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On today’s episode of Ask the Dr, Dr. Michael Lange is joined by Roger Schulman for an important discussion on colorectal cancer and natural ways to help reduce risk. They talk about lifestyle and nutrition strategies that support gut health, overall wellness, and longevity. The focus is not just on surviving, but on truly thriving as we age. Topics discussed include: • Colorectal cancer and prevention-focused lifestyle choices • Natural ways to support gut and colon health • The benefits of Creapure creatine, MyHMB, and vitamin D • How Fortifeye Creatine + MyHMB + Vitamin D can support muscle, strength, and cognitive function • Why resistance training is essential for healthy aging and longevity • The importance of eating more fruits and vegetables • The role of omega-3s in RTG form for inflammation, heart, and brain health A powerful call-in from Tony: Tony calls into the show to share his incredible transformation, having lost over 250 pounds. He discusses how building muscle, improving his nutrition, and using proper supplementation dramatically improved his blood chemistries, overall systemic health, and ocular health. His journey is a real-life example of what is possible when you commit to lifestyle change and longevity-focused habits. Dr Lange mentions the Fortifeye Fit Meal is in manufacturing now and should be available soon. He also mentioned Fortifeye Fit Bites will be a chocolate raspberry gummy avaialble soon to curb appetite Special reminder: The last day for the BOGO on Fortifeye Vegan Super Protein is Monday. This episode is packed with practical, real-world strategies to help you build muscle, protect your brain, improve gut health, and thrive long term. Like, subscribe, and share Ask the Dr with anyone who wants to thrive, not just survive. #GutHealth #MuscleBuilding #ResistanceTraining #CognitiveHealth #TotalBodyWellness #fortifeyefitmealSupport the show: https://www.drmichaellange.com/category/ask-the-doctor/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are in Week 2 of our 4-part series on Cancer, the #2 killer in America. Dr. Prather talks about why Structure-Function Care and Disease Care must work together to get the best outcomes for patients. In this episode, you'll find out:—How Holistic Integration's Structure-Function approach helps support patients going through Cancer treatments by keeping the body healthy and in homeostasis. —The story of the oncologist who called Dr. Prather about a terminal Prostate Cancer patient to ask what was being done to his patient because his PSA numbers were improving so dramatically. —The importance of Iodine for Breast Cancer and Fibrocystic Breasts And how it has been shown to be effective for Prostate Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, and other types of Cancer as well. —Why Vitamin D is critical for Cancer and plays a huge role in our immune system. And how Dr. Prather finds very few patients come in with proper Vitamin D levels.—The reason Dr. Prather refers to distilled water as "Cancer water". And why you shouldn't drink too much alkaline water because Cancer cells are extremely alkaline.—The herbals that have anti-Cancer properties and are excellent for detoxification and for boosting the immune system. —Why an evaluation of nutritional deficiencies should be done to prevent and fight Cancer. And why Anemia is something that should be taken seriously and can impact the survival rate from Cancer by 50%.—How Estrogen dominance can kick off Breast Cancer and Uterine Caner in Women. And how almost all Prostate Cancers come from Estrogen dominance.—The astonishing story of the experiment Dr. Prater did as a student where rats who ate Wonder Bread "lost their hair, couldn't decide what sex they were, ate their young, and society just fell apart."—How Cancer patients who receive Acupuncture have 85% fewer symptoms and their fatigue levels are much les because "Acupuncture recharges the cells in the body".http://www.TheVoiceOfHealthRadio.com*Receive exclusive bonus content as a member of our Voice Of Health Patreon Community:https://www.patreon.com/cw/VoiceofHealthPodcast
Colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults, with U.S. rates increasing 2.4% per year since 2012. New evidence points to dietary changes as a contributing factor A recent study in JAMA Oncology found that those consuming the most ultraprocessed foods had a 45% higher risk of developing precancerous colorectal tumors before age 50 Risk increased with higher ultraprocessed food intake, then plateaued beyond seven to eight servings daily. Sweetened beverages, sauces, spreads, and condiments showed the strongest links You can reduce ultraprocessed food intake by planning real meals, replacing snack foods with whole ingredients, tracking triggers, and making unprocessed options more visible and accessible in your home Lowering your linoleic acid intake, increasing fiber gradually, and supporting gut health with protective foods and habits also helps reduce your risk of colorectal cancer
For people who've had colorectal cancer, celecoxib, a commonly prescribed medicine for pain, may help avoid disease recurrence, a recent analysis of a larger study found. Kimmel Cancer Center director William Nelson at Johns Hopkins explains that the presence of … Can the drug celecoxib help some people avoid colorectal cancer recurrence? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »
Featuring an interview with Dr Scott Kopetz, including the following topics: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-guided adjuvant chemotherapy de-escalation in the treatment of Stage III colon cancer from the ctDNA-negative cohort of the DYNAMIC-III trial (0:00) Prognostic and predictive role of ctDNA in the management of Stage III colon cancer treated with celecoxib: Findings from the CALGB (Alliance)/SWOG 80702 trial (8:01) Phase III ALTAIR study comparing trifluridine/tipiracil to placebo for patients with molecular residual disease after curative resection of colorectal cancer (CRC); a methylation-based, tissue-free ctDNA test (12:51) ctDNA with locally advanced mismatch repair-deficient/microsatellite instability-high solid tumors; real-world evidence regarding ctDNA with resected CRC (17:31) CME information and select publications
Dr Scott Kopetz from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston discusses recent developments with circulating tumor DNA assays in the management of colorectal cancer. CME information and select publications here.
Dr Scott Kopetz from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston discusses recent developments with circulating tumor DNA assays in the management of colorectal cancer. CME information and select publications here.
Featuring an interview with Dr Scott Kopetz, including the following topics: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based molecular residual disease (MRD) and survival among patients with resectable colorectal cancer (CRC) in the CIRCULATE-Japan GALAXY trial (0:00) ctDNA for detection of MRD in patients with CRC in the BESPOKE CRC and INTERCEPT trials (3:11) Clinical utility of including ctDNA monitoring in standard CRC surveillance (11:11) ctDNA analysis guiding adjuvant therapy for CRC in the DYNAMIC and CIRCULATE-North America trials (15:52) CME information and select publications
Dr Scott Kopetz from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston discusses recent developments with circulating tumor DNA assays in the management of colorectal cancer.CME information and select publications here.
Dr Scott Kopetz from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston discusses recent developments with circulating tumor DNA assays in the management of colorectal cancer.CME information and select publications here.
A look at Colorectal Cancer, the 3rd most common cancer worldwide. We go into the risk factors of colorectal cancer, the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer (and how they change based on location of the cancer), the diagnosis and screening, as well as treatment of colorectal cancer and its prognosis. PDFs available here: https://rhesusmedicine.com/pages/general-surgeryConsider subscribing (if you found any of the info useful!): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRks8wB6vgz0E7buP0L_5RQ?sub_confirmation=1Buy Us A Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rhesusmedicineTimestamps:0:00 Intro - Colorectal Cancer Epidemiology 0:12 Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors1:41 Colorectal Cancer Pathology (Polyps & Paris Classification)2:36 Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer4:20 How is Colorectal Cancer diagnosed? 5:53 Treatment of Colorectal Cancer7:15 What is the prognosis of Colorectal CancerLINK TO SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/rhesusmedicine/ReferencesBowel Cancer UK, 2025. About bowel cancer. [online] Available at: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/bowel-cancer/. Bowel Cancer UKEndoscopy Campus, 2025. Paris classification – Early cancer. [online] Available at: https://www.endoscopy-campus.com/en/classifications/paris-classification-early-cancer/. endoscopy-campus.comRubio, C.A., Thomeer, M., Nordenskjöld, O., Gaudio, E. & Wallin, J.A., 2007. Malignant colorectal polyps: A review. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 13(30), pp.4141–4146. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2896747/. PMCAmerican Cancer Society, 2025. Colon & rectal cancer risk factors. [online] Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html.Disclaimer: Please remember this podcast and all content from Rhesus Medicine is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a guide to diagnose or to treat any form of condition. The content is not to be used to guide clinical practice and is not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
In this episode of the Oncology Brothers podcast, we dived into the latest discussions surrounding metastatic colorectal cancer, focusing on treatment strategies for refractory cases. We recapped our recent discussions with GI experts, including Dr. John Strickler, Dr. Chiara Cremolini, Dr. Namrata Vijayvergia, and Dr. Tiago Biachi. Key topics included: * The importance of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and biomarker testing in treatment planning. * An overview of second-line treatment options such as Tas-102 with Bevacizumab, Regorafenib, and Fruquintinib, along with their respective clinical trial data. * Insights into side effect management and quality of life considerations for patients undergoing palliative treatment. * A discussion on the recent STELLAR-303 study and its implications for immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. Join us as we bridge the gap between academia and community practice, emphasizing the need for improved treatment options and patient care in the realm of refractory colorectal cancer. Follow us on social media: • X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/oncbrothers • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oncbrothers • Website: https://oncbrothers.com/ Don't forget to subscribe for more practice-changing updates! #ColorectalCancer #mCRC #TAS102 #Regorafenib #PalliativeCare #OncologyBrothers #GIOcology
Klinisch Relevant ist Dein Wissenspartner für das Gesundheitswesen. Drei mal pro Woche, nämlich dienstags, donnerstags und samstags, versorgen wir Dich mit unserem Podcast und liefern Dir Fachwissen für Deine klinische Praxis. Weitere Infos findest Du unter https://klinisch-relevant.de
I am dedicating today's entire episode to colonoscopies. When I had my fifth colonoscopy yesterday, I shared the before-and-after experience online and received a flood of responses. Healthcare professionals thanked me for the transparency, while many followers admitted they were anxious, postponing their own procedures, or worried about the small likelihood of complications. With my own strong family history of precancerous polyps and years of firsthand experience, I wanted to dive deeper so I can speak from both knowledge and empowerment. Join me as I unpack the facts to dispel your fears and bring a sense of calm confidence to this potentially life-saving procedure. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in younger women has led to a need for earlier detection How colorectal cancer symptoms often get misattributed to stress, perimenopause, hemorrhoids, or other hormonal changes The risk factors of colonoscopies Various types of colonoscopy prep How colonoscopy prep impacts the gut microbiome How probiotics can help reduce post-colonoscopy GI symptoms What women need to know about sessile serrated polyps How perimenopause and menopause alter colorectal cancer risk in women What major clinical trials reveal about prevention and long-term protection Some alternatives to traditional colonoscopy Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Research Links: Risk of colorectal cancer seven years after flexible sigmoidoscopy screening: randomised controlled trial Once-only flexible sigmoidoscopy screening in prevention of colorectal cancer: a multicentre randomised controlled trial Effect of Colonoscopy Screening on Risks of Colorectal Cancer and Related Death Response: Re: Mobile Phone Use and Brain Tumors in Children and Adolescents: A Multicenter Case–Control Study Once-Only Sigmoidoscopy in Colorectal Cancer Screening: Follow-up Findings of the Italian Randomized Controlled Trial—SCORE Blood Test Could Provide Colonoscopy Alternative for Colorectal Cancer Screening Alteration in gut microbiota after colonoscopy: proposed mechanisms and the role of probiotic interventions Adverse events related to colonoscopy: Global trends and future challenges
BUFFALO, NY - December 17, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Oncotarget (Volume 16) on December 15, 2025, titled “Machine learning-based survival prediction in colorectal cancer combining clinical and biological features.” In this study, led by Lucas M. Vieira from the University of Brasília and the University of California San Diego, researchers used machine learning to predict survival in patients with colorectal cancer. They built a model by combining biological markers with clinical data. This approach could help improve prognosis and guide treatment strategies for one of the world's most common and deadly cancers. The team analyzed data from over 500 patients, using clinical details such as age, chemotherapy status, and cancer stage, along with molecular features like gene expression and microRNAs. Their goal was to improve how clinicians identify high-risk patients and make outcome predictions more precise. Researchers evaluated three different patient data scenarios using different machine learning techniques. The best-performing was an adaptive boosting model, which achieved 89.58% accuracy. This approach showed that integrating clinical and biological data led to significantly better predictions than using either data type alone. Among the biological markers, the gene E2F8 was consistently influential in all patient groups and is known to play a role in tumor growth. Other important markers included WDR77 and hsa-miR-495-3p, which are also associated with cancer development. Key clinical predictors included cancer stage, patient age, lymph node involvement, and whether chemotherapy was administered. “The proposed method combines biological and clinical features to predict patient survival, using as input data from patients from the United States, available in the TCGA database.” Unlike earlier models that relied on either clinical or molecular data alone, this study demonstrates the added value of combining both. Ensemble methods, which merge multiple learning algorithms, provided more stable and consistent results across all patient groups tested. These research findings could lead to new tools that help clinicians better predict how a patient's disease might progress or respond to treatment. The study also highlights the importance of collecting complete clinical information, such as lifestyle factors, which were missing from the dataset but could enhance future predictions. Overall, the study demonstrated how machine learning can support more accurate and personalized survival predictions in colorectal cancer. It also points to potential future research on markers like E2F8, which may be useful for monitoring or targeted therapy. DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28783 Correspondence to - Lucas M. Vieira - lvieira@health.ucsd.edu Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy7UL5ZUKuI Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28783 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ Keywords - cancer, colorectal cancer, machine learning, feature selection, non-coding RNAs, genes To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us on social media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/ X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/ Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM
Join host Talaya Dendy on Navigating Cancer TOGETHER for another inspiring conversation with the truly remarkable Wenora Johnson.Wenora is a three-time cancer survivor (colorectal, endometrial, and basal cell carcinoma) and a passionate patient and research advocate. In this episode, she shares her incredible, decades-long journey and how her background in the Navy instilled the grit and discipline she needed to face these health challenges.What You'll Learn:Lynch Syndrome & Genetic Testing: Wenora discusses the pivotal role that genetic testing and the discovery of Lynch syndrome played in her early detection and survival. This segment is a must-listen for anyone considering testing.The Power of Policy Change: Hear about Wenora's dedicated work in patient advocacy, including her efforts to push for policy changes that would lower the recommended age for initial colonoscopies.Self-Advocacy & Resilience: Get real-world advice on how to stand up for yourself in the healthcare system and how Wenora harnessed her inner resilience to overcome multiple diagnoses.Caregiving Insights: The conversation touches on the often-overlooked challenges and realities faced by caregivers.Whether you are a patient, a caregiver, or simply looking for a story of extraordinary determination, Wenora's insights and message of hope are invaluable. Don't miss this episode!✨Episode Highlights:02:12 Meet Wenora Johnson: A Three-Time Survivor06:22 The Impact of Lynch Syndrome on Her Journey10:08 Why Genetic Testing Is So Important16:04 Fighting for Change: Advocacy and Policy33:00 Understanding Caregiving Challenges36:19 Tips for Self-Advocacy and Building Resilience43:19 Wenora's Final Thoughts and Resources (FORCE)Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript177Resource: FORCE, https://www.facingourrisk.org/about-usInspired by Wenora's resilience? Start your journey with calm. Download your FREE Guided Meditation: "Calming Your Mind After a Cancer Diagnosis." Get inner peace now! https://www.ontheotherside.life/guidedmeditation
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. While early detection significantly improves outcomes, many patients are diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options are limited and relapse is common. To address this challenge, researchers are exploring whether existing drugs can be repurposed for cancer therapy, a strategy that could accelerate drug development while reducing associated costs and risks. One class of drugs under investigation is statins, commonly prescribed to reduce cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease. Several studies have observed a potential link between elevated cholesterol and increased CRC risk. Cholesterol may support tumor growth by promoting membrane synthesis and energy metabolism in rapidly dividing cells. Building on this connection, researchers from leading Indian institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research and the Center of Excellence in Epigenetics at Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, investigated how statins influence CRC cells at the molecular level. Their goal was to determine whether these widely used drugs could have a therapeutic role in oncology. The Study: Investigating the Molecular Impact of Statins in CRC Cells The study, titled “Statins exhibit anti-tumor potential by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in colorectal cancer,” was published in Oncotarget (Volume 16). Using a combination of lipidomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and 3D tumor models, the researchers explored how two widely prescribed statins, atorvastatin and simvastatin, affect molecular pathways associated with CRC progression. This integrative, multi-omics strategy enabled tracing statin-induced effects across different layers of cellular function, linking lipid, transcript, and protein changes to pathway-level shifts. Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2025/12/03/repurposing-statins-exploring-anti-tumor-effects-in-colorectal-cancer/ Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28755 Correspondence to - Sanjeev Galande - sanjeev.galande@snu.edu.in Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A95ICULaH3Y Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28755 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ Keywords - cancer, colorectal cancer, statins, SATB1, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, tumor-suppressive phenotype To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/ X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/ Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM
Host: Peter Buch, MD, FACG, AGAF, FACP Guest: Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH Blood-based colorectal cancer screening is entering a new era with FDA-approved and emerging tests like Shield and Simple Screen. Alongside updated stool-based options such as Cologuard Plus and CRC-PREVENT, clinicians now have a broader landscape of noninvasive tools to consider and discuss with their patients. Joining Dr. Peter Buch to talk about current recommendations and potential future directions for colorectal cancer screening is Dr. Aasma Shaukat. Dr. Shaukat is the Robert M. and Mary H. Glickman Professor of Medicine and a Professor of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, as well as the Director of Outcomes Research in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NYU Langone Health. She's also a co-author of a recent review on blood tests for colorectal cancer.
#ThisMorning | #Ultra-#Processed #Foods Can #Drive Your #Colorectal #Cancer #Risk | Tim Yeatman, MD, FACS & Ganesh Halade, PhD., USF Health Heart Institute | #Tunein: broadcastretirementnetwork.com #Aging, #Finance, #Lifestyle, #Privacy, #Retirement, #Wellness
Featuring perspectives from Dr Emmanuel S Antonarakis and Dr Matthew R Smith, including the following topics: Current and Future Role of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in the Management of Colorectal Cancer — Dr Lieu (0:00) Other Biomarker-Based Strategies for Patients with Colorectal Cancer — Dr Strickler (36:39) CE information and select publications
Dr Christopher Lieu and Dr John Strickler share their perspectives on the evolving therapeutic landscape for patients with colorectal cancer. CME information and select publications here.
Dr Christopher Lieu and Dr John Strickler share their perspectives on the evolving therapeutic landscape for patients with colorectal cancer. CME information and select publications here.
Dr Christopher Lieu and Dr John Strickler share their perspectives on the evolving therapeutic landscape for patients with colorectal cancer. CME information and select publications here.
There's been a dramatic surge in colorectal cancer in young people, not just in the U.S., but globally. Health experts say what we drink and eat is contributing to the trend. That includes consumption of red meat, processed meat, alcohol, sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods. We spoke with Dr. Browne of Griffin Health about how diet is only one component to reversing the trend and that includes genetic testing. Image Courtesy of Griffin Health
Featuring an interview from Dr John Strickler, including the following topics: Prognostic value of molecular residual disease (MRD) as detected by circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and optimal incorporation of MRD assays into the care of patients with colorectal cancer (0:00) Potential use of MRD assays for patients with microsatellite instability (MSI)-high localized colorectal cancer or those with delayed progression or metastatic disease (16:09) Tumor-informed MRD assays under clinical development (20:36) Predictive role of ctDNA in Stage III colon cancer treated with celecoxib; effect of low-dose aspirin on response to celecoxib in patients with PI3K pathway alterations (24:19) Case: A man in his late 50s with resected Stage IIA colon cancer (30:06) Case: A woman in her late 40s with Lynch syndrome and MSI-H colon cancer with a solitary, small hepatic metastasis (34:57) MRD as a future clinical trial endpoint for solid tumors; increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in younger people (40:24) Antibody-drug conjugates in the treatment of colorectal cancer (45:13) Perspectives on promising areas of clinical research in colorectal cancer (48:23) CME information and select publications
Dr John Strickler from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, discusses the measurement of molecular residual disease and its current and potential role in colorectal cancer risk assessment, surveillance and treatment decision-making. CME information and select publications here.
Dr John Strickler from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, discusses the measurement of molecular residual disease and its current and potential role in colorectal cancer risk assessment, surveillance and treatment decision-making. CME information and select publications here.
Featuring a slide presentation and related discussion from Dr John Strickler, including the following topics: Defining molecular residual disease (MRD); tumor-informed and tumor-naïve methods for assessing (0:00) GALAXY and BESPOKE CRC studies of a tumor-informed MRD assay to identify patients with localized colorectal cancer who have an increased risk of recurrence and those who are likely to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy (6:56) Sustained circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) clearance and disease-free survival outcomes for patients with localized colorectal cancer (13:21) DYNAMIC study of a ctDNA-guided approach to adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with Stage II colorectal cancer (16:17) ctDNA positivity and radiographic evidence of colorectal cancer (18:48) ctDNA-guided approaches to escalating or de-escalating adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with localized colorectal cancer (21:24) Predictive role of ctDNA assay results in Stage III colon cancer treated with celecoxib; low-dose aspirin for patients with Stage II to III colorectal cancer with a PI3K pathway alteration (26:02) CME information and select publications
In this episode of JCO PO Article Insights, host Dr. Jiasen He summarizes the article, "Somatic Mutation Profiles of Colorectal Cancer by Birth Cohort" by Gilad, et al published October 11, 2025. TRANSCRIPT Jiasen He: Hello, and welcome to the JCO Precision Oncology Article Insights. I am your host, Jiasen He, and today, we will be discussing the JCO Precision Oncology article, "Somatic Mutation Profiles of Colorectal Cancer by Birth Cohort," by Dr. Gilad and colleagues. Early-onset colorectal cancer is defined as colorectal cancer diagnosed before the age of 50. Several reports have suggested that early-onset colorectal cancer has unique characteristics. Compared with late-onset colorectal cancer, early-onset colorectal cancer cases are more commonly found in the distal colon or rectum, tend to be diagnosed at more advanced stages, and may display unfavorable histologic features. Although the overall incidence of colorectal cancer has declined in recent decades, the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer continues to rise. This increase appears to be driven by birth cohort effects. The reasons behind this rise remain unclear but are likely multifactorial, involving changes in demographics, diet, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and genetic predisposition. At the same time, studies have shown conflicting results regarding whether there are differences in the mutation profiles between early-onset and late-onset colorectal cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to explore whether colorectal cancer somatic mutational landscape differs across birth cohorts, as this could provide important insight into generational shifts in colorectal cancer incidence. To address this question, the authors conducted a retrospective study to characterize the mutation spectrum of colorectal cancer across different birth cohorts. Consecutive colorectal cancer patients who underwent somatic next-generation sequencing at the University of Chicago pathology laboratory between 2015 and 2022 were retrospectively identified. Tumors were tested for 154 to 168 genes and categorized as either microsatellite stable or high according to established thresholds. Patients with hereditary cancer syndromes or inflammatory bowel disease were excluded. Participants were then grouped into birth cohorts by decades, as well as into two major groups: those born before 1960 and after 1960. Genes that were identified in at least 5% of the sample were selected and grouped into 10 canonical cancer signaling pathways. These genes and pathways were then included in the analysis to explore their association with colorectal cancer across different birth cohorts and age groups. A total of 369 patients were included in the study, with a median birth year of 1955 and a median age at colorectal cancer diagnosis of 62.9 years. 5.4% were identified as having microsatellite-high tumors. The median tumor mutational burden was 5 mutations per megabase for microsatellite-stable tumors and 57.7 mutations per megabase for microsatellite-high tumors. Patients with microsatellite-high tumors tended to have earlier birth years and were diagnosed at an older age. However, after adjusting for potential confounders, neither birth year nor age remained statistically significant. Similarly, after controlling for confounders, no significant associations were observed between birth year or age and mutation burden. In this cohort, APC, TP53, and KRAS were the most frequently mutated genes. No statistically significant differences in the prevalence of gene mutations were observed across birth cohorts. Correspondingly, the most affected signaling pathways were the Wnt, TP53, and (RTK)/RAS pathways. Similar to the gene-level finding, no significant differences in the prevalence of these pathways were identified among birth cohorts. When examining patients born before and after 1960, the authors found that the older birth cohorts were diagnosed at an older age and had higher tumor mutational burden. However, no significant differences were observed in any of the genes or pathways analyzed. Among microsatellite-stable tumors, 18.3% were classified as early-onset colorectal cancer, while 81.1% were late-onset colorectal cancer. Consistent with previous reports, early-onset colorectal cancers in this cohort were more likely to be left-sided and more common among more recent birth cohorts. However, no significant differences were identified in any of the examined genes or pathways when comparing early-onset to late-onset colorectal cancer. In this cohort, a higher prevalence of early-onset colorectal cancer was observed among more recent birth cohorts, consistent with previous reports. Still, no distinct mutational signature was identified between the early and late birth cohorts. The authors proposed that the lack of distinct mutational profile by age or birth cohort may be due to the limited number of key molecular pathways driving colorectal cancer. Although environmental exposures likely differ across generations, the downstream effects may have converged on similar biological mechanisms, leading to comparable somatic mutations across cohorts. Alternately, they proposed that the observed birth cohort differences in colorectal incidence may be driven by distinct mutation signatures, epigenetic alterations, or changes in the immune microenvironment rather than variations in canonical gene mutations. As the authors noted, given the retrospective nature of this study, its modest sample size, and the predominance of advanced-stage tumors, larger prospective studies are needed to validate these findings. In summary, this study found no significant differences in the mutational landscape of colorectal cancer across birth cohorts or age groups. The authors proposed that the generational shift in colorectal cancer incidence is unlikely to be driven by changes in the underlying tumor genomics. However, larger prospective studies are needed to validate these findings. Thank you for tuning in to JCO Precision Oncology Article Insights. Do not forget to subscribe and join us next time as we explore more groundbreaking research shaping the future of oncology. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience, and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity, or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement.
While we're making progress in TREATING cancer, worldwide cancer INCIDENCE is soaring, especially among young people; New guidelines for colon cancer screening urge earlier start at age 45; Rates of peanut allergy are declining as more parents follow revised advice to introduce nuts earlier to kids; What's with all the buzz about methylene blue? Legalization and stronger pot are creating an epidemic of ER visits for uncontrolled vomiting, debilitating abdominal pain; New smart toilet gives you a report card on your poop; When Zoloft doesn't work for anxiety.
Prominent colorectal surgeon Frank Frizelle says it is now a necessity for dedicated cancer centres in New Zealand. The Christchurch-based surgeon believes if New Zealand does not adopt comprehensive cancer centres, the system will fail patients. Frizelle told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "it's just about trying to give adequate volumes and concentrations of resources to try and get the best value for money". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People who've had colorectal cancer and who have a mutation known as PI3 kinase benefit from taking asprin to prevent recurrence, a new study shows. William Nelson, director of the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, describes the findings. Nelson: There were … What is the benefit of asprin in reducing colorectal cancer recurrence? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »
Most people should start screening for colorectal cancer at age 45, due to increasing rates of the disease in younger people. Now a new study examines the most effective way to get people to be screened. Kimmel Cancer Center director … Mail in screening tests for colorectal cancer seem effective, Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »
Nurse practitioner Elisabeth Evans discusses her article "The critical role of nurse practitioners in colorectal cancer screening." Elisabeth shares why colorectal cancer is the second-deadliest cancer in the U.S. yet remains under-screened, and why early detection can mean the difference between a 14 percent survival rate and over 90 percent. She highlights the lowered screening age, the role of public figures in raising awareness, and how nurse practitioners and physician associates can normalize conversations, provide multiple screening options, and ease patient fears. Elisabeth also discusses environmental risk factors, the importance of family history, and the potential of emerging technologies like blood-based screening. Listeners will take away strategies to better support patients, improve screening rates, and save lives through prevention and timely intervention. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise, and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended
Could your fatigue, bloating, or random skin rashes be more than “just stress” or IBS? You might be shocked to learn they could actually be signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or even colon cancer — yes, it's possible without having obvious digestive symptoms.It's unfortunately common to discover that you have Crohn's or ulcerative colitis in your 60s, and not because of gut issues… but during a routine colonoscopy screening. Others are misdiagnosed for years while battling brain fog, thyroid problems, skin issues like psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, or even unexplained anemia — all while the real problem quietly worsens.I'm joined by Dr. Ilana Gurevich, a naturopathic gastroenterologist who specializes in complex GI disorders. We dive into the hidden signs of IBD, how it differs from IBS, sneaky signs of colon cancer (especially with skyrocketing rates), and the TRUTH about colonoscopies – why you should absolutely stop putting it off and never use a stool test for gut health as a replacement.If you've been brushed off, gaslit, or still searching for answers, you don't want to miss this.⭐️Mentioned in This Episode:- See all the references
In the U.S., about 10% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people under 50 – and rates are rising one to two percent each year. What’s behind this trend: lifestyle, genetics, or environment? We spoke with Andrea Cercek, MD, physician-scientist and medical oncologist, about her groundbreaking clinical trial that revolutionized treatment for early-stage rectal cancers. She discusses the multifactorial causes behind these rising diagnoses, from diet and lifestyle to environmental exposures and medications, and why screening, symptom awareness, and healthy habits like exercise and stress management are critical.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For decades, clinical trial recruitment has been the biggest challenge in the industry. Christine Senn, senior vice president of Site-Sponsor Innovation at Advarra, offers insights into why the struggle continues, such as delays in getting regulations updated after a quarter of a century, and how to overcome the deadlock in clinical trial recruitment that is tied to current obsolete marketing guidelines. Also, host Deborah Borfitz shares the latest on beta blockers, low dose aspirin lowering the risk of recurring colorectal cancer, repurposing drugs for breast cancer relapse prevention, remote participation research on why athletes and military members face higher ALS risk, and the first agentic AI platform for life sciences from Medable. Show Notes News Roundup Rethinking beta blockers Press release on the Mount Sinai website Subgroup analysis study in the European Heart Journal Aspirin lowers risk of colorectal cancer recurrence Study in The New England Journal of Medicine CLEVER study to prevent breast cancer relapse Study in Nature Medicine News release on Penn Medicine website Champion Insights ALS initiative News release on Answer ALS website Medable's Agent Studio Press release on the Medable website Disseminating research findings Systematic review in PLOS Medicine Guest Christine Senn, Ph.D., senior vice president of site-sponsor innovation at Advarra The Scope of Things podcast explores clinical research and its possibilities, promise, and pitfalls. Clinical Research News senior writer, Deborah Borfitz, welcomes guests who are visionaries closest to the topics, but who can still see past their piece of the puzzle. Focusing on game-changing trends and out-of-the-box operational approaches in the clinical research field, the Scope of Things podcast is your no-nonsense, insider's look at clinical research today.
Colorectal cancer is occurring more frequently in those in the forty to forty nine year old age group, leading to recommendations for screening earlier. Now there's a rise in cases seen in the last several years, but William Nelson, director … How should we interpret rising cases of colorectal cancer in younger people? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common—and deadliest—cancers worldwide. Once it spreads and reaches the metastatic stage, treatment becomes far more difficult. Tumors can also behave very differently from one patient to another, especially after multiple rounds of therapy. Precision oncology is helping to overcome these challenges by enabling clinicians to analyze each tumor's unique genetic profile and tailor treatment accordingly. This approach was recently highlighted in a case study published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget. The report detailed how a 62-year-old man with advanced colorectal cancer received a highly personalized treatment plan, developed by an international panel of experts, after completing all standard treatment options. Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2025/09/24/precision-oncology-in-metastatic-colorectal-cancer-a-real-world-case-study/ Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28744 Correspondence to - Shai Magidi - shai.magidi@winconsortium.org Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWDtWNgpK7A Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28744 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ Keywords - cancer, precision oncology, molecular tumor board, colorectal carcinoma, cancer management To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/ X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/ Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM
Send us a message with this link, we would love to hear from you. Standard message rates may apply.Colon cancer screening saves lives by catching cancer early and even preventing it, yet only 69% of eligible adults are up to date with their screenings. We explore who needs screening, what tests are available, and how to choose the right one for you.• Most adults should start colon cancer screening at age 45, even if healthy• Family history may mean you need to start screening earlier• Stool-based tests like FIT and Cologuard are convenient home options• Colonoscopy remains the gold standard, allowing doctors to remove polyps• One in 23 men and one in 25 women will develop colorectal cancer• The best screening test is the one you'll actually completePlease get screened! Check with your doctor about which test is right for you based on your risk factors and preferences.References1. Screening for Colorectal Cancer in Asymptomatic Average-Risk Adults: A Guidance Statement From the American College of Physicians (Version 2). Qaseem A, Harrod CS, Crandall CJ, et al. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2023;176(8):1092-1100. doi:10.7326/M23-0779.2. AGA Clinical Practice Update on Risk Stratification for Colorectal Cancer Screening and Post-Polypectomy Surveillance: Expert Review. Issaka RB, Chan AT, Gupta S. Gastroenterology. 2023;165(5):1280-1291. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2023.06.033.3. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Davidson KW, Barry MJ, Mangione CM, et al. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.6238.4. Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention. Sur DKC, Brown PC. American Family Physician. 2025;112(3):278-283.5. Increasing Incidence of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer. Sinicrope FA. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;386(16):1547-1558. doi:10.1056/NEJMra2200869.6. From Guideline to Practice: New Shared Decision-Making Tools for Colorectal Cancer Screening From the American Cancer Society. Volk RJ, Leal VB, Jacobs LE, et al. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2018;68(4):246-249. doi:10.3322/caac.21459.7. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. Lin JS, Perdue LA, Henrikson NB, Bean SI, Blasi PR. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1978-1998. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.4417.8. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Bibbins-Domingo K, Grossman DC, Curry SJ, et al. JAMA. 2016;315(23):2564-2575. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.5989.9. How Would You Screen This Patient for Colorectal Cancer? : Grand Rounds Discussion From Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Burns RB, Mangione CM, Weinberg DS, Kanjee Z. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2022;175(10):1452-1461. doi:10.7326/M22-1961.Support the showSubscribe to Our Newsletter! Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD & Nicole Aruffo, RNArtwork: Olivia Pawlowski
We discuss the ALASCCA study (Adjuvant Low-doseASpirin in Colorectal CAncer
Prince Harry opens up to The Guardian in a rare interview about his trip to the United Kingdom, where he reunites with his father King Charles, and his surprise visit to Ukraine. Also, Craig Melvin sits down with Haleema Burton, a cancer survivor who shares how getting a colonoscopy at 45 helped doctors detect her cancer early enough to avoid invasive surgery or chemotherapy. Plus, an inside look at how hotels prepare to host nearly 200 NFL players, coaches, and staff as they travel on the road throughout the season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
“One powerful, overlooked aspect of colorectal cancer survivorship is the emotional and identity transformation that our survivors undergo—and really how little space is given in the clinical arena for that. No one really talks about this ‘invisible recovery.' Facing mortality can lead to prolonged changes is values, relationships, and life goals. And these experiences aren't captured in lab results or imaging scans, but they really shape how survivors live, love, and heal and continue with their lives,” ONS member Kris Mathey, DNP, APRN-CNP, AOCNP®, gastrointestinal medical oncology nurse practitioner at The James Cancer Hospital of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, told Jaime Weimer, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BS, AOCNS®, manager of oncology nursing practice at ONS, during a conversation about colorectal cancer survivorship. Music Credit: “Fireflies and Stardust” by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Earn 0.75 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) by listening to the full recording and completing an evaluation at courses.ons.org by September 12, 2026. The planners and faculty for this episode have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. ONS is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Learning outcome: Learner will report an increase is knowledge related to colorectal cancer survivorship nursing considerations. Episode Notes Complete this evaluation for free NCPD. ONS Podcast™ episodes: Episode 374: Colorectal Cancer Treatment Considerations for Nurses Episode 370: Colorectal Cancer Screening, Early Detection, and Disparities Episode 201: Which Survivorship Care Model Is Right for Your Patient? Episode 153: Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Has More Treatment Options Than Ever Before ONS Voice articles: Genetic Disorder Reference Sheet: Lynch Syndrome (Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer) Here Are the Current Nutrition and Physical Activity Recommendations for Cancer Survivors ONS course: Essentials in Survivorship Care for the Advanced Practice Provider Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing article: Closing the Gaps: Addressing the Unmet Needs of Cancer Survivors Oncology Nursing Forum articles: Symptom Occurrence, Frequency, and Severity During Acute Colorectal Cancer Survivorship The Relationship Between Colorectal Cancer Survivors' Positive Psychology, Symptom Characteristics, and Prior Trauma During Acute Cancer Survivorship ONS Survivorship Care Plan Huddle Card ONS Learning Libraries: Colorectal cancer Survivorship Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable Colorectal Cancer Alliance Colorectal Cancer Resource and Action Network Fight Colorectal Cancer Resource Library Livestrong at the YMCA Pan Ohio Hope Ride To discuss the information in this episode with other oncology nurses, visit the ONS Communities. To find resources for creating an ONS Podcast club in your chapter or nursing community, visit the ONS Podcast Library. To provide feedback or otherwise reach ONS about the podcast, email pubONSVoice@ons.org. Highlights From This Episode “As of the most recent data, more than 1.5 million people in the United States are living as colorectal cancer survivors. So this includes not only those who are currently undergoing active cancer treatment but also those who have completed treatment and ultimately are hopefully in remission. Just a reminder that colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States and it's the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths.” TS 1:53 “Our colorectal cancer survivors may have significant barriers when receiving this comprehensive survivorship care, and these challenges can affect not only their physical recovery but their emotional well-being and, ultimately, their long-term health outcomes. We as oncology nurses do play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing these barriers. So these can include fragmented care. Who's caring for these patients? That care coordination between the oncologist and the oncology team and then the primary care providers and team. Limited access—so our patients that may have geographic limited access or also financial- or insurance-related obstacles to follow-up services.” TS 9:10 “Our nurses can also facilitate the communication between specialists and primary care providers, so making sure that we're sending records, keeping those lines of communications open. Also, nurses can provide that psychosocial support, so our screening for distress and also advocating and supporting for referral to counseling or support groups for a patient. Nurses can also act as navigators to guide these patients through complex care systems.” TS 11:21 “Some of the recommended changes—nutrition—enhancing and emphasizing fruits, vegetables, that colorful plate, with whole grains. Limit those red and processed meats, and reduce sugary drinks and alcohol. I know we will all have those patients who have read things or cancer myths about, ‘Oh, cancer feeds on sugar, so I shouldn't drink anything or eat anything with sugar,' and maybe addressing that, just really emphasizing the well-rounded meals.” TS 19:57 “When we think about [ourselves], ‘Well, I don't have an implicit bias,' but we may not think about what that is. Some common preconceived assumptions are that survivorship equals a cure. And this assumption may overlook that chronic symptoms or those late effects and emotional needs of long-term survivors. So knowing that when a patient is coming to us on surveillance, they may be cured; they may not have active cancer, but they're still dealing with some of those chronic symptoms—and acknowledging that.” TS 30:37 “There's an assumption that an ostomy equals poor quality of life, and this may stigmatize patients and discourage open conversations about adaptation and support. A couple weeks ago, I volunteered at the Pan Ohio Hope Ride, which is with the American Cancer Society, and several states have a ride that's similar. And there was a patient riding, and I could tell over his jersey that he had an ostomy bag underneath that. And I just looked at him and I thought, ‘That's amazing. You are still functioning, still living, still riding a bike throughout the entire state of Ohio with an ostomy.' So he's still having that good quality of life. That doesn't stop him from living.” TS 31:39
Full article: CT Colonography for Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention: 20-Year Programmatic Experience at a U.S. Academic Medical Center CT colonography (CTC) serves as an important noninvasive test for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, although its implementation has faced challenges. Jordan Kondo, MD, discusses the AJR article by Pickhardt et al. reporting one center's experience from 15,431 CTC examinations performed over a 20-year period.
Karen Bonacorso is a registered nurse who found her love working in the community as a visiting nurse until she was diagnosed in January 2018 with invasive colorectal cancer with metastasis to the liver during a colonoscopy. Upon diagnosis, Karen immediately implemented strategies to support her body and help herself heal including diet, detoxification (of food and people), acupuncture, energy healing, and most importantly, her Faith in God. Since her remarkable surgical outcome, Karen has been in remission with no evidence of disease since July 2018. During these past 7 years, she has trained in functional nutrition, created her own non-toxic skin care line and dedicated her life to helping others who have been diagnosed with cancer and other chronic conditions. Connect with Karen directly at kbonacorso@gmail.com. Learn more about Karen's non toxic skin care line, Sea Moon Skin https://seamoonskin.com/ - Get 10% discount using the code Heal During her interview, Karen mentions Tong Ren healing from Tom Tam. If you'd like to hear more, please visit TAM HEALING SOLUTIONS _____________ To learn more about the 10 Radical Remission Healing Factors, connect with a certified RR coach or join a virtual or in-person workshop visit www.radicalremission.com. To watch Episode 1 of the Radical Remission Docuseries for free, visit our YouTube channel here. To purchase the full 10-episode Radical Remission Docuseries visit Hay House Online Learning. To learn more about Radical Remission health coaching with Liz or Karla, Click Here Follow us on Social Media: Facebook Instagram YouTube ____________ Thank you to our friends from The Healing Oasis for sponsoring this episode of the podcast. The Healing Oasis is a first of its kind in beautiful British Columbia, Canada where we encourage the body to heal from cancer using alternative therapies & cancer fighting meals at a wellness retreat center in nature. Our top naturopathic cancer doctor will prescribe a protocol tailored specifically for you. There's no place quite like it. Start your healing journey today! Learn More about The Healing Oasis by visiting these links: Website Testimonials Video Overview
“Colorectal cancer treatment is not just about eliminating a disease. It's about preserving life quality and empowering patients through every phase. So I think nurses are really at the forefront that we can do that in the oncology nursing space. So from early detection to survivorship, the journey is deeply personal. Precision medicine, compassionate care, and informed decision-making are reshaping outcomes. Treatment's just not about protocols. It's about people,” ONS member Kris Mathey, DNP, APRN-CNP, AOCNP®, gastrointestinal medical oncology nurse practitioner at The James Cancer Hospital of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, told Jaime Weimer, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BS, AOCNS®, manager of oncology nursing practice at ONS, during a conversation about colorectal cancer treatment. Music Credit: “Fireflies and Stardust” by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Earn 1.0 contact hour of nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) by listening to the full recording and completing an evaluation at courses.ons.org by August 1, 2026. The planners and faculty for this episode have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. ONS is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Learning outcome: Learner will report an increase in knowledge related to the treatment of colorectal cancer. Episode Notes Complete this evaluation for free NCPD. ONS Podcast™ episodes: Episode 370: Colorectal Cancer Screening, Early Detection, and Disparities Episode 153: Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Has More Treatment Options Than Ever Before ONS Voice articles: Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Screening, Treatment, and Survivorship Recommendations Genetic Disorder Reference Sheet: Lynch Syndrome (Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer) How Liquid Biopsies Are Used in Cancer Treatment Selection Oncology Drug Reference Sheet: 5-Fluorouracil Oncology Drug Reference Sheet: Oxaliplatin What Is a Liquid Biopsy? Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing article: Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults: Considerations for Oncology Nurses Oncology Nursing Forum article: Neurotoxic Side Effects Early in the Oxaliplatin Treatment Period in Patients With Colorectal Cancer ONS Colorectal Cancer Learning Library ONS Biomarker Database (filtered by colorectal cancer) ONS Peripheral Neuropathy Symptom Interventions American Cancer Society colorectal cancer resources CancerCare Colorectal Cancer Alliance Colorectal Cancer Resource and Action Network Fight Colorectal Cancer National Comprehensive Cancer Network To discuss the information in this episode with other oncology nurses, visit the ONS Communities. To find resources for creating an ONS Podcast club in your chapter or nursing community, visit the ONS Podcast Library. To provide feedback or otherwise reach ONS about the podcast, email pubONSVoice@ons.org. Highlights From This Episode “Colorectal cancer has several different types, but there is one that dominates the landscape, and that is adenocarcinoma. So I think most of us have heard that. It's fairly common, and it accounts for about 95% of all colorectal cancers. It begins in the glandular cells lining the colon or rectum and often develops from polyps, in particular adenomatous polyps.” TS 1:41 “One of the biomarkers that we'll most commonly hear about is KRAS or NRAS mutations. This indicates tumor genetics, and these mutations suggest resistance to our EGFR inhibitors such as cetuximab. BRAF mutation or V600E is a more aggressive tumor subtype, and those may respond to our BRAF targeted therapy. … And then our MSI-high or MMR-deficient—microsatellite instability or mismatch repair deficiency—that really predicts an immunotherapy response and may indicate Lynch syndrome, which is a huge genetic component that takes a whole other level of counseling and genetic testing with our patients as well.” TS 6:02 “Polypectomy or a local excision—that removes our small tumors or polyps during that colonoscopy. And that's what's used for those stage 0 or early stage I cancers. A colectomy removes part or all of the colon. This may be open or laparoscopic. It can include a hemicolectomy, a segmental resection, or a total colectomy, so where you take out the entire part of the colon. A proctectomy removes part or all of the rectum. This may include a low anterior resection, also known as an LAR … or an abdominal perineal resection, which is an APR. … Colostomy or ileostomy—that diverts the stool to an external bag via stoma. Sometimes this is temporary or permanent depending on the type of surgery.” TS 14:11 “We'll have our patients say, ‘Hey, I want immunotherapy therapy. I see commercials on it that it works so well.' We have to make sure that these patients are good candidates for it, also that we're treating them adequately. We need to make sure that they have those biomarkers, so as I mentioned, the MSI-high or MMR tumors. Our MSS-stable tumors—they may benefit from newer combinations or clinical trials. Metastatic disease—immunotherapy may be used alone or with other treatments. And then in the neoadjuvant setting, some trials are really showing promising results using immunotherapy prior to surgery.” TS 25:38 “Antibody-drug conjugates are really an exciting frontier in all cancer treatments as well as colorectal cancer treatment. This is used mainly for patients with advanced or treatment-resistant disease, and these therapies combine the targeted power of monoclonal antibodies with the cell-killing ability of potent chemotherapy agents. They're still on the horizon for the most part in colorectal cancer. However, there is only one approved antibody-drug conjugate, or ADC, at this time, and that's trastuzumab deruxtecan, or Enhertu. That's approved for any solid tumor, such as colorectal cancer with HER2 IHC 3+. So again, looking back at that pathology in those markers, making sure that you have that HER2 mutation and that IHC.” TS 35:00 “There are a few myths going around about colorectal cancer treatment that can lead to confusion or even delayed care. One myth is only older men get colorectal cancer. As you heard me talk in my previous podcast on screening, unfortunately, this isn't necessarily true. Colorectal cancer affects both men and women and our cases in the younger population are rising. So our screening guidelines have changed to age 45 because we are seeing it in the younger population.” TS 45:54
The incidence of early onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) has been rising prompting the change in change in screening guidelines to 45 years of age for average risk patients. Join us for an in-depth discussion with guest speakers Dr. Andrea Cercek and Dr. Nancy You, where we provide a comprehensive look at the growing challenge of EOCRC. Hosts: - Dr. Janet Alvarez - General Surgery Resident at New York Medical College/Metropolitan Hospital Center - Dr. Wini Zambare – General Surgery Resident at Weill Cornell Medical Center/New York Presbyterian - Dr. Phil Bauer, Graduating Colorectal Surgical Oncology Fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - Dr. J. Joshua Smith MD, PhD, Chair, Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center - Dr. Andrea Cercek - Gastrointestinal Medical Oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - Dr. Y. Nancy You, MD MHSc - Professor, Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center Learning objectives: - Describe trends in incidence of colorectal cancer, with emphasis on the rise of EOCRC. - Identify age groups and demographics most affected by EOCRC. - Summarize USPSTF recommendations for colorectal cancer screening. - Distinguish between screening methods (e.g., colonoscopy, FIT-DNA) and their sensitivity. - Understand treatment approaches for colon and rectal cancer (CRC) - Understand the role of mismatch repair (MMR) status in guiding treatment. - Outline the importance of genetic counseling and testing in young patients. - Discuss racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in CRC incidence and outcomes. - Describe the impact of cancer treatment on fertility and sexual health. - Review fertility preservation options. - Identify the value of integrated care teams for young CRC patients. References: 1. Siegel, R. L. et al. Colorectal Cancer Incidence Patterns in the United States, 1974–2013. JNCI J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 109, djw322 (2017). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28376186/ 2. Abboud, Y. et al. Rising Incidence and Mortality of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer in Young Cohorts Associated with Delayed Diagnosis. Cancers 17, 1500 (2025). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40361427/ 3. Phang, R. et al. Is the Incidence of Early-Onset Adenocarcinomas in Aotearoa New Zealand Increasing? Asia Pac. J. Clin. Oncol.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40384533/ 4. Vitaloni, M. et al. Clinical challenges and patient experiences in early-onset colorectal cancer: insights from seven European countries. BMC Gastroenterol. 25, 378 (2025). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40375142/ 5. Siegel, R. L. et al. Global patterns and trends in colorectal cancer incidence in young adults. (2019) doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2019-319511. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31488504/ 6. Cercek, A. et al. A Comprehensive Comparison of Early-Onset and Average-Onset Colorectal Cancers. J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 113, 1683–1692 (2021). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34405229/ 7. Zheng, X. et al. Comprehensive Assessment of Diet Quality and Risk of Precursors of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer. JNCI J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 113, 543–552 (2021). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33136160/ 8. Standl, E. & Schnell, O. Increased Risk of Cancer—An Integral Component of the Cardio–Renal–Metabolic Disease Cluster and Its Management. Cells 14, 564 (2025). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40277890/ 9. Muller, C., Ihionkhan, E., Stoffel, E. M. & Kupfer, S. S. Disparities in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer. Cells 10, 1018 (2021). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33925893/ 10. US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA 325, 1965–1977 (2021). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34003218/ 11. Fwelo, P. et al. Differential Colorectal Cancer Mortality Across Racial and Ethnic Groups: Impact of Socioeconomic Status, Clinicopathology, and Treatment-Related Factors. Cancer Med. 14, e70612 (2025). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40040375/ 12. Lansdorp-Vogelaar, I. et al. Contribution of Screening and Survival Differences to Racial Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Rates. Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev. 21, 728–736 (2012). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22514249/ 13. Ko, T. M. et al. Low neighborhood socioeconomic status is associated with poor outcomes in young adults with colorectal cancer. Surgery 176, 626–632 (2024). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38972769/ 14. Siegel, R. L., Wagle, N. S., Cercek, A., Smith, R. A. & Jemal, A. Colorectal cancer statistics, 2023. CA. Cancer J. Clin. 73, 233–254 (2023). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36856579/ 15. Jain, S., Maque, J., Galoosian, A., Osuna-Garcia, A. & May, F. P. Optimal Strategies for Colorectal Cancer Screening. Curr. Treat. 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Monge, C., Waldrup, B., Carranza, F. G. & Velazquez-Villarreal, E. Ethnicity-Specific Molecular Alterations in MAPK and JAK/STAT Pathways in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer. Cancers 17, 1093 (2025). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40227607/ 21. Benson, A. B. et al. Colon Cancer, Version 2.2021, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. J. Natl. Compr. Cancer Netw. JNCCN 19, 329–359 (2021). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33724754/ 22. Christenson, E. S. et al. Nivolumab and Relatlimab for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic mismatch repair proficient colorectal cancer. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40388545/ 23. Dasari, A. et al. Fruquintinib versus placebo in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (FRESCO-2): an international, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, phase 3 study. The Lancet 402, 41–53 (2023). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37331369/ 24. Strickler, J. H. et al. 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Pract. 18, 169–172 (2022). ***Behind the Knife Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Audio Review: https://app.behindtheknife.org/course-details/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more. If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://app.behindtheknife.org/listen