Latest Research On Colorectal Cancer

Executive Summary

Several research studies have been conducted to seek more information on colorectal cancer, its related prevention methods, its diagnostic process at the initial phase, and the best treatments strategies. Improved detection and screening methods involve the development of various tests to examine stool samples to find genetic changes linked with colorectal cancer. The latest research on colorectal cancer has shown that specific checkpoint inhibitors, known as PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors, can be effective against a type of metastatic colorectal cancer that is microsatellite high (MSI-H). Ongoing clinical trials are looking at combining checkpoint inhibitors with other drugs or cancer-directed treatments to see if they can be helpful in tumors that are not MSI-H. Researchers hope that the tests recognize genes that can help doctors and patients decide whether to use chemotherapy post-treatment to help people with a lower risk of recurrence avoid the side effects of additional treatment. A new kind of targeted therapy or chemotherapy will be analyzed for colorectal cancer, including advanced rectal and colon cancers. Palliative care is being integrated to improve the patients’ quality of life.

Advancement in Colorectal Cancer Research

Based on the research on colorectal cancer doctors are learning about colorectal cancer, methods to prevent it, treat it best, and provide the best care to patients diagnosed with this cancer ^​1​. 

• Improved detection methods – Researchers create tests to examine stool samples to find genetic changes linked with colorectal cancer ^​2​. Doctors have a better chance of curing disease by finding and removing polyps or identifying cancer early.
• Immunotherapy – In the past several years, researchers have discovered a class of drugs that targets how tumor cells avoid the immune system. These immunotherapy drugs are called checkpoint inhibitors. The latest research on colorectal cancer has shown that specific checkpoint inhibitors, known as PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors can be effective against a type of metastatic colorectal cancer that is microsatellite high (MSI-H) ^​3​. Ongoing clinical trials are looking at combining checkpoint inhibitors with other drugs or cancer-directed treatments to see if they can be helpful in tumors that are not MSI-H.
• Tests to predict the risk of cancer recurrence – Various genes play essential roles in the growth and spread of tumors. Tests that recognize these genes can help doctors and patients decide whether to use chemotherapy post-treatment. Researchers hope that the tests can help people with a lower risk of recurrence avoid the side effects of additional treatment.
• Chemotherapy and targeted therapy – New kind of targeted therapy or chemotherapy analyzed for colorectal cancer, including advanced rectal and colon cancers ^​4​. Most of these newer drugs are available only through clinical trials.
• Palliative or supportive care – Clinical trials are underway to find better ways to reduce symptoms and side effects of the presently available colorectal cancer treatments to improve patients’ comfort and quality of life.

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