal Cancer 03/23/2010
Individuals with low blood levels of an active form of vitamin B6 or low dietary intake of vitamin B6 may have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. These results, based on an analysis of several previously published studies, were published in the Journal of the ...

Obesity Linked with Worse Colon Cancer Outcomes 03/10/2010
Compared with healthy-weight patients, obese colon cancer patients have a higher risk of cancer recurrence and death. These results were published in Clinical Cancer Research. Obesity is increasingly being recognized as a risk factor not only for cancer development but also for worse outcomes after cancer treatment. Links ...

Preventive Treatment Reduces Skin Side Effects of Vectibix 02/16/2010
Among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with the targeted therapy Vectibix® (panitumumab), preventive skin care reduces the occurrence of skin side effects. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United ...

Vectibix Improves Outcome of Previously Treated Colorectal Cancer 01/27/2010
Among patients with previously treated, metastatic colorectal cancer, the addition of the targeted therapy Vectibix® (panitumumab) to chemotherapy delayed cancer progression. This benefit was only observed in patients whose tumors did not contain a mutation in the KRAS gene. These results were presented at the 2010 ...

First-line Vectibix Delays Progression of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 01/27/2010
Among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer that does not have a mutation in the KRAS gene, initial treatment with a combination of chemotherapy and Vectibix® (panitumumab) delays cancer progression by 1.6 months compared with chemotherapy alone. These results were presented at the 2010 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers ...

Oncotype DX® Predicts Recurrence Risk in Stage II Colon Cancer 01/22/2010
Among patients with Stage II colon cancer, use of the newly available Oncotype DX® colon cancer test provides information about the risk of cancer recurrence and may help guide treatment decisions. These results were presented at the 2010 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. Gene expression profiling explores the patterns of genes that ...

Review Confirms Effectiveness of Avastin® plus Chemotherapy in Advanced Colorectal Cancer 01/20/2010
Among patients with advanced colorectal cancer, the addition of Avastin® (bevacizumab) to chemotherapy improves overall and progression-free survival but also increases side effects. These results were published in the Annals of Oncology. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Treatment of advanced colorectal cancer ...

Physical Activity Improves Survival of Men with Localized Colorectal Cancer 12/23/2009
Men who report the most physical activity after a diagnosis of non-metastatic colorectal cancer have a lower risk of death than men who report the least activity. These results were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. There are over 10 million cancer survivors in the United States, and this number ...

Home Care Nursing Improves Symptom Management 12/04/2009
Among breast and colorectal cancer patients treated with the oral chemotherapy drug Xeloda® (capecitabine), symptom management was better among patients who received home care nursing than among patients who received standard care. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Xeloda is an oral chemotherapy drug that has been ...

Addition of Erbitux® to Chemotherapy Does Not Provide Benefit in Stage III Colon Cancer 12/03/2009
According to the results of a Phase III clinical trial, the addition of Erbitux® (cetuximab) to chemotherapy with FOLFOX did not improve outcomes among patients with Stage III colon cancer. These results were reported by the National Cancer Institute and will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting. Colorectal cancer is ...

Combination of Erbitux® and Chemotherapy Shows Promise Against Liver Metastases 12/02/2009
Among patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer, the combination of Erbitux® (cetuximab) and chemotherapy may improve treatment response rates and increase the number of patients who become candidates for surgery. These results were published in Lancet Oncology. Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United ...

Early Morning Colonoscopies Detect More Polyps 11/11/2009
Among patients undergoing colonoscopy at a Veteran’s Administration (VA) medical center, a greater number of polyps was detected among patients seen early in the morning than among patients seen later in the day. The reasons for this are uncertain, but it’s possible that the lower rate of polyp detection later ...

Excess Body Weight Linked with More Than 100,000 New Cancer Diagnoses Each Year in U.S. 11/09/2009
According to estimates from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), excess body weight may be responsible for more than 100,000 new cancer diagnoses each year in the United States. Excess body weight is increasingly recognized as a risk factor not only for cancer development but also for worse outcomes after ...

Daily Aspirin Prevents Colorectal Cancer in Lynch Syndrome 10/05/2009
Daily aspirin may prevent the incidence of cancer in individuals who are genetically predisposed to hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch Syndrome, according to the results of a study presented September 21, 2009 at Europe’s largest cancer congress, ECCO 15-ESMO 34, in Berlin.[1] Hereditary nonpolyposis ...

Number of Obesity-related Cancers Is Growing 10/03/2009
In 2008, excess body weight was responsible for over 124,000 new cancer diagnoses in Europe. These results were presented at a major European cancer conference. Obesity is increasingly being recognized as a risk factor not only for cancer development, but also for worse outcomes after cancer treatment. Links between obesity and ...

First-line Vectibix Modestly Improves Colorectal Cancer Outcome 09/25/2009
Among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, initial treatment with a combination of chemotherapy and Vectibix® (panitumumab) delays cancer progression by 1.6 months compared with chemotherapy alone. This benefit, which was reported at a major European cancer conference, only applied to patients whose tumors did not contain a mutation in the ...

Vectibix Delays Progression of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 09/23/2009
Among patients with previously treated, metastatic colorectal cancer, the addition of the targeted therapy Vectibix® (panitumumab) to chemotherapy delayed cancer progression. This benefit was only observed in patients whose tumors did not contain a mutation in the KRAS gene. These results were presented at a major European cancer conference. Colorectal ...

Addition of Vectibix® to Second-line Chemotherapy Improves Progression-free Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 08/24/2009
Among patients with previously treated, metastatic colorectal cancer, the addition of the targeted therapy Vectibix® (panitumumab) to chemotherapy delayed cancer progression. This benefit was only observed in patients whose tumors did not contain a mutation in the KRAS gene. These results were made available in a press release from Amgen. Colorectal ...

Aspirin May Improve Survival in Colon Cancer 08/17/2009
Regular aspirin use after a colorectal cancer diagnosis may reduce the risk of dying from the disease, especially among tumors that overexpress the COX-2 enzyme, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.[1] Previous studies have shown that regular aspirin use reduces ...

CT Colonography May Be Appropriate Screening Test for Some High-risk Individuals 06/22/2009
CT Colonography May Be Appropriate Screening Test for Some High-risk Individuals Among people at increased risk of colorectal cancer, computed tomographic (CT) colonography correctly classified 85% of the people with advanced adenomas or cancer and 88% of the people without advanced adenomas or cancer. These results were published in the Journal ...

Age and Illness Increase Colonoscopy Risks 06/18/2009
Age and Illness Increase Colonoscopy Risks Although the risk of complications from colonoscopy is low, risk increases among the very elderly and among those with certain chronic health conditions. These results were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United ...

Preemptive Skin Treatment Reduces Skin Toxicity Associated with Vectibix® in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 06/09/2009
Preemptive Skin Treatment Reduces Skin Toxicity Associated with Vectibix® in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Early skin treatment that is initiated prior to the start of EGFR treatment with Vectibix® (panitumumab) reduces the incidence and severity of skin toxicity and improves quality of life in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, according ...

Surgery Unnecessary for Most Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 06/02/2009
Surgery Unnecessary for Most Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients with newly diagnosed metastatic colorectal cancer do not need to undergo surgical removal of their tumor unless the tumor is causing complications, according to the results of a study presented at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical ...

No Benefit of Avastin® in Early-stage Colon Cancer 06/01/2009
No Benefit of Avastin® in Early-stage Colon Cancer According to the results of a Phase III clinical trial presented at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), addition of the targeted therapy Avastin® (bevacizumab) to post-surgery chemotherapy does not improve disease-free survival among patients with early-stage ...

Colorectal Cancer Screening Reduces Mortality 02/23/2009
The implementation of colorectal cancer screening appears to reduce mortality from the disease, as evidenced by the disparity between mortality rates among regions that implemented screening at different times. The results of this study were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Combination of Avastin® and Erbitux® Worsens Colorectal Cancer Outcomes 02/13/2009
Among patients with previously untreated, metastatic colorectal cancer, the addition of Erbitux® (cetuximab) to Avastin® (bevacizumab) and chemotherapy resulted in shorter progression-free survival and worse quality of life. These results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United ...

Aspirin and/or Resistant Starch Have No Effect on Colorectal Cancer Incidence Among People with Lynch Syndrome 02/12/2009
The use of aspirin and/or resistant starch has no effect on the incidence of colon cancer among individuals with Lynch Syndrome, according to the results of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.[1]Lynch Syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer ...

Avastin® plus Fluorouracil-based Chemotherapy Effective in Elderly with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 02/11/2009
Patients aged 65 or older with metastatic colorectal cancer benefit as much from Avastin® (bevacizumab) plus fluorouracil-based chemotherapy as their younger counterparts, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1]Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of ...

The Evolving Role of EGFR Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer—A Report from ASCO 2008 01/23/2009
Results from the 2008 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), held May 30–June 2 in Chicago, Illinois, revealed significant steps towards the improvement of outcomes for patients with varying types of cancers. As seen during the past few years, attention has turned towards individualizing patient ...

Postmenopausal Hormones Reduce the Risk of Colorectal Cancer 01/22/2009
According to the results of a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention, use of postmenopausal hormones reduces the risk of colorectal cancer.Postmenopausal hormone therapy with either estrogen alone or estrogen plus progestin effectively manages several common menopausal symptoms. However, large clinical trials conducted as part of the ...

Colonoscopy Fails to Identify Many Colorectal Cancers 01/06/2009
Colonoscopy, a standard screening method for colorectal cancer, misses the majority of cancers on the right side of the colon and about one-third of cancers on the left side of the colon, according to the results of a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The Other Women's Cancer 12/22/2008
The Other Women's CancerAn update on screening, diagnosis, and treatment options for colorectal cancerAllyson J. Ocean, MDMedical Oncologist, Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health Medical Oncologist, Solid Tumor Service, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New YorkAlthough many women believe colorectal ...

Allergic Reactions Uncommon with Cervical Cancer Vaccine 12/09/2008
Allergic reactions to Gardasil® (Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus [Types 6, 11, 16, 18] Recombinant Vaccine) are uncommon and most young women who have a suspected allergic reaction can tolerate subsequent doses, according to the results of a study published in an early online issue of the British Medical Journal.

Get a Free Subscription to Women&Cancer Magazine Starting with Winter Colon Cancer Issue Featuring Katie Couric 12/02/2008
Women&Cancer is the premier women's health and wellness magazine. By covering all health and wellness issues—with an emphasis on cancer prevention, early detection, management, and survivorship—Women&Cancer empowers women with regard to their own health and recognizes the vital role that women play in the overall health of their family and ...

Blacks Have Higher Rate of Colon Polyps 10/14/2008
Black individuals have a higher rate of colon polyps (larger than 9 mm) than white individuals, as found on screening colonoscopy. These results were recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that is highly preventable or curable in early stages ...

Risk of Colon Cancer Associated with Genetic Variants 10/08/2008
Genetic changes in the surrounding region of the ADIPQ gene are associated with a decrease in the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Results such as these may aid in the understanding of genetic risk of various cancers, ultimately changing the way in which cancer is managed. These results were ...

CT Colonography Accurately Detects Large Colon Cancers 09/18/2008
The use of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) accurately detects 90% of large colon cancers among patients who do not exhibit any symptoms of colon cancer. These results were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.Colon cancer is the third most common and second most deadly cancer in ...

A-Type Lamins Associated with Aggressive Colorectal Cancer 08/27/2008
Proteins called A-type lamins appear to indicate the presence of aggressive disease in patients with colorectal cancer. A-type lamins may also play a role in determining treatment options among these patients. These results were recently published in the journal PLoS ONE.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related ...

Early Skin Treatment Reduces Skin Reactions in Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated with Vectibix® 08/22/2008
Among patients with colorectal cancer, skin treatment beginning on the day prior to therapy with Vectibix® (panitumumab) significantly reduces skin side effects associated with Vectibix compared with skin treatment after side effects occur. These results were presented at the 10th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer held in Spain in ...

More Fruits and Veggies, Less Meat Reduces Colorectal Cancer 08/14/2008
Individuals who consume a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy oils, contains sufficient dietary calcium and vitamin D, and is low in solid fats, added sugar, and red meats have a significantly reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer. These results were recently published in the American Journal ...

Adjuvant Chemotherapy Does Not Adversely Affect Quality of Life of Elderly Patients with Colorectal Cancer 08/12/2008
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for Stage III colon or rectal cancer, referred to as adjuvant therapy, does not significantly decrease quality of life compared with no adjuvant therapy among patients 75 years of age or older. These results were recently published in the journal Cancer.Stage III colon or rectal ...

Low Risk of Perforation During Colonoscopy Screening for Colorectal Cancer 08/07/2008
Perforation (a tear through the colon wall caused by a colonoscopy procedure) occurs in less than one in 1,000 patients undergoing a colonoscopy. These results were recently published in the Archives of Surgery.A colonoscopy is a procedure that involves the insertion of a lighted tube through the large intestine ...

ASCO 2008: The Evolving Role of EGFR Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer 07/31/2008
Results from the 2008 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), held May 30–June 2 in Chicago, Illinois, revealed significant steps towards the improvement of outcomes for patients with varying types of cancers. As seen during the past few years, attention has turned towards individualizing patient ...

Radiofrequency Ablation Effective for Primary Lung Tumors and Lung Metastases from Colon Cancer 07/31/2008
The use of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of lung cancer and lung metastases from breast, colon, and prostate cancers and melanoma is effective and safe for some patients. These results were recently published in the Lancet Oncology.Lung cancer is responsible for more cancer-related deaths than the next three ...

Higher Vitamin D Levels Result in Better Survival Among Colorectal Cancer Patients 07/15/2008
Among patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, those with higher levels of vitamin D in their blood prior to diagnosis have an improved survival compared with those with lower levels. These results were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes from dietary ...

Urologic and Colorectal Cancer Rates Linked in New Study 05/22/2008
Individuals who have been diagnosed with urologic cancers have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, and vice versa, according to data recently published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. These results may provide potential changes in screening guidelines.Urologic cancers refer to cancers of the kidney (two organs that ...

Non-invasive Test Effective for Colorectal Cancer Screening 05/21/2008
A new, non-invasive colorectal cancer screening test from Exact Sciences is now available and supported by the American Cancer Society and other major medical groups. Study results showing the test's efficacy have been reported in the April 2008 supplement of Gastroenterology.Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related ...

Colon Cancer Outcomes Differ Between Men and Women 05/09/2008
Variations within the gene responsible for epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) may be predictive of differing outcomes between male and female patients diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. Details of the study have recently been published in the Cancer Research.Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in ...

Changes in Lifestyle May Improve Quality of Life for Colon Cancer Survivors 05/07/2008
A recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society reports that although few cancer survivors follow recommendations for lifestyle changes aimed to improve health and well-being, adhering to these guidelines may improve quality of life among colon cancer survivors. Full details of the study were recently published in the ...

Physicians with More Training Perform More Effective Colonoscopies 04/30/2008
A recent trial conducted at 15 different medical centers in Korea indicates that a physician must perform at least 150 colonoscopies to be considered competent at the procedure. Details of the study were recently published in the journal Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Colonoscopy is a procedure in which a colonoscope is passed ...

Celebrex® Reduces Colon Adenomas 04/17/2008
The COX2-inhibitor Celebrex® (celecoxib) reduces the rate of colon adenomas at five years and appears safe, even among patients with cardiovascular disease. These results were recently presented as a late-breaking abstract at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.Adenomas are abnormal growths that often arise ...

Drug Combination Decreases Recurrence Rate of Colon Polyps 04/15/2008
The combination of the difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) and sulindac reduces the rate of colon adenomas (growths or polyps) by up to 95% among patients who have had prior colon polyps. These results were presented as a late-breaking abstract at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.Adenomas ...

Combination of Erbitux® and Camptosar® Improves Outcome in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 04/14/2008
The combination of Erbitux® (cetuximab) and Camptosar® (irinotecan) may be more effective than Camptosar alone for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer that is positive for the epidermal growth factor receptor. This study was recently published online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.Colorectal cancer is the ...

Testing for Specific Protein May Identify Colorectal Patients Who Will Benefit from Erbitux® 04/07/2008
Researchers have identified a test to predict which patients with colorectal cancer would likely respond to treatment with Erbitux® (cetuximab). Details of the study were recently published in the Annals of Oncology.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer involves the ...

Fluctuation in Weight May Influence Risk for Colon Cancer 04/07/2008
A large study conducted in Austria reveals that large weight gains or losses may influence an individual's risk for developing certain types of cancer, including colon cancer. Complete details of the study were published in the Annals of Oncology.There is no conclusive answer as to why some people will ...

March Is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month 03/19/2008
As the month of March brings colon cancer into focus, it's a great time to increase public understanding of the disease, including its prevalence, approaches to screening and prevention, treatment options, and resources that offer updated colorectal cancer information throughout the year.According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, ...

Common Colorectal Polyps More Likely to Be Malignant 03/12/2008
A certain common colorectal polyp is much more likely to be malignant than previously thought. Results from this study, conducted at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, were recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.Colorectal polyps are growths that occur in the lining of ...

Tobacco Use Associated with Earlier Onset of Colorectal Cancer 02/22/2008
A recent study finds that individuals with a history of long-term, heavy tobacco use were diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a significantly younger age than individuals who had never smoked. These findings were recently published in the Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology.A current focus in cancer research ...

Physicians Influence Rates of Colorectal Screening 02/13/2008
Healthcare providers can greatly influence the rates at which patients undergo screening for colorectal cancer. These results were recently published in the journal Cancer.Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. When detected and treated early, prior to spread, cure rates for colorectal ...

Chemotherapy for Stage II Colorectal Cancer Improves Survival 01/16/2008
According to results recently published in Lancet Oncology, chemotherapy for Stage II colorectal cancer appears to provide a modest improvement in survival.Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Stage II (or B) colorectal cancer refers to cancer that has penetrated the wall ...

Second Surgery to Remove Cancer Spread to Liver May Improve Colorectal Cancer Survival 01/11/2008
According to results recently published in the Archives of Surgery, a second surgery to remove colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver can significantly improve survival.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The liver is one of the most common places ...

Meat Linked to Various Cancers 12/13/2007
According to an article recently published in the Public Library of Science Medicine journal, increased consumption of beef, pork, lamb, or processed meats such as bacon, sausage, or ham significantly increases the risk of developing several types of cancers.Cancer is diagnosed in more than 10 million people around the ...

Study Explores Postmenopausal Hormone Use, Weight, and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Women 12/05/2007
In a study conducted in Germany and published in the British Journal of Cancer, use of postmenopausal hormones decreased the risk of colorectal cancer in women. In contrast to several previous studies, however, being overweight increased the risk of colorectal cancer only among women who had never used postmenopausal ...

Erbitux® Improves Survival in Colorectal Cancer 11/16/2007
According to an article recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the targeted agent Erbitux® (cetuximab) improves overall and progression-free survival while maintaining quality of life for patients with recurrent colorectal cancer.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.  Advanced colorectal ...

Number of Lymph Nodes Removed May Not Affect Outcomes in Colon Cancer 11/15/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the number of nodes removed during surgery for colorectal cancer does not seem to affect outcomes.Surgery is most often the initial treatment for patients with colorectal cancer. Surgeons attempt to remove as much of the ...

CT Colonography Detects Abnormalities Outside the Colon 11/13/2007
Researchers from the UK have reported that CT colonography (also known as “virtual colonoscopy”) may play an important role in evaluating older patients with lower gastrointestinal symptoms because CT colonography can detect abnormalities outside of the colon. These results were published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.Colorectal cancer is ...

Vitamin D May Reduce Colorectal Cancer Mortality 11/07/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, higher circulating vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of death from colorectal cancer.  Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes from dietary supplements, foods such as fortified milk and cereal, certain ...

Erbitux®/Avastin®/Camptosar® Appears Effective in Colorectal Cancer Patients Not Responding to Camptosar Alone 10/15/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the addition of the targeted agent Avastin® (bevacizumab) to treatment including the targeted agent Erbitux® (cetuximab), with or without the chemotherapy agent Camptosar® (irinotecan), appears effective for patients with advanced colorectal cancer who do not respond to ...

Developments in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: A Report from ASCO GI 2007 10/15/2007
IntroductionThe 2007 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, held January 19-21 in Orlando, Florida, was co-sponsored by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO), and the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO).  This was the fourth annual multidisciplinary ...

Issues and Prospects in Colorectal Cancer: A Report from the 2007 ONS Annual Congress 10/15/2007
IntroductionSeveral clinical issues in colon cancer risk, detection, diagnosis, and treatment were discussed at the 2007 Oncology Nursing Society Congress in Las Vegas, NV.ScreeningCharlene Marinelli, RN, BSN, OCN, Nora Katurakes, RN, MSN, OCN, and Sandra Donnelly, RN, OCN of Christina Health Care Services in Newark, Delaware presented ...

Patient Communication and Expectations: ASCO GI 2007 10/15/2007
The 2007 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium held January 19-21 in Orlando, Florida, was the fourth annual multidisciplinary symposium on gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, bringing together leading experts to present and discuss new research on prevention, screening, and treatment. Dr. Neil Love and colleagues presented an abstract titled, “How well do we ...

Cure at Ten-year Survival Following Surgery to Remove Colon Cancer Spread to Liver 10/12/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, patients surviving 10 years following the surgical removal of cancer that has spread from the colon to the liver can consider themselves cured. Furthermore, the authors state: “In well-selected patients, there is at least a one in ...

Advances in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: ASCO 2007 10/12/2007
IntroductionThe past decade has been an era of rapid proliferation of new drugs and regimens for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).  With seven active drugs now available including four chemotherapeutic agents: 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin, and three targeted agents: bevacizumab, cetuximab, and panitumumab, there are many possibilities for ...

Virtual Colonoscopy Suggested as Initial Screening for Colorectal Cancer 10/04/2007
According to an article recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, virtual colonoscopy, also referred to as computed tomographic colonography (CTC), is an effective initial screening measure for the detection of colorectal cancer.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. If ...

Higher Levels of Immune Cells Linked to Risk of Cancer in Postmenopausal Women 10/03/2007
According to results recently published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, postmenopausal women with higher levels of white blood cells (a type of immune cell) have a higher risk of developing specific types of cancer and dying from cancer.Inflammatory and immune system processes are thought to play significant roles ...

Fecal Immunochemical Test Detects High Percentage of Colon Cancers 09/28/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, use of a newer type of fecal occult blood test known as a fecal immunochemical test detected a high percentage of left-sided colorectal cancers (cancers that develop in the last part of the ...

No Clear Link between Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Colon Cancer Risk 09/27/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, higher intake of fruits and vegetables does not appear to reduce the risk of colon cancer.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. The disease develops in the ...

Higher Rates of Colorectal Cancer in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease 09/26/2007
According to the results of a study conducted in Hong Kong, patients with coronary artery disease have a higher rate of colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer than individuals without coronary artery disease. These results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.Colorectal cancer is the second leading ...

Gene Linked with Response to Vectibix™ in Colorectal Cancer 09/26/2007
In a study of patients with previously-treated metastatic colorectal cancer, treatment with VectibixTM (panitumumab) benefited only those patients with tumors that lacked mutations in a gene known as KRAS. These results were presented at the European Cancer Conference (ECCO 14).Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths ...

Study Evaluates Risk of Small Intestine Cancer in Lynch Syndrome 09/19/2007
According to the results of a study published in the journal Gut, the lifetime risk of small intestine cancer among individuals with Lynch Syndrome is roughly 4%.Lynch Syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), results from inherited mutations in genes involved in DNA mismatch repair.

Avastin® Increases Risk of Blood Clots in Arteries 09/04/2007
According to a combined analysis of five clinical trials, treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, breast cancer, or non–small lung cancer with a combination of Avastin and chemotherapy results in a higher risk of arterial blood clots than treatment with chemotherapy alone. These results were published in the Journal of ...

Diet High in Choline Linked with Increased Risk of Colorectal Polyps 08/31/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, high intake of choline—a nutrient found in foods such as red meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy products—may be linked with an increased risk of colorectal polyps.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of ...

Rate of Colorectal Cancer Screening with Colonoscopy in First-degree Relatives Needs Improvement 08/30/2007
According to an article recently published in Annals of Oncology, screening colonoscopy rates for individuals with a first-degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer remain suboptimal. It is recommended that patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer are made aware that their first-degree relatives have an increased risk of developing the disease; ...

Continuous Pain Medicine at Wound Site Shortens Recovery Time for Colorectal Cancer Surgery 08/27/2007
According to an article recently published in Anesthesiology, continuous administration of anesthesia at the site of the surgical wound significantly improves pain and accelerates recovery for patients with colorectal cancer.The surgical removal of cancer and surrounding tissue is a standard part of treatment in colorectal cancer, particularly if the ...

Addition of Vectibix™ to Avastin® plus Chemotherapy Does Not Improve Outcomes for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 08/24/2007
According to results presented at the 9th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer, the addition of Vectibix™ (panitumumab) to Avastin® (bevacizumab) and the chemotherapy regimens FOLFOX or FOLFIRI does not improve outcomes for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United ...

Addition of Avastin® to FOLFOX Produces High Activity in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 08/23/2007
According to an article published in BMC Cancer, the addition of the targeted agent Avastin® (bevacizumab) to the chemotherapy regimen FOLFOX provides impressive results and is well tolerated as treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer.Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Metastatic colorectal ...

Reintroduction of Eloxatin® Improves Survival in Colorectal Cancer Patients 08/22/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, reintroduction of Eloxatin® (oxapliatin)-based chemotherapy improves survival for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Advanced colorectal cancer refers to cancer that has spread from its ...

Diet Linked with Colon Cancer Survival 08/16/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a diet high in meat, fat, refined grains, and sweets may increase the risk of cancer recurrence and death among patients with Stage III colon cancer.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of ...

Little Evidence That Statins Reduce the Risk of Colorectal Cancer 08/10/2007
According to a combined analysis of previously published studies, the cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins are unlikely to substantially reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. The disease ...

Adding Camptosar® to 5-Fluorouracil/Leucovorin Does Not Improve Outcome in Stage III Colon Cancer 08/09/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the addition of Camptosar® (irinotecan) to 5-fluorouracil (fluorouracil) and leucovorin does not improve outcomes compared to fluorouracil/leucovorin alone in the treatment of Stage III colon cancer.Stage III colon cancer refers to cancer that has passed through the ...

Vectibix™ Effective as Single Agent for Colorectal Cancer 08/08/2007
According to an early online publication in the journal Cancer, the targeted agent Vectibix™ (panitumumab) has anticancer activity when used as a single agent among patients who have received prior therapy for colorectal cancer.Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Patients who ...

Updates in the Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Report from the 9th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer 08/07/2007
 Introduction The 9th Annual World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer was held in Barcelona, Spain, June 28 through July 1, 2007 in association with the European Society of Medical Oncology. This meeting continues to grow and is a forum for the review of data recently presented at ...

Patient Time Requirements for Screening Colonoscopy Defined 07/31/2007
According to an early online article published by the American Journal of Gastroeneterology, time requirements of a patient for undergoing screening colonoscopy have been defined. It is important that patients understand this time commitment prior to scheduling a colonoscopy.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in ...

Smokers May Benefit Less from Camptosar® than Nonsmokers in Colorectal Cancer 07/30/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, smoking may reduce the body's ability to effectively metabolize the chemotherapy agent Camptosar® (irinotecan) in the treatment of colorectal cancer. It appears that smoking may reduce the exposure of the drug's cancer killing effects to cancer cells.It is ...

Recurrence Rates for Liver Metastases Reduced when Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Chemotherapy are Used with Surgery 07/30/2007
According to results from a late-breaking session at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), patients with colorectal cancer whose cancer has spread to the liver (liver metastases) have improved survival without cancer recurrences when they receive chemotherapy prior to and following surgery, compared ...

Higher Vitamin D Levels Linked with Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer 07/27/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, people with higher plasma levels of vitamin D may have a reduced risk of developing colon cancer.Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes from dietary supplements, foods such as fortified milk and ...

Smoking Associated with Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer 07/18/2007
According to an article recently published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, smoking increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer.A current focus in cancer research is the study of environmental factors and risks of developing certain types of cancer. Smoking tobacco products has been implicated in an increased risk ...

Sequential Chemotherapy as Effective as Concurrent Chemotherapy in Advanced Colorectal Cancer 07/16/2007
According to results recently published in The Lancet, sequential administration of chemotherapy appears just as effective as concurrent administration among patients with advanced colorectal cancer.Advanced colorectal cancer refers to cancer that has spread from its site of origin to more distant sites in the body. Typically, chemotherapy is used ...

Repeat Surgery for Liver Metastases Improves Survival for Colorectal Cancer 06/29/2007
According to results recently published in the Archives of Surgery, repeat surgery to remove cancer that has spread to the liver provides significantly improved survival among patients with colorectal cancer.Colorectal cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Once advanced, the liver is a common place for ...

Adequate Removal of Lymph Nodes Necessary for Accurate Staging and Optimal Survival in Colorectal Cancer 06/26/2007
According to results recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, adequate removal of lymph nodes affects accurate staging of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, patients with colorectal cancer who do not undergo adequate removal of lymph nodes have a reduced survival.Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in ...

Continued Maintenance Therapy May Improve Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 06/12/2007
According to results recently presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), continuous maintenance therapy may improve survival among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Metastatic colorectal cancer refers to cancer ...

Aspirin Protects Against Subset of Colorectal Cancers 05/25/2007
According to the results of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, regular, long-term aspirin use reduces the risk of colorectal cancers that overexpress the COX-2 enzyme.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, highlighting the importance of finding effective ...

Gene Mutation Linked with Poor Response to Erbitux® in Patients with Colorectal Cancer 05/08/2007
Among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, those whose cancers contain a mutation in the KRAS gene appear to be less likely than other patients to respond to treatment with Erbitux® (cetuximab) and chemotherapy. These results were published in the British Journal of Cancer.Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause ...

Low Levels of Magnesium Associated with EGFR Antibodies in Colorectal Cancer 05/03/2007
According to an article recently published in the Lancet Oncology, low levels of magnesium in the blood occur in 97% of patients treated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting antibodies for colorectal cancer.The EGFR pathway is involved in cellular growth and replication and is often mutated or overexpressed among ...

Erbitux® Improves Outcomes in Advanced Colorectal Cancer 04/26/2007
Two studies presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) indicate that Erbitux® (cetuximab) improves treatment outcomes in patients with previously-treated metastatic colorectal cancer.Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Metastatic colorectal cancer refers to cancer ...

Long-term Aspirin Use Modestly Lowers Cancer Risk 04/24/2007
According to results recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, daily long-term use of adult-strength aspirin appears to modestly lower the overall incidence of cancer; this is particularly evident in colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer.Results from previous studies have indicated that long-term use of anti-inflammatory agents ...

Oral Glutamine Helps Prevent Side Effects Caused by Eloxatin® 04/19/2007
According to an article recently published in the Oncologist, oral glutamine helps to reduce or prevent the development of neurotoxicity among patients being treated with the chemotherapy agent Eloxatin® (oxaplatin).Eloxatin is a commonly used chemotherapy agent in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, it is associated with a side ...

Room for Improvement in Screening of Patients with Family History of Colorectal Cancer 04/03/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, many individuals with a strong family history of colorectal cancer are not aware that they should consider starting colorectal cancer screening at a younger age than average-risk individuals.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause ...

Removal of More Lymph Nodes Improves Survival in Colon Cancer 03/27/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, patients with Stage II and III colon cancer have improved survival when a greater number of lymph nodes are removed during surgery.The colon is the largest part of the large intestine. Stage II and III ...

Radioactive Microspheres plus Chemotherapy Provide Great Anticancer Activity in Advanced Colorectal Cancer 03/21/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, microspheres that contain a radioactive substance along with the chemotherapy regimen referred to as FOLFOX4 provide substantial anticancer activity among patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of ...

Aspirin and NSAIDS Not Recommended for Colorectal Cancer Prevention 03/20/2007
According to a report issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the use of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for the prevention of colorectal cancer is not recommended for individuals at average risk of colorectal cancer; the harms appear to outweigh the benefits.Colorectal cancer is the ...

Immunochemical FOBT Aids in Detection of Colorectal Cancer and Colorectal Polyps 03/08/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the newer type of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) known as an immunochemical FOBT performs better than older approaches to FOBT in the detection of colorectal cancer and colorectal polyps.Colorectal cancer is the second leading ...

Variables Affect Rate of Missed Cancers on Colonoscopy 02/26/2007
According to an article published in the journal Gastroenterology, colonoscopies performed in an office or performed by an internist or family physician carry a higher risk of missing colorectal cancers compared to colonoscopies performed in a hospital setting or performed by a gastroenterologist.Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause ...

Disparities Persist in Colorectal Cancer Screening 02/20/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, non-White Medicare beneficiaries are roughly half as likely as White Medicare beneficiaries to be screened for colorectal cancer.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. The disease develops in the ...

Route of Chemotherapy Administration Not Linked with Quality of Life 02/05/2007
According to a study of patients with operable colon cancer, treatment with oral chemotherapy drugs is perceived as more convenient than treatment with intravenous chemotherapy drugs, but route of chemotherapy administration did not significantly influence health-related quality of life. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.Colorectal ...

Celebrex® Does Not Increase Effectiveness of FOLFOX 02/05/2007
Among patients treated with the FOLFOX7 chemotherapy regimen for metastatic colorectal cancer, the addition of Celebrex® (celecoxib) did not further improve outcomes. These results were published in Annals of Oncology.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The disease develops in the large ...

Surgeon and Hospital Characteristics Influence Colon Surgery Outcomes 01/23/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Archives of Surgery, colon cancer patients experience fewer postoperative complications when they are treated by a surgeon who performs a high number of colon cancer surgeries. In addition, the risk of death after colon cancer surgery is lower among ...

XELOX and FOLFOX Produce Comparable Survival in Advanced Colorectal Cancer 01/23/2007
According to results from a press release from Roche, as well as results presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Symposium,  the chemotherapy combination referred to as XELOX provides the same survival as FOLFOX as initial therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. (XELOX, ...

Effect of Calcium Supplementation on Adenoma Recurrence Persists for at Least Five Years After Treatment 01/18/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, a protective effect of calcium supplementation on risk of colorectal adenoma recurrence persisted for up to five years after the end of the study.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths ...

Estrogen Use May Increase Survival in Patients with Colorectal Cancer 01/12/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, women who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer may have a decreased risk of death if they have used estrogen for hormone replacement therapy, particularly if estrogen was used within five years of diagnosis.As women reach menopause ...

Addition of Erbitux® to FOLFIRI Improves Progression-free Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 01/10/2007
According to a press release by ImClone Systems, the addition of the targeted agent Erbitux® (cetuximab) to the chemotherapy regimen referred to as FOLFIRI improves progression-free survival compared to FOLFIRI alone in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the ...

Statins Not Protective Against Colorectal Cancer 01/04/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, use of cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins does not appear to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. The disease develops ...

Medicare Coverage of Colonoscopy Increased Early Detection of Colon Cancer in Elderly 12/22/2006
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, use of screening colonoscopy and early detection of colon cancer in the elderly both increased after Medicare began providing reimbursement for colonoscopy.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the ...

Rushed Colonoscopies May Miss Polyps 12/21/2006
According to the results of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, physicians who withdraw the colonoscope more quickly during routine screening colonoscopy detect fewer colorectal polyps than physicians who withdraw the colonoscope more slowly.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the ...

Delay in Chemotherapy Associated with Worse Outcomes for Elderly with Colorectal Cancer 11/27/2006
According to an article recently published in the journal Cancer, a delay in chemotherapy longer than three months following surgery is associated with worse outcomes for elderly patients with colorectal cancer. Fortunately, these delays are not common.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United ...

Kepivance® Reduces Mucositis in Colorectal Cancer Patients Receiving 5-FU 11/09/2006
According to an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Kepivance® (palifermin) can significantly reduce oral mucositis among patients with colorectal cancer who are receiving chemotherapy including fluorouracil plus leucovorin (FU/LV).Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.  Patients with colorectal cancer ...

Higher Hospital Volume Linked with Better Survival After Gastrointestinal Surgery 11/08/2006
According to the results of a study conducted in Taiwan, patients with stomach, liver, colorectal, or esophageal cancers have better survival after surgery if the surgery is performed in a hospital that handles a greater number of these surgeries. These results were published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology.The ...

Addition of Chemotherapy Improves Cancer-free Survival in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Spread to the Liver 11/06/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, adding chemotherapy to the surgical removal of cancer spread to the liver improves cancer-free survival compared to surgery alone among patients with colorectal cancer.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. ...

Colonoscopy Finds More Advanced Cancers in Men than Women 11/03/2006
According to an article recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, screening colonoscopy tends to find advanced colorectal cancer at higher rates in men than in women. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. If colorectal cancer is detected and ...

Ferritin Levels May Indicate Need for Colonoscopy in Anemic Men 10/31/2006
According to the results of a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, anemic men with ferritin levels under 100 ng/mL may benefit from colonoscopy to rule out colon cancer. Because colorectal cancer can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, individuals with blood in their stools or with unexplained iron-deficiency anemia may ...

Red Wine May Help Reduce Colorectal Cancer 10/30/2006
According to results recently presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, three or more glasses of red wine per week may reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Due to its ...

XELOX as Effective as FOLFOX in Advanced Colorectal Cancer 10/11/2006
According to results recently presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), the chemotherapy combination referred to as XELOX is as effective as FOLFOX, though more convenient, as initial therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the addition of Avastin® (bevacizumab) to either treatment ...

Gene Expression Predicts Prognosis of Stage II Colon Cancer 10/10/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, measures of expressions of genes may predict the prognosis of patients with Stage II colon cancer. Colon cancer is common in the United States. Stage II colon cancer refers to cancer that has penetrated the wall of the ...

Amgen Offers Financial Assistance for Vectibix™ 09/29/2006
Amgen has announced that it has initiated a program, referred to as the Oncology Assistance (AOA) program, to provide financial assistance for patients using Vectibix™ (panitumumab). Vectibix is a monoclonal antibody that has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer ...

Vectibix™ Approved for Colorectal Cancer 09/28/2006
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the monoclonal antibody Vectibix™ (panitumumab) for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer among patients who received two prior therapeutic regimens. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Metastatic colorectal refers to cancer that has ...

Long-term Follow-up of Surgical Removal of Cancer Spread to Liver Among Colorectal Cancer Patients 09/27/2006
According to an article recently published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology, 10-year survival can be achieved in nearly 30% of patients with colorectal cancer following the surgical removal of cancer that has spread to the liver. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United ...

Researchers Continue to Improve Identification of Lynch Syndrome 09/27/2006
Two new tools have been developed to predict an individual's risk of carrying a gene mutation linked with hereditary colorectal cancer. Use of these tools may guide decisions about genetic testing. Descriptions of these tools were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Lynch Syndrome, also known as ...

HNPCC Families Show Abnormal Reflection of Light from Tissues in Mouth 09/22/2006
According to the results of a study conducted in Italy, evaluation of how light reflects off of tissue in the mouth may help identify patients at high risk of a specific type of hereditary colorectal cancer. These results were published in the journal Gut. Lynch Syndrome, also known as hereditary ...

FOLFOX4 Safe and Effective in Selected Elderly Colorectal Cancer Patients 09/19/2006
According to the combined results of four clinical trials, use of the FOLFOX4 chemotherapy regimen (Eloxatin® plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, administered bimonthly) resulted in similar benefits in colorectal cancer patients younger than and older than 70 years of age. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United ...

Patients Prefer Conventional Colonoscopy 09/05/2006
According to a study published in the American Journal of Medicine, patients prefer conventional colonoscopy over virtual colonoscopy or barium enema as a screening test for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Screening tests for colorectal cancer include fecal occult blood test ...

High Rate of Cancer Recurrence After Surgery for Initially Inoperable Liver Metastases 08/31/2006
Among colorectal cancer patients with initially inoperable liver metastases, those who become candidates for surgery after an initial course of chemotherapy (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) have a high risk of cancer recurrence. These results were published in the British Journal of Surgery. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths ...

Further Evidence of Association Between Diabetes and Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer 08/31/2006
According to an article recently published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, type 2 diabetes increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer, particularly among men and smokers. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. If detected and treated early, cure rates for colorectal cancer ...

Celebrex® Reduces Pre-cancerous Colorectal Tumors but Increases Cardiovascular Risks 08/31/2006
According to two articles recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the cyclooxygenases 2 (COX-2) inhibitor Celebrex® (celecoxib) reduces the risk of pre-cancerous colorectal tumors (adenomas) among patients with previously diagnosed colorectal adenomas. However, the use of Celebrex is associated with an increased risk in cardiovascular side effects. Colorectal cancer ...

CEA and Albumin Levels Associated with Survival in Colorectal Cancer 08/24/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, levels of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and albumin (ALB) are associated with survival among patients with early colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Early colorectal cancer refers to ...

Complete Response to Chemotherapy for Liver Metastasis Rarely Results in Cure in Colorectal Cancer 08/23/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, a complete disappearance of cancer as detected by computed tomography (CT) following chemotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer spread to the liver rarely results in a cure. Other treatment options, perhaps in addition to chemotherapy, may ...

Surgical Removal of Single Site of Cancer Spread to Liver Improves Survival Compared to Radiofrequency Ablation in Colorectal Cancer 08/18/2006
According to an article recently published in the Archives of Surgery, the surgical removal of a single site cancer that has spread to the liver improves survival over radiofrequency ablation among patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. ...

Second-line Treatment not Limited by Initial Treatment with FOLFOXIRI 08/18/2006
Among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, initial treatment with the chemotherapy combination known as FOLFOXIRI (5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan) does not rule out successful second-line treatment with some of these same drugs. These results were published in the Annals of Oncology. Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related ...

Dietary Supplements Show Promise in Patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis 08/10/2006
Dietary supplementation with curcumin and quercetin may reduce the number and size of polyps in individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis who have undergone surgical removal of the colon. These results were published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Adenomatous polyps are non-cancerous growths in the colon or rectum that ...

Chronomodulated Therapy for Colorectal Cancer Produces Promising Results in Men 08/04/2006
Among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, administration of the chemotherapy drugs Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin), 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin on a schedule that is adjusted to circadian rhythms (chronomodulated) appears to improve outcomes in men but not in women. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Colorectal cancer remains the ...

Scans plus Tumor Markers Detect Recurrences Earlier than Either Alone in Colorectal Cancer Patients 07/27/2006
According to an article recently published in the British Journal of Cancer, levels of tumor markers plus results from computed tomography (CT) scans predicted cancer recurrences earlier than either method alone among patients with colorectal cancer who had liver metastasis that had been surgically removed. The liver is a very ...

Further Evidence that Physical Activity May Reduce Recurrences and Deaths from Colon Cancer 07/18/2006
According to an article recently published in an early online edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, patients diagnosed with stage III colon cancer who are physically active at six months following therapy have significantly lower rates of cancer recurrences and death from the disease than patients who are ...

Virtual Colonoscopy Not Ready for Routine Screening for Colorectal Cancer 07/11/2006
According to results recently published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Action Plan on Colorectal Cancer Prevention has determined that computed tomography-colonography (CTC or virtual colonoscopy) is not ready for approval as an “effective and cost-effective strategy for colorectal cancer prevention.” Colorectal cancer is ...

Body Size Linked with Risk of Colon Cancer 07/07/2006
According to the results of a study conducted in Europe, individuals with larger waist measurements have an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Body size, however, was not linked with risk of rectal cancer. These results were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Colorectal cancer is the second ...

Researchers Develop Tool to Improve Prediction of Lynch Syndrome 07/05/2006
Researchers in Scotland have developed a statistical model to identify colon cancer patients who are most likely to have Lynch Syndrome—a type of hereditary colorectal cancer that results from inherited mutations in DNA repair genes. Use of the model may help physicians and patients make decisions about the need ...

Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping More Accurate in Detecting Cancer Spread in Early Colorectal Cancer 06/23/2006
According to an article published in the Archives of Surgery, sentinel lymph node mapping during surgery allowed physicians to identify cancer spread to the lymph nodes in patients with early colorectal cancer. The results from the lymph node mapping were more accurate than those of standard procedures. This increased ...

Avastin® Approved for Recurrent Colorectal Cancer 06/21/2006
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Avastin® (bevacizumab), in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy, for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer in patients who have received a prior therapeutic regimen. Avastin is already approved for use as initial treatment in combination with 5-FU-based chemotherapy in ...

FOLFOXIRI Superior to FOLFIRI as Initial Treatment for Advanced Colorectal Cancer 06/21/2006
According to results recently presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the chemotherapy regimen referred to as FOLFOXIRI improves time to cancer progression compared to FOLFIRI when used as initial therapy for advanced colorectal cancer. However, longer follow-up is necessary to determine ...

Xaliproden Reduces Severity of Neuropathy Associated with Eloxatin® in Colorectal Cancer 06/21/2006
According to results presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the agent xaliproden, still in clinical trials, appears to reduce the severity of peripheral neuropathy, a common side effect associated with the use of the chemotherapy agent Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin) in patients with ...

Addition of Erbitux® to XELOX Reduces Cancer Progression as First-line Therapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 06/14/2006
According to results presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the addition of the targeted agent Erbitux® (cetuximab) to the chemotherapy regimen referred to as XELOX significantly improves anticancer responses and reduces cancer progression compared to XELOX alone when used as initial ...

Panitumumab Targeted Therapy Provides Anticancer Activity in Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer 06/14/2006
According to results presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the targeted agent panitumumab provides high anticancer responses in patients with advanced colorectal cancer that has stopped responding to standard therapies.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the ...

Gene Expression Profiling Predicts Recurrence in Stage II/III Colon Cancer 06/13/2006
According to a study presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), information about gene expression in colon tumors predicts the risk of cancer recurrence in patients with stage II or stage III colon cancer.  Gene expression profiling explores the patterns of genes that ...

Confirmation that Erbitux® Provides Benefit in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer when Camptosar® Is Not Effective 06/06/2006
Researchers from Germany reported that the combination of Erbitux® (cetuximab) and Camptosar® (irinotecan) provides meaningful benefit in the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer that has not responded to prior Camptosar-based therapies. These results were presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology ...

Follow-Up Screening for Colorectal Cancer Inadequate 06/02/2006
According to an early online publication of Diseases of the Colon and Rectum, patient compliance with follow-up screening for colorectal cancer is inadequate following a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Early detection through screening for colorectal ...

Heart Disease and Diabetes Increase Risk of Colorectal Cancer 05/24/2006
According to results presented at the 2006 Digestive Disease Week meeting, individuals who are diabetic or those with coronary artery disease have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. If detected and treated early, cure rates for ...

Decreased Risk of Colorectal Cancer Persists For More Than 10 Years after Negative Colonoscopy 05/24/2006
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the decreased risk of colorectal cancer in individuals who have had a negative screening colonoscopy persists for more than 10 years after the colonoscopy. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths ...

Very Elderly May Derive Less Benefit from Colonoscopy 05/24/2006
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the increase in life expectancy that results from screening colonoscopy is smaller for very elderly patients than for younger patients. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. The ...

Marker Helps Predict Response to 5-FU Chemotherapy in Early Colorectal Cancer 05/12/2006
According to an article recently published in the journal Gut, a molecular marker referred to as mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency may help to predict which patients will respond to chemotherapy including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for treatment of early colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in ...

High Fruit and Veggie Intake Reduces Development of Colorectal Adenomas in Women 05/11/2006
According to an article recently published in Cancer Research, high consumption of fruit and vegetables significantly reduces the incidence of colorectal polyps among women. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Due to its prevalence, extensive research is aimed at uncovering variables that may ...

Certain Patients Less Likely to Complete Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Stage III Colon Cancer 05/11/2006
A study of elderly patients with stage III colon cancer found that patients who were female, widowed, very elderly, or who required readmission to the hospital were less likely than other patients to complete adjuvant chemotherapy. These results were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Colorectal cancer ...

Study Supports Five-Year Interval for Screening with Flexible Sigmoidoscopy 05/09/2006
According to a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening with flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years produces similar results to screening with flexible sigmoidoscopy every three years. This suggests that a five-year interval is appropriate for screening with flexible sigmoidoscopy. Colorectal cancer is the second leading ...

Fatty Inflammation of the Liver Linked with Worse Outcomes After Liver Surgery 05/08/2006
Patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver have worse survival after liver surgery if they have a condition known as steatohepatitis (fatty inflammation of the liver). These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in ...

Ulcerative Colitis Linked with Worse Colorectal Cancer Prognosis 05/05/2006
According to the results of a study conducted in Denmark, colorectal cancer patients with ulcerative colitis have a worse prognosis than colorectal cancer patients without ulcerative colitis. These results were published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. ...

Duration of Treatment Affects Survival in Elderly with Colon Cancer 04/28/2006
According to an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, elderly patients with stage III colon cancer who receive at least five months of treatment with chemotherapy have significantly improved survival compared to patients who receive less than five months of chemotherapy. Colorectal cancer is the second leading ...

Physical Activity May Reduce Deaths from Colorectal Cancer 04/25/2006
According to an article recently published in the journal Gut, patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer who are physically active have significantly lower rates of death from the disease than patients who are not physically active. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Researchers continue to ...

Telephone Intervention Improves Screening Rates 04/19/2006
According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, a telephone support intervention improved the rates of screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer among low-income women. Screening for early detection of cancer has improved survival for many types of cancer, including breast, cervical, and colorectal. Cervical and ...

Xeloda®, Eloxatin®, and Tarceva® Effective for Previously Treated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 04/19/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the treatment combination consisting of Xeloda® (capecitabine), Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin), and Tarceva® (erlotinib) is an effective treatment regimen for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have received prior therapies. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths ...

XELOX is Well Tolerated as Initial Regimen for Elderly Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer 04/13/2006
According to an article recently published in the British Journal of Cancer, the chemotherapy combination consisting of capecitabine (Xeloda®) and oxaliplatin (Eloxatin®), known as XELOX, is a well tolerated initial treatment regimen for patients 70 years or older with metastatic colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of ...

Celebrex® Reduces Growth of Colorectal Polyps 04/04/2006
According to a press release from Pfizer, results from two clinical trials suggest that Celebrex® (celecoxib) reduces the growth of precancerous colorectal polyps in patients at increased risk for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. The disease develops in the colon ...

Addition of MRI Does Not Improve Colorectal Cancer Follow-Up 04/04/2006
Routine surveillance by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was no more effective than conventional follow-up tests in detecting patients with operable colorectal cancer recurrences. These results were published in the Annals of Surgery. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. The disease develops in the ...

Panitumumab Reduces Disease Progression in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 04/03/2006
According to results presented at a plenary session at the 97th annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the investigative agent panitumumab significantly improved progression-free survival and disease stabilization in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer whose disease had progressed following prior chemotherapy. Colorectal cancer is the second ...

New Approach to Colonoscopy Tested 03/29/2006
Colonoscopy is an effective screening tool for colorectal cancer, but must be conducted by a highly trained individual. In order to make colonoscopy more widely available, researchers have tested an approach that uses a self-propelling, self-navigating device. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. ...

Erbitux® plus Camptosar® Effective in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Who Have Received Extensive Prior Therapy 03/29/2006
According to article published in the British Journal of Cancer, the treatment combination consisting of Erbitux® (cetuximab) and Camptosar® (irinotecan) provides anticancer activity and may improve outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer who have received two prior therapies. The colon and rectum comprise the final parts of the large intestine. ...

Alcohol and Tobacco Use Linked with Younger Age at Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis 03/28/2006
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine reports that current users of alcohol and tobacco are diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a younger age than non-users of alcohol and tobacco. If confirmed, these findings could influence screening recommendations. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths ...

Breast and Colorectal Cancer Patients Receiving High-Quality Care 03/20/2006
According to a study of patients with stage I to stage III breast cancer or stage II to stage III colorectal cancer, a large majority of patients are receiving care that is in accordance with current guidelines. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. A 1999 report ...

Hepatic Arterial Infusion Superior to Systemic Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer Spread to the Liver 03/09/2006
According to an early online article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) appears superior to systemic chemotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Although cure ...

Antidepressants May Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk 03/09/2006
According to a study published in Lancet Oncology, the class of antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) may reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. An estimated 100 million prescriptions for antidepressant medications are written each year in the US. Though previous studies have explored the question ...

Addition of Erbitux® to Chemotherapy Promising as Initial Treatment for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 03/07/2006
According to results recently published in the Annals of Oncology, the addition of Erbitux® (cetuximab) to the chemotherapy combination consisting of Camptosar® (irinotecan), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and folinic acid (FA) is safe and suggests promising anticancer activity when used as initial therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer. The colon and rectum comprise ...

Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Colon Cancer Still Uncertain 02/23/2006
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, sentinel lymph node biopsy did not accurately detect the presence of lymph node metastases in patients with colon cancer. Accurately determining the extent of cancer is a critical component of treatment planning. Determining whether or not cancer has spread ...

Patients Diagnosed with Blood Clots at Increased Risk for Colon and Breast Cancer 02/17/2006
According to a recent article published in the journal Cancer, individuals who are hospitalized for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) are thought to have a significantly increased risk of developing colon cancer or breast cancer within the following two years. Breast cancer and colon cancer are two ...

Colorectal Cancer Risk Not Reduced by Calcium plus Vitamin D 02/16/2006
According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, use of calcium plus vitamin D supplements does not reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. The disease develops in the large intestine, ...

Patients Prefer Xeloda® to 5-Flurouracil in Treatment of Colorectal Cancer 02/15/2006
According to an article recently published in the Annals of Oncology, patients with colorectal cancer prefer the chemotherapy agent Xeloda® (capecitabine) to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in their treatment regimen. Colorectal cancer is diagnosed in approximately 145,000 people every year in the U.S. One commonly used chemotherapy agent for the treatment of ...

Test Now Available to Guide Dosing of Camptosar® in Colorectal Cancer 02/14/2006
The Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings (LabCorp®) recently announced that a test is now available that detects variants within the UGT1A1 gene; these variants are associated with severe side effects from treatment with Camptosar® (irinotecan) for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is diagnosed in approximately 145,000 people every year in the ...

Low-Fat Diet Does Not Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk 02/09/2006
According to the results of the Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification Trial, risk of colorectal cancer was not significantly reduced among postmenopausal women assigned to a diet low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, and grains. These results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Studies ...

Virtual Colonoscopy with Computer-Aided Polyp Detection Shows Promise 02/08/2006
According to a study published in the journal Gastroenterology, computed tomographic (CT) virtual colonoscopy, coupled with computer-aided polyp detection, detects most polyps that are eight millimeters in size or larger. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. The disease develops in the large intestine, ...

Use of Sequential Fecal Occult Blood Tests for Colorectal Cancer Screening 02/02/2006
Many patients who test positive to the standard guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (FOBT) during colorectal cancer screening will be found to be cancer-free by colonoscopy. Use of the more sensitive immunochemical FOBT to retest these subjects may help clarify the risk of cancer and the need for colonoscopy. ...

Xaliproden May Reduce Side Effect Caused by Eloxatin® in Colorectal Cancer 02/02/2006
According to results presented at the 2006 ASCO/ASTRO Gastrointestinal Cancer symposium, the agent xaliproden, still in clinical trials, appears to reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathy, a common side effect associated with the use of the chemotherapy agent Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin) in patients with colorectal cancer. Eloxatin is a commonly used ...

CoFactor™ Plus 5-FU Provides Large Response in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 02/01/2006
According to results recently presented at the 2006 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, the addition of CoFactor™ (ANX 510) appears to significantly enhance the activity of the chemotherapy agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. The colon and rectum comprise the final parts of the large intestine. Colorectal cancer ...

Intensive Screening Following Treatment for Colon Cancer Yields Improved Survival 01/19/2006
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, more intensive screening up to the fifth year following treatment for patients diagnosed with stage II colon cancer yields improved survival compared with simpler screening strategy. Colorectal cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. After ...

Crohn's Disease Increases Risk of Intestinal Cancer 01/04/2006
According to a combined analysis of six studies, individuals with Crohn's disease have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer and small intestine cancer. These results were published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most common types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). ...

Early Immune Signs Predict Survival in Colorectal Cancer 12/30/2005
According to a recent article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the presence of an immune response and absence of early signs of cancer spread within a patient's surgically removed cancer specimen is associated with significantly improved cancer-free and overall survival in colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer remains the second-leading ...

Physical Activity and Healthy Body Weight Improve Colorectal Cancer Survival 12/27/2005
In addition to reducing the risk of developing colorectal cancer, regular physical activity and maintenance of a healthy body weight may improve survival among individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer. These results were published in the journal Gut. In 2005, the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 145,000 new ...

No Clear Link Between Dietary Fiber and Colorectal Cancer 12/16/2005
While high fiber intake has been hypothesized to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, previous studies have produced mixed results. In a large pooled analysis of 13 studies, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers found that dietary fiber was not associated with a reduced ...

Two-Thirds of Patients with Stage III Colon Cancer Receive Recommended Chemotherapy 12/07/2005
In 1990, a conference sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommended that patients with stage III colon cancer receive adjuvant chemotherapy. A study of trends in chemotherapy use in the years following this recommendation reports that chemotherapy rates have increased over time, but there is still room ...

Diabetes Linked with Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer 11/28/2005
A combined analysis of several studies shows evidence of a link between diabetes and colorectal cancer in both men and women, according to a report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute . Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. The disease ...

Occupational Asbestos Exposure May Be Linked with Colorectal Cancer 11/16/2005
According to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, men with occupational exposure to asbestos appear to be more likely to develop colorectal cancer than men without such exposure. Asbestos is the general name applied to a group of naturally occurring minerals that form fibers. These asbestos fibers ...

Phase III Trial of Panitumumab for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 11/10/2005
According to a press release from Amgen and Abgenix, treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer with the monoclonal antibody panitumumab slowed cancer progression. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Metastatic colorectal cancer refers to cancer that has spread from the colon or rectum (parts ...

Xeloda®/Eloxatin®/Avastin® Appears Promising for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 11/09/2005
According to preliminary results presented at the 2005 European Cancer Conference (ECCO 13), the treatment combination including the chemotherapy agents Xeloda® (capecitabine) and Eloxatin® (oxapliatin) in addition to the monoclonal antibody Avastin® (bevacizumab) appears to be a promising treatment regimen for initial therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is ...

Phase II Trial of Panitumumab Plus FOLFIRI for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 11/08/2005
The combination of the monoclonal antibody panitumumab and the FOLFIRI chemotherapy regimen may be effective when used for initial treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, according to study results presented at the 23rd annual Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Metastatic ...

Colonoscopy Benefits Those with Family History of Colorectal Cancer 10/28/2005
Screening colonoscopy reduces the risk of colorectal cancer in individuals with a first-degree family history of colorectal cancer, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal . Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. The disease develops in the large intestine, which ...

Breast Cancer Patients Not at Increased Risk for Colorectal Cancer 10/18/2005
According to a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, women with a history of breast cancer are no more likely than other women to develop colorectal cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the US; colorectal cancer is the third. Some ...

Many Patients Not Receiving Recommended Colorectal Cancer Screening 10/18/2005
Only 54% of a large, insured population of patients between the ages of 55 and 70 received recommended colorectal cancer screening during a five-year period, according to a study published in the journal Cancer . Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. The disease ...

TroVax® Vaccine May Improve Outcomes in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 10/17/2005
According to results recently presented at the 2005 International Colorectal Cancer Congress, use of the vaccine TroVax® in addition to chemotherapy is safe and may improve outcomes for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. However, future trials directly comparing TroVax® to chemotherapy alone are necessary to confirm these results. Colorectal cancer ...

Height and Weight Affect Risk of Colorectal Cancer 10/13/2005
According to a recent article published in Cancer Causes and Control, both height and weight may affect the risk of developing colorectal cancer in men and women. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. The disease develops in the large intestine, which includes the ...

New Screening Test for Colorectal Cancer Improves Accuracy 09/26/2005
A new type of fecal occult blood test is more accurate than the standard fecal occult blood test in detecting advanced adenomas and colorectal cancers, according to a study presented at the 2005 World Congress of Gastroenterology. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. ...

Radioactive Monoclonal Antibody Improves Survival in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Spread to Liver 09/22/2005
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the radioactive monoclonal antibody 131I-labeled labetuzumab appears to improve long-term survival in patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. Colorectal cancer is responsible for nearly 60,000 deaths annually in the US alone. Metastatic colorectal cancer ...

Beer and Spirits May Increase Risk of Colorectal Neoplasia 09/14/2005
According to a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, people who drink more than eight glasses of beer or spirits per week may be more than twice as likely to have abnormal cell growth (neoplasia) found during screening colonoscopy than people who drink less. Colorectal cancer is the ...

SMAD Levels Predict Survival Time in Colorectal Cancer 09/13/2005
According to a recent article published in Clinical Cancer Research, levels of the protein referred to as SMAD4 appear helpful in predicting survival of patients with colon cancer who are treated with the chemotherapy agent 5-fluorouracil. Patients whose SMAD4 levels indicate a poor outcome may benefit from different treatment ...

Enzyme Level in Lymph Node Metastases Predicts Colorectal Cancer Survival 08/31/2005
Among patients with Duke's C colorectal cancer, low levels of the enzyme thymidylate synthase in lymph node metastases are associated with better survival, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Dukes' C ...

Aspirin May Reduce Risk of Colorectal Cancer 08/31/2005
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), women who use aspirin on a regular basis for more than 10 years have a reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer. In 2005, the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 145,000 new colorectal cancer ...

Laparoscopy Guides Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Spread to Liver 08/30/2005
Minimally invasive surgery to explore the extent of disease prior to more extensive surgery resulted in a change of treatment plans for roughly half of colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases, according to a study published in the Archives of Surgery. When colorectal cancer spreads to distant sites in the ...

Chemotherapy Plus Immunotherapy May Delay Cancer Progression in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 08/26/2005
According to results recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the chemotherapy combination FOLFOX 4 plus Gemzar® (gemcitabine) used with agents that stimulate the immune system (immunotherapy) may delay disease progression substantially in patients with metastatic colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in ...

Xelox Yields Impressive Survival in Pre-Treated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 08/26/2005
According to a recent article published in Oncology, the chemotherapy combination referred to as Xelox (Xeloda® and Eloxatin®) appears to be a highly effective regimen for patients with advanced colorectal cancer who have received prior chemotherapy. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. ...

Virtual Colonography Detects Areas of Concern Outside the Colon 07/26/2005
According to an article recently published in Radiology, virtual colonoscopy, also referred to as computed tomographic (CT) colography, detects clinically important findings outside of the colon. Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and researchers are evaluating effective ways to ...

Chemotherapy Regimens FOLFOX and FOLFIRI Produce Similar Survival in Advanced Colorectal Cancer 07/18/2005
According to a recent early on-line publication of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the chemotherapy regimens referred to as FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil, Eloxatin®, leucovorin) and FOLFIRI (5-fluorouracil, Camptosar®, leucovorin)  produce similar survival in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. It was also noted that each regimen is associated with different ...

Addition of Regional Chemotherapy Does Not Improve Outcomes in Colon Cancer 07/07/2005
According to a recent article published in The Lancet Oncology, the addition of regional chemotherapy to systemic chemotherapy does not improve outcomes in patients with stages II-III colon cancer. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The colon comprises the majority of the ...

Xeloda® an Effective Treatment Option for Stage III Colon Cancer 06/30/2005
According to an article recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the oral chemotherapy agent Xeloda® (capecitabine) is an effective post-surgical treatment alternative to the historical standard for patients with Duke's C (stage III) colon cancer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Xeloda for this ...

Xeloda® Approved for Adjuvant Treatment of Colon Cancer 06/22/2005
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the oral chemotherapy agent Xeloda® (capecitabine) for post-surgery treatment in patients with Duke's C colon cancer. The new indication for Xeloda includes patients who have had their cancer completely removed by surgery and for whom treatment with fluoropyrimidine alone is preferred therapy. The ...

Erbitux® May Extend the Life of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients 06/21/2005
A recent study reports that the colorectal cancer drug Erbitux® may prolong the life of patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer. Details of the study were released at the World Congress of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Barcelona, Spain. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United ...

Further Evidence Indicates Red and Processed Meat Consumption Increases Risk of Colorectal Cancer 06/17/2005
Results recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicate that a high intake of red and processed meats increases the risk of colorectal cancer in men and women. These results were similar to evidence found in other studies. The majority of research suggests that a high-fat diet ...

Regular Aspirin Use Improves Outcome for Stage III Colon Cancer Patients 06/13/2005
A recent presentation at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology stated that stage III colon cancer patients, who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy, experienced less recurrence and fatalities with regular aspirin use. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United ...

Drugs to Reduce Cholesterol May Reduce Risk of Colorectal Cancer 06/10/2005
Researchers at the recent 2005 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology report that use of “statins”, a group of cholesterol-lowering drugs, is associated with a 47 percent reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United ...

Laparoscopic-Assisted Surgery Improves Short-term Outcomes in Colon Cancer 06/06/2005
According to a recent article in the journal The Lancet, researchers have found laparoscopic-assisted surgery for colon cancer to be as effective as an open surgery and is likely to produce similar long-term outcomes. Its use for rectal cancer, however, remains uncertain. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of ...

Colonoscopy May Be Best For Screening Women for Colorectal Cancer 06/03/2005
According to a recent report in the New England Journal of Medicine, colonoscopy appears to be the most effective system for screening women for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer is a malignancy that involves both the large ...

New Drug PTK/ZK May Boost the Benefit of Chemotherapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 05/17/2005
According to results recently presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, a new drug known as PTK787/ZK222584 (PTK/ZK) may improve the initial treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer when given in combination with the chemotherapy regimen known as FOLFOX. Colorectal cancer is the second leading ...

Addition of Erbitux® to FOLFOX4 Appears Promising as First–Line Therapy of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 05/17/2005
According to results recently presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the addition of Erbitux (cetuximab) to the chemotherapy combination regimen known as FOLFOX4, greatly improves response rates and shows promise as initial treatment for EGFR-positive, metastatic colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second ...

Addition of High Dose Avastin® to FOLFOX4 Improves Survival in Recurrent Colorectal Cancer 05/17/2005
According to researchers affiliated with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), the addition of high dose Avastin® to combination chemotherapy improves overall and progression-free survival in patients with previously treated colorectal cancer. These results were recently presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Colorectal ...

Addition of Avastin to 5-Fluorouracil Provides Significant Benefit for Patients with Colorectal Cancer 04/21/2005
According to a recent article in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the addition of AvastinTM (bevacizumab) to Fluorouracil (5-fluorouracil) and leucovorin (FU/LV) as first-line therapy for colorectal cancer significantly improves progression free survival. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer ...

Panitumumab Demonstrates Anti-Cancer Activity in Colorectal Cancer 03/31/2005
According to results presented at the Chemotherapy Foundation XXII, the monoclonal antibody panitumumab (formerly ABX-EGF) demonstrates anti-cancer activity in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer is a malignancy that involves both the large intestines ...

African-Americans Encouraged to Begin Colorectal Cancer Screening at 45 Years of Age 03/29/2005
According to a recently published article in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, the American College of Gastroenterology has recently updated recommendations for colorectal cancer screening, indicating that African-Americans should initiate colorectal cancer screening at the age of 45. The general population is recommended to begin colorectal cancer screening at ...

Healthcare Provider Education Improves Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates 03/23/2005
According to the results of a study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology , educating healthcare providers regarding communication skills and screening rates significantly improved colorectal cancer screening rates among veterans. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer ...

Presence of Polyps May Help Predict Colon Tissue Changes 03/07/2005
A recent article in the Annals of Internal Medicine reports that a certain type of colon polyp may be important to identify when screening patients for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer is a malignancy that involves ...

Conventional Testing May Miss Genetic Mutations Associated With Colorectal Cancer 03/01/2005
A recent article in the Journal of American Medicine reports that conventional genetic testing may not be identifying genetic mutations that contribute to hereditary form of colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer is a malignancy that involves ...

Nutritional Interventions Beneficial for Colorectal Patients 02/17/2005
A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reports that protein supplements and dietary counseling for patients with colorectal cancer who are receiving radiotherapy may improve the patient's quality of life. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer is ...

SU11248 Effective in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) 02/16/2005
According to results from a recent clinical trial, the multi-targeted agent SI11248 is effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that have stopped responding to the biologic agent Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate). Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are very aggressive cancers that occur in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They differ from ...

Radiofrequency Ablation Improves Survival in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Liver Metastases 02/11/2005
A recent article in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reports that radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) for colorectal cancer that has metastasized to the liver has a positive impact on overall survival. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer is a ...

Annual CT Scan May Improve Survival in Patients with Colorectal Cancer 02/10/2005
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology reports that routine monitoring of the abdomen and pelvis with computed tomography (CT) may be valuable in detecting early recurrences in patients after they have received treatment for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer ...

Addition of Avastin® to Eloxatin®-Based Chemotherapy Improves Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 02/09/2005
According to results recently presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) gastrointestinal symposium, the targeted agent Avastin™ (bevacizumab) plus the commonly used chemotherapy combination referred to as FOLFOX4 improves survival compared to FOLFOX4 alone in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have received prior chemotherapy. Avastin™ is ...

Smoking Cessation Important in the Prevention of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer 02/02/2005
A recent article in the Archives of Internal Medicine reports that tobacco use increases the risk of hereditary colorectal cancer among men. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer is a malignancy that involves both the large intestines (colon) and ...

Long-Term Consumption of Red Meat or Processed Meats Increases Risk of Colorectal Cancer 01/21/2005
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, consumption of red meats and processed meats increases the risk of the development of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Fortunately, high cure rates can be ...

Colonoscopy Most Effective in Detecting Colorectal Cancer 01/20/2005
According to a recent article published in the Lancet, a colonoscopy detects significantly more colorectal cancers than either barium enema or virtual colonoscopy and should be considered the gold standard for the screening of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. ...

Fecal DNA Exam More Specific than Fecal Occult Blood Test 01/20/2005
A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that an exam designed to evaluate the DNA contained in feces is more accurate in the testing for colorectal cancer than examining the feces for hidden traces of blood. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related ...

Medicaid and Uninsured Patients at Risk after Surgery for Colorectal Cancer 01/19/2005
A recent article in the journal Cancer suggests that patients who are uninsured or those who receive Medicaid benefits may be at greater risk for developing postoperative complications and dying after surgery for colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, underinsured or uninsured patients are reportedly at risk for impaired access to care, delays ...

More Frequent At-Home Fecal Blood Testing More Accurate than Single Test in Clinic 01/19/2005
According to a recent article published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, more frequent testing for fecal blood at home significantly improves the detection of colorectal cancer compared to the standard single test conducted at the doctor's clinic. However, even with the improved detection rates achieved with increased testing ...

Emotional Support for Colorectal Cancer Patients Improves Quality of Life 01/12/2005
A recent article in the journal Cancer reports that emotional and instrumental (physical) support for patients with colorectal cancer greatly improves their health-related quality of life. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer is a malignancy that involves both the ...

Much of the US Unscreened for Colorectal Cancer, Despite Availability 01/03/2005
Two articles recently published in Gastroenterology indicate that colorectal screening rates remain low compared to screening rates for other types of cancer. This is in spite of the capacity and ability of the nation's physicians to provide clinical and endoscopic screening for this large population of people at risk for developing ...

Selenium Shows Promise in Reducing the Risk of Colorectal Cancer 12/30/2004
The results of a study recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicate that patients with higher levels of selenium in their blood are significantly less likely to develop new colon polyps, which may decrease their risk of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause ...

Virtual Colonoscopy Detects Large Polyps Found with Visual Colonoscopy 12/22/2004
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology reports that individual colon polyps or lesions larger than 6mm that are detected by CT colonoscopy (CTC) significantly correlate with a matching polyp that is found by optical colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is a procedure in which a colonoscope is passed through ...

Genetic Mutations Not Being Detected Early Enough In Families with Hereditary Colorectal Cancer 12/20/2004
According to the results of a study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, a genetic mutation that can cause colorectal cancer is not being detected early enough. These findings have led to the recommendation that families at risk for developing colorectal cancer be more closely monitored. Colorectal cancer ...

Patient Education Fails to Increase Colorectal Screening 12/15/2004
A recent report in the Annals of Internal Medicine indicates that colorectal cancer screening tools are underutilized, despite efforts to improve patient education regarding the importance of colorectal screening. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer is a malignancy that ...

Adjuvant Chemotherapy Decreases Recurrences in Stage II Colorectal Cancer 12/07/2004
Recently during the 2004 European Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting, researchers reported that chemotherapy with 5-fluoruracil and leucovorin produced a small benefit for patients with stage II colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer is a malignancy ...

Avastin™ Improves Survival for Recurrent Advanced Colorectal Cancer 11/30/2004
According to interim results from a recent clinical trial, the biologic agent Avastin™ (bevacizumab) plus the commonly used chemotherapy combination referred to as FOLFOX4 improves survival compared to FOLFOX4 alone in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have received prior chemotherapy. Avastin™ is currently approved for the initial treatment ...

P53 Tumor Marker May Have Prognostic Value in Left-sided Colon Tumors 11/19/2004
The results of a recent study published in Cancer Detection and Prevention indicate that the p53 tumor marker for colorectal cancer only has prognostic value in left-sided colon cancer tumors. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths annually in the United States. The colon and rectum comprise ...

Eloxatin® Approved for Stage III Colon Cancer 11/12/2004
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently expanded approval of the chemotherapy agent Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin), to be used in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin, for treatment of stage III colon cancer following the surgical removal of cancer. Eloxatin® was already approved for the treatment of stage IV ...

Obesity May Increase Colorectal Cancer Risk 11/04/2004
Recently, the journal Cancer Causes and Control published the results of a study that found that women with a higher body mass index value (BMI) have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer ...

Diets Low in Fruits, Vegetables and Fiber May Increase Colon Cancer Risk 11/03/2004
A recent study published in the journal Cancer Causes and Control, indicates that diets, that include a very low intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains may increase the risk of colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer ...

New Staging System Improves Outlook for Stage III Colon Cancer 11/01/2004
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute recently published a report on the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) sixth edition system for staging colon cancer that indicates that stage IIIa colon cancer has a statistically improved survival rate than stage IIb colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading ...

Sigmoidoscopy Every 5 Years Remains Standard 10/19/2004
According to the results of a study published recently in Gastroenterology, increasing the frequency of sigmoidoscopy screening for colorectal cancer beyond the current 5-year standard in patients with an initial negative sigmoidoscopic exam would not produce significant improvement in detection. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related ...

New Fecal Screening Test Shows Promise in Detecting Colorectal Cancer 10/06/2004
The British Journal of Cancer recently reported the results of a study that identified a new enzyme known as M2 Pyruvate Kinase (M2-PK) as a potential marker for the detection of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. ...

More Cancers Missed by Colonoscopy than Suspected 10/06/2004
Recently the Annals of Internal Medicine reported the results of a study that indicated that a colonoscopy may miss more colon cancers than once believed, particularly small cancers in the fold of tissues or at the anal entrance. Colonoscopy is a procedure in which a colonoscope (lighted tube) is passed ...

New Vaccine for Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Shows Promise in Phase II Trial 09/15/2004
The results of a recent phase II study conducted in Europe indicate that TroVax® is promising for the treatment of stage IV colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer is a malignancy that involves both the large intestines ...

Chemotherapy Does Not Increase Overall Survival in Stage II Colon Cancer 08/23/2004
Two recently published articles in the Journal of Clinical Oncology report that chemotherapy for patients with stage II colon cancer may provide very little benefit for overall survival. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer is a malignancy that grows ...

Retreatment with FOLFOX Shows Promise in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 08/12/2004
A recent article in the Annals of Oncology reports that a repeat course of oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and fluorouracil (FOLFOX) for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer is an effective and tolerable approach to providing chemotherapy. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal ...

Erbitux Alone or in Combination with Irinotecan Provides Anti-Cancer Activity in Advanced Colorectal Cancer 07/27/2004
According to a recent article published in The New England Journal of Medicine, single agent Erbitux® (cetuximab) or the combination of Erbitux® plus irinotecan (Camptosar®) provide one-year survival rates of approximately 30% in patients with irinotecan-refractory colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. ...

Addition of Camptosar® to /5-FU/LV Does Not Improve Survival in Stage III Colon Cancer 06/24/2004
According to results recently presented at the 40th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the addition of the chemotherapy agent Camptosar® (irinotecan) to the regimen 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV) does not improve survival compared to 5-FU/LV alone in the treatment of stage III ...

Xeloda® Improves Recurrence-Free Survival over 5-Fluorouracil/Leucovorin in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 06/15/2004
According to results recently presented at the 40th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the oral chemotherapy agent Xeloda® (capecitabine) increases recurrence-free survival and reduces side effects compared to intravenous 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in the treatment of metastatic ...

Statins Associated with Reduced Risk of Colorectal Cancer 06/11/2004
According to results presented at the plenary session at the 40th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the use of the cholesterol-lowering agents called statins may significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths annually in the ...

Addition of Eloxatin® to Standard Adjuvant Chemotherapy Improves Cancer-Free Survival in Colon Cancer 06/07/2004
According to a recent article published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the addition of the chemotherapy agent Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin) to the standard adjuvant chemotherapy combination of 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin improves cancer-free survival in stages II or III colon cancer. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer ...

Addition of Avastin™ to IFL Chemotherapy Improves Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 06/07/2004
According to a recent article published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the addition of Avastin™ to the chemotherapy regimen consisting of Camptosar®/5-Fluorouracil/Leucovin (IFL) improves survival compared to IFL alone in metastatic colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and ...

Laparoscopic Surgery is a Safe and Effective Alternative for Colon Cancer 05/27/2004
According to results published in The New England Journal of Medicine, laparoscopic surgery for early colon cancer is as safe and effective as standard surgery. Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The surgical removal of the cancer remains an ...

Local Recurrences Similar between Radiofrequency Ablation and Surgery for Liver Metastases 05/07/2004
According to a recent article published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology, the risk of local cancer recurrences are similar following radiofrequency ablation and surgery for the treatment of liver metastases. The liver is a common place for several types of cancer to spread, once the disease has become advanced. ...

C-Peptide Associated with Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Men 05/07/2004
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, elevated levels of C-peptide in blood samples is associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer in men. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths annually in the United States. If colorectal ...

Genetic Changes Found in Stool Effective Screening for Colorectal Cancer 05/07/2004
According to a recent article published in The Lancet, changes in DNA, referred to as methylation, may be effective as a screening tool for colorectal cancer. Cancers of the colon and rectum, sometimes referred to together as colorectal cancer, begin with the development of an adenomatous polyp, which is a ...

Gene Test Helps Predict Risk of Recurrence in Early Colon Cancer 05/07/2004
According to an early on-line publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, a gene assay test may help predict which patients with early colon cancer are at an increased risk of developing a cancer recurrence and may benefit from additional treatment following surgery. The colon and rectum are parts of ...

Oral Xeloda® More Convenient with Similar Results to Intravenous 5-FU in Advanced Colorectal Cancer 05/07/2004
According to a recent article published in The British Journal of Cancer, treatment with oral Xeloda® (capecitabine) appears to provide similar results to intravenous 5-fluorouracil plus leucovorin for advanced colorectal cancer while improving convenience of administration for patients and healthcare providers. Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer ...

Plant Derived Immunomodulator, PSK, Improves Outcomes of Stage II-III Colorectal Patients 03/08/2004
Japanese researchers have reported that the administration of plant-derived protein, krestin (PSK), plus tegafur/uracil (UFT) improves outcome of patients with stage II-III colorectal cancer compared to oral UFT alone. The details of this randomized trial were reported in the March 8, 2004 issue of the British Journal ...

Hormone Replacement Therapy may Decrease Incidence of Some Colon Cancers 03/08/2004
Researchers affiliated with the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) reported that estrogen and progestin hormone replacement decreased the incidence of invasive colorectal cancer by 50% compared to placebo. However, a higher percentage of women taking estrogen and progestin had regional and metastatic colon cancer resulting in approximately the ...

Avastin™ Approved for Treatment of Colorectal Cancer 03/01/2004
The anti-angiogenic agent Avastin™ (bevacizumab) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to be used in combination with the chemotherapy regimen 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin as initial treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and the American Cancer ...

Erbitux™ Approved for Treatment of Advanced Colorectal Cancer 02/23/2004
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Erbitux™ (cetuximab) for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer that expresses the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The FDA indication specifies that Erbitux™ be used in combination with the chemotherapy agent irinotecan (Camptosar®) in patients who stopped responding to previous therapy ...

Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Improves Survival in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Spread to the Peritoneal Cavity 02/23/2004
According to a recent article published in the British Journal of Cancer, intraperitoneal chemotherapy following the surgical removal of cancer may improve survival compared to intravenous chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal cavity is a portion of the abdomen that ...

Capecitabine Plus Irinotecan Appears Promising as Initial Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 02/07/2004
According to results presented at the first-ever Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, the chemotherapy combination consisting of capecitabine (Xeloda®) and irinotecan (Camptosar®) appears to be a promising treatment regimen as initial therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. The colon and rectum are the major parts of the large intestine. Metastatic colorectal refers ...

Eloxatin™ Approved as Initial Therapy for Advanced Colorectal Cancer 02/03/2004
The United States Food and Drug Administration recently approved the chemotherapy agent Eloxatin™ (oxaliplatin) to be used as initial therapy for advanced colorectal cancer, in combination with the agents 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin. The colon and rectum comprise the large intestine, with the first 6 feet being the colon, ...

Addition of Avastin™ to 5-FU/LV Improves Progression-Free Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 12/01/2003
Results from a recent clinical trial indicate that the addition of Avastin™ to the common chemotherapy regimen 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin as initial therapy improves progression-free survival in advanced colorectal cancer. Results from previous clinical trials demonstrated an advantage with the addition of Avastin™ to the chemotherapy regimen Camptosar®/5fluorouracil/leucovorin in the ...

PET Scan More Effective than CT Scan in Detecting Colon Cancer Spread 11/17/2003
According to results recently presented at the 2003 American Roentgen Ray Society Annual Meeting, a PET scan is significantly more accurate at detecting colon cancer metastasis than a CT scan. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. It is estimated that colorectal ...

Aggressive Therapy Feasible for Patients with Spread of Colorectal Cancer to Liver 09/25/2003
According to a recently published article in the Annals of Oncology, treatment including intravenous chemotherapy plus hepatic artery infusion (HAI) yields a high anti-cancer response rate and is generally well tolerated in patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. The colon and rectum are both parts ...

Surgical Removal of Pulmonary Metastases from Colorectal Cancer Safe and Effective 09/25/2003
According to a recent article published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, the surgical removal of cancer spread to the lungs from colorectal cancer may provide improved long-term survival in some patients. The colon and rectum are both parts of the large intestine. Colorectal cancer is a ...

Oncophage® May Improve Survival in Some Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer 08/28/2003
According to results from a recent clinical trial, the vaccine Oncophage® may improve survival in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The colon and rectum are both parts of the large intestine. Colorectal cancer is responsible for claiming the lives of nearly 60,000 people annually in the United States ...

Adjuvant 5-FU for Colorectal Cancer Does Not Benefit Patients with High-Frequency Microsatellite Instability 08/04/2003
According to results recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine, a genetic mutation known as microsatellite instability affects responses to the chemotherapy agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the adjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer. Particularly, patients with high-frequency microsatellite instability do not appear to derive any benefit from ...

Alimta®/Eloxatin® as Initial Therapy for Advanced Colorectal Cancer 07/23/2003
According to results recently presented at the 39th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the chemotherapy combination consisting of Alimta® (pemetrexed) and Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin) appears active and well tolerated for treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer refers to cancers of the colon and rectum, both ...

Eloxatin®/5-FU Improves Survival in Advanced Colorectal Cancer 06/19/2003
According to results recently presented at the 39th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the chemotherapy combination Eloxatin®(oxaliplatin) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) improves survival compared to Camptosar®(irinotecan)/5-FU or Camptosar®/Eloxatin® in advanced colorectal cancer. Cancers of the colon and rectum, often referred to as colorectal cancer, are ...

Avastin™ Improves Survival in Advanced Colorectal Cancer 06/19/2003
According to results recently presented at the 39th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the addition of Avastin" (bevacizumab)to chemotherapy improves survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer involves cancer of the colon and rectum, both of which are part of the large intestine. ...

Cetuximab Re-Sensitizes Patients to Camptosar® in Colorectal Cancer 06/19/2003
According to results recently presented at the 39th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the addition of cetuximab (Erbitux") to Camptosar® (irinotecan) appears to re-sensitize cancer cells to the effects of Camptosar® and ultimately delays cancer progression in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who had ...

Avastin™ Plus Chemotherapy Improves Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 06/09/2003
According to results from a recent clinical trial, the addition of Avastin" (bevacizumab) to chemotherapy improves survival in patients with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer. Cancers of the colon and rectum, often referred to as colorectal cancer, are some of the most common cancers in the United States. When ...

Preoperative Supplementation Improves Results of Surgery in Colorectal Cancer Patients 04/22/2003
According to an article recently published in the journal Surgery, presurgical supplementation with arginine, an amino acid, and n-3 fatty acids, a family of essential fatty acids, by colorectal cancer patients appeared to produce significantly improved immune response and fewer postoperative infections. Cancers of the colon and rectum, sometimes ...

Significantly More Men Up-to-Date on Prostate Screening than Colorectal Screening 04/16/2003
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, men in the United States are more likely to be up-to-date on their screening for prostate cancer than screening for colorectal cancer. When detected early, colorectal cancer is a highly curable disease. Colorectal cancer typically ...

Glutathione Helps Reduce Side Effects of Oxaliplatin-Based Therapy in Advanced Colorectal Patients 03/18/2003
According to results presented in The Journal of Clinical Oncology, the agent glutathione (GSH) appears to significantly reduce peripheral neuropathy caused by the chemotherapy agent oxaliplatin in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin®) is a chemotherapy agent that is commonly used in the treatment of colorectal cancer ...

Aspirin Reduces Risk of Colorectal Adenomas 03/13/2003
According to two recent clinical trials reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, regular use of aspirin appears to reduce the risk of developing colorectal adenomas. When detected early, colorectal cancer is a highly curable disease. Colorectal cancer begins with the development of an adenomatous polyp (adenoma), ...

Xyotax™ A New Form of Paclitaxel Appears as Effective with Fewer Side Effects 03/11/2003
According to results presented at the EORTC-NCI-AACR symposium on molecular targets and cancer therapeutics, a new form of paclitaxel called Xyotax™ (CT-2103) appears to be just as effective as paclitaxel while producing fewer side effect.1 Paclitaxel (Taxol®) is the most commonly used chemotherapy agent in the world. However, some ...

New Colorectal Screening Method Approved for Human Testing 02/17/2003
Regulatory approval of a new screening method in the detection of recurrent colorectal cancer has recently been announced. The test, called GCC-B1™, is a blood test that has demonstrated great accuracy for the early detection of colorectal cancer that has recurred outside the site of the original ...

Western Diet Increases Risk of Developing Colon Cancer 02/17/2003
According to a recent article published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, a Western diet appears to increase the risk of developing colon cancer. In contrast, a prudent diet may reduce this risk. Cancers of the colon and rectum, sometimes referred to together as colorectal cancer, are characterized ...

High Dietary Folate and Low Alcohol Consumption Linked to Lower Colorectal Cancer 01/23/2003
According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Cancer, a diet rich in folate, including green leafy vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and low in alcohol consumption may lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Cancers of the colon and rectum, sometimes referred to together ...

Researchers Evaluate Evidence and Suggest Guidelines for Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies 01/22/2003
A recent article published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reviewed CAM therapies and evaluation criteria guidelines suggested by several researchers for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM use by cancer patients has steadily increased throughout the past ten years. While research on CAM has also ...

Radiofrequency Ablation Reduces Local Recurrences Compared to Cryosurgery for Treatment of Inoperable Liver Cancer or Metastasis to the Liver 01/09/2003
According to a recent article published in the Archives of Surgery, radiofrequency ablation appears to be superior to cryosurgery for the treatment of inoperable liver cancer or metastasis to the liver. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions, including ...

Bevacizumab Improves Long-Term Outcomes in Advanced Colorectal Cancer 01/07/2003
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the addition of bevacizumab (Avastin™) to chemotherapy appears to improve long-term outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum, parts of the body's digestive system that together form a ...

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommends Guidelines for Hormone Replacement Therapy 10/22/2002
On October 15, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued guidelines for hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women. This document was prepared after the recent publications which cast doubt on the benefits of women taking hormonal therapy after menopause. These recommendations can be reviewed in total at ...

Eloxatin®/Camptosar®/5 FU Appears Promising in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 09/30/2002
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the chemotherapy combination consisting of Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin)/ Camptosar® (irinotecan)/5 FU (5 fluorouracil)/leucovorin (LV) appears promising in the treatment of metastatic and/or recurrent colorectal cancer. The colon and rectum are important parts of the digestive system and ...

Surgery for Lung Metastases may Improve Survival in Patients with Colorectal Cancer After Hepatic Resection 08/27/2002
According to a recent article published in The Cancer Journal, the surgical removal of cancer that has spread (metastases) to the lungs may improve survival in patients with colorectal cancer who have already had surgery to remove metastases to the liver. The colon and rectum comprise the ...

Being Overweight Increases Risk of Premenopausal Ovarian and Colon Cancers 08/13/2002
According to two recent articles published in the medical journals Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gut, obesity increases the risk of women developing premenopausal ovarian and colon cancers. In the first study, published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, researchers from Harvard analyzed data from over 109,000 adult females. Of these ...

Eloxatin® (Oxaliplatin) Approved for Colorectal Cancer in the United States 08/13/2002
The Food and Drug Administration approved Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin) for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Eloxatin® is approved to be used in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin (LV) for advanced colorectal cancer that has progressed or recurred following therapy with Camptosar®/5-FU/LV. 1 Colorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum, parts of the ...

Avicine® Vaccine Produces Immune Responses Against Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 08/13/2002
The results of a recent multi-institutional clinical trial indicate that Avicine® may produce immune responses against colorectal cancer and is easily tolerated by patients. Colorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum, parts of the body's digestive system that together form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine. ...

Virtual Colonoscopy Accurately Detects Large Polyps in Colon 08/06/2002
According to a recent article published in the journal Radiology, virtual colonoscopy appears to accurately detect large polyps in the colon. When detected early, colorectal cancer is a highly curable disease. Colorectal cancer typically begins with the development of an adenomatous polyp, which is a small benign tumor ...

Oxaliplatin/Raltitrexed Combination Effective in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 07/24/2002
According to recent results reported in the Annals of Oncology, the chemotherapy combination oxaliplatin and raltitrexed (Tomudex®)appears to be effective treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum, parts of the body's digestive system that together form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine. ...

Second Surgery for Liver Metastases Safe in Patients with Colorectal Cancer 07/10/2002
According to a recent article published in the Annals of Surgery, patients with colon or rectal cancer can safely and effectively undergo a second surgical removal (resection) of cancer that has spread to the liver. The colon and rectum are important parts of the digestive system. The colon ...

Laparoscopic Colectomy May Improve Outcomes in Colon Cancer 07/08/2002
According to a recent article published in The Lancet, a laparoscopic colectomy may improve outcomes compared to an open colectomy in patients with colon cancer. The colon is an important part of the body’s digestive system, consisting of the last few feet of the large intestine. In patients with ...

Camptosar®/Oxaliplatin/5-Fluorouracil/Leucovorin Highly Active for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 06/05/2002
According to results recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the chemotherapy regimen consisting of Camptosar®, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin appears highly active for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Cancer of the colon or rectum, also referred to as colorectal cancer, is one of the leading causes ...

Oxaliplatin and 5-FU/LV: The New Standard for Treatment of Advanced Colorectal Cancer 05/29/2002
According to results recently presented at the 38th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the chemotherapy regimen consisting of oxaliplatin, 5-FU (fluorouracil) and leucovorin improves survival compared to other standard chemotherapy combinations for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer affects the colon and ...

Oxaliplatin/Capecitabine Combination Active in Advanced Colon and Rectal Cancer 04/24/2002
According to results recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the chemotherapy combination consisting of capecitabine and oxaliplatin appears to produce anti-cancer responses in advanced colon and rectal cancer. The colon and rectum are important parts of the body’s digestive system. The colon consists of the last few ...

St. John’s Wort May Reduce Efficacy of Camptosar® 04/16/2002
According to results recently presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, the herbal medicine St. Johns wort may reduce the efficacy of the chemotherapy agent Camptosar® when taken together. Camptosar® (irinotecan, CPT-11) is a commonly used chemotherapy agent for the treatment of colorectal cancer ...

Mortality from Some Cancer Surgeries Reduced in Large-Volume Hospitals 04/15/2002
According to a recent article published in The New England Journal of Medicine, death related to surgical procedures (surgical mortality) for some cancers may be significantly reduced if patients receive treatment in hospitals that perform large volumes of the surgical procedure annually. The surgical removal of cancer is ...

Low-Dose Aspirin May Reduce Risk of Pre-Cancerous Colorectal Adenomas 04/10/2002
According to results recently presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, daily use of low-dose or baby aspirin may reduce the risk of colorectal adenomas. The colon and rectum are important parts of the body’s digestive system. The colon consists of the last few ...

Close Follow-Up Improves Survival in Colorectal Cancer 04/09/2002
According to a recent article published in the British Medical Journal, intensive follow-up after surgery may improve survival rates in patients with colorectal cancer. The colon and rectum are important parts of the body’s digestive system. The colon consists of the last few feet of the large intestine and ...

Women Experience More Side Effects With Fluorouracil-Based Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer 03/28/2002
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, research indicates that women tend to experience more side effects than men from fluorouracil-based chemotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The colon and rectum are important parts of the body’s digestive system. The colon consists of ...

Fecal DNA Colorectal Screening Procedure Effective 03/05/2002
According to recent results published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the presence of a genetic mutation in a stool sample may be able to accurately detect early-stage colon cancer. Cancers of the colon and rectum, sometimes referred to together as colorectal cancer, begin with the development of ...

More Research Needed for Laparoscopic-Assisted Colectomy 03/05/2002
According to an article recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, results indicate that a laparoscopic-assisted colectomy does not provide significant improvements in short-term quality of life compared to an open colectomy for the treatment of colon cancer. However, more long-term clinical results are necessary ...

New Colorectal Cancer Test Offers Hope for Early Detection 03/04/2002
According to a report in the November issue of the journal Gastroenterology, early detection of colorectal cancer and precancerous tumors may be possible with a new screening test that involves looking for abnormal DNA in stool samples. When detected early, colorectal cancer is a highly curable disease. Colorectal cancer ...

Oral Alternative for Treatment of Colon Cancer 02/08/2002
Results from a recent multi-institutional trial have demonstrated that capecitabine, an oral chemotherapy agent, provides similar treatment outcomes to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) plus Leucovorin(LV) and allows patients to be treated at home with fewer side effects. Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second leading cause of cancer ...

Camptosar® and SU5416 for Colorectal Cancer 02/08/2002
An important trial for colorectal patients involving a novel angiogenesis inhibitor plus the standard treatment consisting of Camptosar®/ 5-fluorouracil/Leucovorin is currently underway. Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Advanced colorectal cancer means that cancer ...

Important Clinical Trial Begins for Patients with Advanced Colon Cancer 02/08/2002
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Although outcomes for patients with this disease are improving, many patients with advanced disease still fail initial therapy. A clinical trial is now underway that may change the standard of care for patients with this disease. ...

Surgical Treatment for Colon Cancer Metastasis Improves Survival 02/08/2002
The surgical removal (resection) of colon cancer that has spread to the liver and lungs may result in long-term survival for select patients, according to recent results presented at the 36th Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. The colon is a part of the body’s digestive ...

FDA Approves Implantable Pump for Colorectal Cancer that has Spread to the Liver 02/08/2002
A new device that delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to the liver has recently been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for patients with advanced colorectal cancer. In clinical trials, this delivery method has been shown to decrease the risk of a cancer recurrence in the liver following ...

Camptosar® A New Standard for Treatment of Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer 02/08/2002
Results from a recent multi-institutional study have shown that the addition of Camptosar® to standard chemotherapy significantly increases survival time and prolongs time to cancer progression in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Cancer of the colon and rectum, sometimes referred to as colorectal cancer, is the second leading cause ...

Camptosar®: An Effective Treatment Option for Elderly Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer 02/08/2002
Results from a recent multi-institutional study have shown that the addition of Camptosar® to standard chemotherapy significantly increases survival time and is well tolerated in elderly patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Cancer of the colon and rectum, sometimes referred to as colorectal cancer, is the second ...

Novel Agent ZD 9331 Halts Cancer Growth in Patients with Colorectal Cancer 02/08/2002
ZD 9331 halts cancer growth in patients with advanced colorectal cancer that have failed standard chemotherapy, according to results presented at the 25 th Annual European Society of Medical Oncology Meeting. Colorectal cancer is cancer involving both the colon and rectum, the last few feet of the large intestine. Standard ...

Oxaliplatin Improves Progression Free Survival In Patients with Colorectal Cancer 02/08/2002
According to a respected team of European researchers, the addition of a new chemotherapy agent oxaliplatin to the standard treatment regimen of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and leucovorin (LV) doubled the response to therapy and significantly prolonged progression-free survival of patients with previously untreated advanced colorectal cancer when compared to ...

Eniluracil May Allow Oral Administration of Chemotherapy for Some Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 02/08/2002
The colon and rectum are parts of the body’s digestive system that together form a long muscular tube called the large intestine. Cancers of the colon and rectum sometimes referred to together as colorectal cancer are characterized by the presence of cancerous cells in the colon and rectum. ...

New Monoclonal Antibody Improves Response Rates for Persons with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 02/08/2002
Persons with colorectal cancer that has spread from the colon or rectum to other parts of the body often undergo chemotherapy with a combination of drugs to alleviate the symptoms of disease and prolong survival time. Now, researchers presenting their findings at the May 2000 American Society of ...

New Drug, SU5416, Is Active against Metastatic Colorectal Cancer when Combined with Fluorouracil/Leucovorin 02/08/2002
Persons with colorectal cancer that has spread from the colon or rectum to other parts of the body often undergo chemotherapy with a combination of drugs to alleviate the symptoms of disease and prolong survival time. Recently, researchers presenting their findings at the May 2000 American Society of ...

Colon and Rectal Cancer: Camptosar® Plus Fluorouracil Appears To Be More Effective than Fluorouracil Alone 02/08/2002
According to a team of French researchers, response rates to treatment for colon or rectal cancer may be significantly higher with the addition of a new chemotherapy drug called Camptosar® to the commonly used regimen of fluorouracil and calcium folinate. French researchers assigned 387 previously untreated ...

Treatment of Colon and Rectal Cancer: Oxaliplatin Plus 5-Fluorouracil/Leucovorin May Be More Effective than 5-Fluorouracil/Leucovorin Alone 02/08/2002
According to a team of Swiss researchers, response rates may be significantly higher with the addition of oxaliplatin to the commonly used 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with colon or rectal cancer. Colon or rectal cancer, sometimes referred to together as colorectal cancer, is a common cancer ...

Colorectal Cancer with Metastasis to the Liver: Chemotherapy Delivered by Vein Plus Hepatic Artery Improves Survival 02/08/2002
Persons who have colorectal cancer with metastasis, or spreading, to the liver, are often treated with surgery followed by chemotherapy. A study published by The New England Journal of Medicine indicates that the survival benefit to patients may be greatest when the chemotherapy is delivered in two different ...

Oxaliplatin is an Active Agent for the Treatment of Advanced Colon Cancer 02/08/2002
Patients with advanced colon cancer have had few new treatment options over the past decade. Current chemotherapy treatments consist of 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin, and most recently Camptosar®. Additional new anti-cancer therapies are needed to improve the outcome for patients with colon cancer. One new chemotherapy drug, oxaliplatin, ...

Oxaliplatin Plus Fluorouracil Is Effective for Persons with Colorectal Cancer in Whom Fluorouracil Alone Is Unsuccessful 02/08/2002
Persons who have advanced cancer of the colon or rectum are often treated with the chemotherapy drugs, fluorouracil and leucovorin, to relieve the symptoms of disease and prolong survival time. Researchers are currently working on developing new therapies that will improve upon the effectiveness of the fluorouracil/leucovorin regimen. ...

The treatment of colon cancer with the combination of Camptosar® (CPT-11) and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin improves response rates and prolongs survival compared to treatment with either 5-fluorou 02/08/2002
Chemotherapy treatment with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin has been considered the standard initial therapy for patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer for many years. Treatment with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, however, is of modest benefit and the search for anticancer agents that can improve the treatment of colon cancer has been ongoing ...

Selected Patients with Colon Cancer Involving the Liver may Benefit from Hepatic Artery Infusion of Chemotherapy 02/08/2002
The majority of patients diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer have not been considered curable with currently available treatment strategies. Selected patients with isolated metastases to the liver have undergone surgical removal of liver metastases and been reported to experience long-term cancer-free survival. The reason the majority of patients ...

Two new chemotherapy drugs, Camptosar® (irinotecan) and oxaliplatin, administered in combination are very active in the treatment of refractory colorectal cancer. 02/08/2002
For years, patients with colorectal cancer have had few new treatment options. The mainstay of therapy has been with 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy regimens. In 1998, Camptosar® was the first new drug approved for the treatment of colon cancer in many years. Camptosar® was demonstrated to ...

Camptosar® Is a Useful Drug for the Treatment of Patients with Cancer of the Colon or Rectum Who Have Failed Fluorouracil 02/08/2002
Patients with metastatic colon cancer have often been treated with chemotherapy to palliate symptoms rather than to improve survival. However, some studies have shown that patients who receive palliative chemotherapy at the time of diagnosis do better than those who receive it only when they develop symptoms. The ...

Camptosar® (irinotecan) improves the survival of patients with colorectal cancer and is the first new drug approved for the treatment of colorectal cancer in several years. 02/08/2002
Patients with colorectal cancer often receive chemotherapy treatment with 5-FU (fluorouracil). When colon cancer progresses or no longer responds to 5-FU, few treatment options remain and patients are often faced with receiving general supportive care. Camptosar® is known to be an active drug for the treatment ...

Surgical treatment of metastatic colon cancer can cure certain patients. 02/08/2002
Patients with colon cancer that has recurred following initial treatment of early stage disease have few treatment options. Chemotherapy is routinely administered and has been demonstrated to prolong a patient’s duration of survival and reduce symptoms but is not considered curative. Recurrent colon cancer is believed to be ...

Can cryosurgery improve the outcomes of patients with colon cancer recurring in the liver? 02/08/2002
Approximately 25% of patients with colon cancer recurring in the liver as the only site of recurrence have cancers which are resectable, and 20-35% appear to be cured following surgical resection. Some doctors have begun using cryosurgery in an attempt to improve a patient’s outcome compared to conventional ...

Infusion of chemotherapy directly into the liver (hepatic artery infusion) can successfully treat isolated colon cancer recurrences confined to the liver. 02/08/2002
Unfortunately, only a small number of patients with recurrent colon cancer can benefit from surgical treatment. Doctors have attempted to treat isolated colorectal liver metastases with chemotherapy administered systemically or locally to the liver. The hepatic artery is the blood supply of the liver and infusing directly to ...

Drug, Called Celecoxib, Reduces Number of Colorectal Polyps in Persons with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis 02/07/2002
A group of Texas researchers recently reported evidence to support the claim that the drug celecoxib reduces the number of colorectal growths, or polyps, that develop in persons with familial adenomatous polyposis. Persons with this disease typically develop hundreds of those polyps, greatly increasing their risk for developing ...

Most Patients Report Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Screening Test for Colorectal Cancer, Is Not Painful 02/07/2002
Flexible sigmoidoscopy, a test used to detect colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer, is a procedure that is “more comfortable than expected,” according to a recent survey of 1221 patients who underwent this procedure. This finding may encourage physicians and patients to utilize this test more frequently, allowing for ...

Persons Who Eat Large Quantity of Red Meat May Be at Increased Risk for Several Types of Cancer, Including Colorectal and Stomach Cancers 02/07/2002
The amount of red meat a person eats may be related to his or her risk for developing several types of cancer, including cancers of the colon, rectum, stomach, pancreas, bladder, endometrium, ovary, and breast. According to a group of Italian researchers, individuals who eat red meat more ...

Smoking May Increases Risk for Colorectal Cancer 02/07/2002
Smoking tobacco increases the risk for developing polyps that then aggressively grow into cancer in the colon and rectum, say U.S. researchers. Now, the findings from a large National Cancer Institute study reveal that smoking may not only increase the development of benign growths in the colon and ...

Wheat Bran Dietary Supplement Appears Not to Reduce Risk for Developing Pre-Cancerous Colorectal Polyps 02/07/2002
A wheat bran dietary supplement does not appear to result in any protection against the development of adenomatous polyps, non-cancerous tumors that often progress into colon cancer, according to a new study by the Phoenix Colon Cancer Prevention Network. This news comes at the same time that researchers ...

A High-Fiber Diet May Not Reduce Risk for Developing Pre-Cancerous Colorectal Polyps 02/07/2002
The results of a recent study by the Polyp Prevention Trial Study Group fail to show any benefit of a high-fiber diet in protecting against the development of adenomatous polyps, non-cancerous tumors that often progress into colon cancer. This finding comes not long after a study published by ...

FDA Approves Celecoxib for Treatment of Precancerous Colorectal Polyps 02/07/2002
Celecoxib, a drug already available for the treatment of arthritis, has now received accelerated approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help prevent colorectal cancer in some persons. The FDA granted its approval of celecoxib on December 23, 1999, to help reduce the number of ...

Lack of Physical Activity Appears to Increase Risk for Colorectal Cancer 02/07/2002
Persons who have a low level of physical activity have an increased risk for developing cancers of the colon and rectum, according to researchers from Switzerland. This news comes as the result of the researchers’ recent study, evaluating the incidence of colon and rectum cancers in association with ...

Evidence that Elderly Patients with Colon Cancer Benefit from Adjuvant Chemotherapy 02/07/2002
According to a recent article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, pooled analyses involving over 3,000 patients confirm that elderly patients with colon cancer receive significant benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy with tolerability comparable to younger patients. The colon is an important part of the body’s digestive system, ...

Study Defines Patients with Stage II Colon Cancer at Increased Risk of Recurrence 02/07/2002
According to recent results published in the journal Cancer, researchers have identified risk factors in patients with stage II colon cancer that may predict cancer recurrences following surgery. Patients with these risk factors (emergency presentation, “left-sided” cancer site and depth of invasion) may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy following ...

Elderly Patients with Colon Cancer May Not Be Receiving Optimal Adjuvant Treatment 02/07/2002
Elderly patients with stage III colon cancer are less likely to receive optimal adjuvant treatment (treatment following surgery) than younger patients, despite having a reasonable life expectancy, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The colon is an important part of the ...

Colorectal Patients Should Receive Close Monitoring While Undergoing Chemotherapy 02/07/2002
Patients with colorectal cancer receiving chemotherapy consisting of Camptosar®, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV) should be closely monitored for toxic side effects during their initial chemotherapy administration cycle, according to results recently presented at the 37 th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Colorectal cancer ...

CEA Blood Test Detects Early Recurrence of Colorectal Cancer and May Help Determine Treatment Options for Patients with Recurrent Cancer 02/07/2002
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Although the outcome of patients with this disease is improving, many patients still fail initial therapy and the cancer returns. Recently, researchers from Japan have discovered a blood test that can help identify patients with advanced ...

Genetic Alterations Help Define Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer Patients 02/07/2002
An emphasis on the use of genetics in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer is an emerging focus in the field of oncology. Alterations in DNA (genetic mutations) can cause normal cells in the body to turn cancerous. Different genetic mutations create biologically different cancers which often respond ...

Less Invasive Endoscopic Surgery Appears to be Effective Treatment for Colorectal Cancer 02/07/2002
A less invasive surgical procedure appears to be effective in the treatment of colon cancer, according to a recent clinical trial published in the journal Surgical Endoscopy. The colon and rectum are parts of the body’s digestive system and together form a long muscular tube called the large intestine. ...

Elderly Persons Benefit from Chemotherapy after Surgery for Colon Cancer 02/07/2002
It is known that the use of chemotherapy after surgery for high-risk stage II or III colon cancer helps to reduce the risk of a cancer recurrence (return) later. However, this knowledge has been demonstrated through clinical trials that have included primarily persons younger than 70 years of ...

Chemotherapy Regimen After Surgery for Colorectal Cancer May Be Reduced from 6 to 3 Months' Duration 02/07/2002
A 3-month continuous intravenous infusion of chemotherapy with fluorouracil is as effective as the standard 6-month regimen of fluorouracil injected 5 days per week in preventing cancer recurrences in persons who have undergone surgery for colorectal cancer. The continuous infusion of fluorouracil also produces fewer side effects and ...

Hepatic Artery and Liver Blood Flow May Help Determine Which Patients Need Chemotherapy after Surgery for Colorectal Cancer 02/07/2002
Many persons who have colorectal cancer undergo treatment by surgery. Chemotherapy after the surgery can help some patients avoid a recurrence or metastasis (spreading) of the cancer. However, doctors have not in the past had a reliable technique to determine which patients are likely to have a recurrence ...

Active Immunotherapy with an Autologous Tumor Cell-BCG Vaccine is Effective for Prevention of Relapses in Patients with Stage II Colon Cancer 02/07/2002
Colon cancer is curable by surgery but the cure rate depends on the extent of disease. Patients with stage II colon cancer (cancer has penetrated the wall of colon without lymph node involvement) have a 60-75% cure rate with surgery alone. Patients with stage III colon cancer (cancer ...

Standard chemotherapy treatment of stage II and III colon cancer is defined and may prevent patients from having to receive unnecessarily prolonged or more toxic treatments. 02/07/2002
Adjuvant treatment of colon cancer with 5-fluouracil and various doses of leucovorin and Ergamisol® (levamisole) have all been considered standard treatment options because they prolong the recurrence-free and overall survival of patients compared to no additional treatment. In order to determine if one treatment regimen is superior, a ...

Use of adjuvant chemotherapy following resection of stage II or Duke's B colon cancer appears to improve a patient's chance of survival. 02/07/2002
Delivery of 5FU (fluorouracil) based adjuvant chemotherapy following surgical resection of Duke's C or stage III colon cancer is standard of care because adjuvant chemotherapy improves a patient's chance of survival and reduces the risk of tumor recurrence by approximately 30%. Use of adjuvant chemotherapy to treat Duke's ...

5-FU (fluorouracil) and Ergamisol® (levamisole) chemotherapy treatment of patients with surgically resected Stage III colon cancer significantly improves survival by reducing the risk of tumor 02/07/2002
Surgical removal of colon cancer determined to be Stage III at the time of surgery are cured approximately 40% of the time with surgery alone. A clinical study sponsored by the National Cancer Institute was initiated to determine whether the administration of chemotherapy following surgical removal of colon ...

Panorex® (17-1A monoclonal antibody) is demonstrated to cure more patients with Duke's C colon cancer than surgery alone; and is the first monoclonal antibody to improve survival of patient 02/07/2002
Patients diagnosed with Dukes’ C colon cancer following surgical removal of the primary tumor are cured of their cancer approximately 50% of the time. Fifty percent of patients with Dukes’ C colon cancer experience disease recurrence and the majority ultimately succumb to their disease because of the lack ...

Chemotherapy Delivered Directly to the Liver Shows Promise for Colon Cancer with Liver Metastases 02/07/2002
According to a recent article published in the journal Cancer, evidence suggests that patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver and cannot be surgically removed may benefit from 5-FU (5-fluorouracil) based combination chemotherapy delivered directly to the liver. The liver is the largest organ in the ...

Oral Capecitabine More Effective and Safe Than 5-FU/LV for Treatment of Advanced Colorectal Cancer 02/07/2002
Results of a large clinical trial recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology indicate that oral capecitabine produces fewer side effects, is at least as effective as intravenous 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin and allows some patients with advanced colorectal cancer to be treated at home. These results are ...

SU5416: A Novel Agent in Advanced Colorectal Cancer 02/07/2002
A novel biologic agent, SU5416, has shown promising activity for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer, according to results presented at the 37 th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the ...

Arterial Infusion with Camptosar® for Liver Metastasis 02/07/2002
Arterial administration of Camptosar® directly into the liver may improve survival for cancer patients with liver metastasis, according to recent results presented at the 37th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 ...

IMC-C225 Improves Survival for Colorectal Cancer Patients 02/07/2002
The monoclonal antibody IMC-C225 plus Camptosar® improves survival for patients with colorectal cancer who have failed standard therapies, according to recent results presented at the 37 th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the ...

Ras Inhibitor Plus Camptosar® Safe for Colorectal Patients 02/07/2002
R115777 plus Camptosar® is safe and appears to produce anti-cancer activity in patients with colorectal cancer, according to recent results presented at the 37 th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Colorectal cancer, cancer involving the colon and rectum, is the second leading cause of ...

New Agents for Advanced Colorectal Cancer Active in 5-FU Failures 02/07/2002
Three chemotherapy combinations appear to produce anti-cancer activity and prolong survival in patients with advanced colorectal cancer that has stopped responding to 5-fluorouracil, according to recent results presented at the 37 th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Colorectal cancer is cancer that involves the colon and ...

Thalidomide and Camptosar®: Improved Efficacy with Decreased Side Effects in the Treatment of Advanced Colorectal Cancer 02/07/2002
The addition of thalidomide, an angiogenesis inhibitor, appears to dramatically decrease dose-limiting toxicities and may improve treatment efficacy when used in combination with the chemotherapy agent Camptosar® for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, according to recent results presented at the 37 th Annual Meeting of the American ...

Vaccine Produces Encouraging Responses in Patients with Colorectal and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer 02/07/2002
A new vaccine utilizing a patient’s own immune cells has produced encouraging anti-cancer responses in individuals with advanced colorectal or advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to results recently presented at the 37 th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The majority of colorectal cancer cells ...

FDA Approves Camera Pill For Screening Small Intestine 02/05/2002
The FDA has recently approved the Given Diagnostic Imaging System, a tiny camera capsule that visualizes the inside of the small intestine to detect polyps, cancer or causes of bleeding and anemia. At approximately 20 feet long, the small intestine is the longest part of the digestive tract and ...

Fecal Occult-Blood Test and Sigmoidoscopy Overlook Many Cancers 02/05/2002
When used as screening for asymptomatic individuals, fecal occult-blood testing and sigmoidoscopy fail to detect advanced colorectal cancer in 24% of patients, according to the results of a study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine. When detected early, colorectal cancer is a highly curable disease. ...

CT-Colonography, A New, More Sensitive Screening Test for Colon Cancer? 02/05/2002
Computerized tomography (CT)-colonography is as effective as colonoscopy for the detection of polyps and cancers of the colon, according to the results of a study recently published in Radiology. Cancers of the colon and rectum, sometimes referred to together as colorectal cancer, begin with the development of an adenomatous ...

New Diagnostic Test for Colon Cancer 02/05/2002
A new laser-based diagnostic tool called the Optical Biopsy System (OBS) provides analysis of colon polyps in less than one second and is designed to assist physicians in deciding whether certain colon polyps are potentially malignant and should, therefore, be removed. When detected early, colorectal cancer is a highly ...

Breast Cancer Does Not Increase Risk of Colorectal Cancer 02/05/2002
A history of breast cancer does not increase the risk of colorectal cancer and, in fact, may actually reduce the risk for some women, according to the results of a study recently published in The Lancet. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United ...

Supplements May Cloud Results of Colorectal Cancer Chemoprevention Trials 02/05/2002
Many colorectal cancer survivors enrolled in prevention trials regularly use various supplements, which could impact the results of the trials, according to a study recently published in Cancer. When detected early, colorectal cancer is a highly curable disease. Colorectal cancer begins with the development of an adenomatous polyp, which ...

Promising New Screening Test for Colorectal Cancer 02/05/2002
A new colon screening procedure, Electron Beam Colonography (EB-Colonography), recently received FDA approval after an extensive 6-month review. EB-Colonography is one of several functions performed by the Electron Beam Tomography (EBT) scanner manufactured by Imatron. The EBT scanner is a diagnostic x-ray system that produces two- and three-dimensional images ...

Focus Group Reveals Misconceptions Regarding Genetic Testing 02/05/2002
Recent focus groups conducted at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill School of Medicine revealed a general lack of knowledge about genetics and genetic testing, according to a study recently published in Cancer. The focus groups were directed at patients with colorectal cancer and their first-degree ...

High Bone Mass May Lead to Decreased Risk of Colon Cancer 02/05/2002
Postmenopausal women with a high bone mass have a decreased risk of developing colon cancer, according to the results of a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The disease strikes both men and ...

Fecal Occult-Blood Test Reduces Incidence of Colorectal Cancer 02/05/2002
Annual or biennial fecal occult-blood testing significantly reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer, according to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The Minnesota Colon Cancer Control Study was an 18-year study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of regular fecal occult-blood testing on lowering the cancer ...

Patients can now be Tested for Susceptibility of Developing Colon Cancer 02/05/2002
Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) is a type of colon cancer caused by specific genetic mutations (alterations) in two genes referred to as MLH1 and MSH2. People that have mutations in these genes have approximately an 80% chance of developing HNPCC. A new test which is able to ...

Colonoscopy Is More Effective than Barium Enema in Detecting Colorectal Polyps after Surgery 02/05/2002
Some types of growths, called polyps, that occur in the colon or rectum are associated with the eventual development of colorectal cancer. Persons who have surgery to remove such polyps often require regular testing, or screening, to monitor for the development of more polyps. A group of researchers ...