Each year, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) hosts its Annual Meeting in Chicago. This conference brings oncology professionals from across the globe and showcases the clinical breakthroughs in cancer care. We’ve put together some of the exciting colorectal cancer advancements unveiled at this event below.
A groundbreaking international study revealed that exercise can significantly prevent cancer recurrence and death after colon cancer treatment. This is the first clear evidence that structured physical activity outperforms drugs in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and death. Participants were asked to achieve a target equivalent to at least a 45-minute walk, three to four times a week. This is significant because it’s an effective, simple, and nonpharmacological intervention to improve survival.
New research found that adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy after surgery for patients with stage III colon cancer with a deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) reduces the risk of cancer returning and death by 50% compared to chemotherapy alone. It’s estimated that about 15% of colon cancer cases present with dMMR. This study represents a breakthrough in treating dMMR stage 3 colon cancer, offering patients a more effective and targeted option.
A phase III trial looked at how diet influences survival in patients with stage III colon cancer. The study found that people who ate more pro-inflammatory foods (foods that increase inflammation in the body) had a higher risk of dying. Diet didn’t seem to affect how long they stayed cancer-free. This is significant because it highlights the importance of diet and the role it plays in survival outcomes.
Researchers found significant barriers in patients diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC). People under 50 are more likely to receive an advanced CRC diagnosis. Data revealed that race, obesity, and smoking status are all contributing factors to this concerning trend. This is significant because it provides insights into some of the social determinants that are contributing to the rise of CRC in younger people.
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