Review
Oncology
Dedrick Kok Hong Chan, Simon James Alexander Buczacki
Summary: Colorectal cancer is a global burden, characterized by an initial explosion of genetic diversity followed by neutral dynamics. Understanding the interplay between clonal populations during neutral evolution provides insights into the roles of driver genes in the progression from normal colonic epithelium to adenoma and carcinoma. Recent advances have focused on genetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic factors, as well as the ecological and evolutionary processes that contribute to cancer development.
Article
Oncology
Takashi Kawai, Akihiro Nyuya, Yoshiko Mori, Takehiro Tanaka, Hiroaki Tanioka, Kazuya Yasui, Toshiaki Toshima, Fumitaka Taniguchi, Kunitoshi Shigeyasu, Yuzo Umeda, Toshiyoshi Fujiwara, Makoto Okawaki, Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi, Ajay Goel, Takeshi Nagasaka
Summary: Mutation in the POLE gene is rare in CRC patients, occurring in younger individuals and usually in the right colon. These patients are diagnosed at an early stage, and distinct epigenetic alterations may be associated with CD8 cell infiltration.
CLINICAL EPIGENETICS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Wei-Jian Mei, Mi Mi, Jing Qian, Nan Xiao, Ying Yuan, Pei-Rong Ding
Summary: Colorectal cancers with high microsatellite instability and deficient mismatch repair have different characteristics compared to normal CRC, but the testing rates for MSI and MMR remain low in clinical practice. Insufficient testing fails to identify patients with these types of CRC who could benefit from immunotherapy. Understanding the importance of MMR/MSI status in the clinical characteristics and prognosis of CRC may help improve testing rates and guide the development of more effective therapies.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Daniel A. Fox, Deepak Bhamidipati, Tsuyoshi Konishi, Harmeet Kaur, Nancy You, Kanwal P. S. Raghav, Phillip S. Ge, Craig Messick, Benny Johnson, Van K. Morris, Jane V. Thomas, Preksha Shah, Brian K. Bednarski, Scott Kopetz, George J. Chang, Kaysia Ludford, Victoria Serpas Higbie, Michael J. Overman
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed the endoscopic and imaging response of patients with localized dMMR CRC who received neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade therapy. It found discrepancies between imaging and endoscopy were common, and abnormalities could be identified despite pathological remission. Improved clinical response criteria are needed.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Baoyi Zhang, Kevin Yao, Emily Zhou, Lanjing Zhang, Chao Cheng
Summary: Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, with 15% of cases associated with microsatellite instability. A distinct subtype of MSS colorectal cancer with Chr20q amplification (MSS-A) was found to have better recurrence-free survival compared to MSS patients without this alteration (MSS-N), suggesting potential for individualized therapeutic treatment based on this stratification.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Xiaobo Chen, Lan He, Qingshu Li, Liu Liu, Suyun Li, Yuan Zhang, Zaiyi Liu, Yanqi Huang, Yun Mao, Xin Chen
Summary: This study established a robust radiomics signature based on CT to predict the microsatellite instability (MSI) status of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The signature showed robust performance in both internal and external validation cohorts and outperformed the clinical model. Additionally, the signature could stratify patients with stage II CRC according to prognosis.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Giwon Shin, Stephanie U. Greer, Erik Hopmans, Susan M. Grimes, Hojoon Lee, Lan Zhao, Laura Miotke, Carlos Suarez, Alison F. Almeda, Sigurdis Haraldsdottir, Hanlee P. Ji
Summary: The study revealed the coexistence of different genomic instability states in colorectal carcinomas, with potential contribution from MSH3 mutation. Increased copy number of chromosome arm 8q was most prevalent in tumors with microsatellite instability, and subclonal analysis identified co-occurring driver mutations previously known to be exclusive.
Article
Oncology
Sofia Edin, Bjorn Gylling, Xingru Li, Asa Stenberg, Anna Lofgren-Burstrom, Carl Zingmark, Bethany van Guelpen, Ingrid Ljuslinder, Agnes Ling, Richard Palmqvist
Summary: This study investigates the tumor immune cell infiltration in relation to well-established molecular markers of colorectal cancer (CRC). The results show an association between higher immune cell infiltration and microsatellite instability, and opposite relationships of BRAF and KRAS mutations with tumor infiltration of cytotoxic T cells. The positive prognostic importance of cytotoxic T cells is found in wild-type as well as KRAS and BRAF-mutated CRCs in both cohorts.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Muhammad G. Kibriya, Maruf Raza, Mohammed Kamal, Zahidul Haq, Rupash Paul, Andrew Mareczko, Brandon L. Pierce, Habibul Ahsan, Farzana Jasmine
Summary: In this study, we compared tumor and adjacent normal tissue samples from 165 colorectal carcinoma patients and found that the tumor tissue had shorter relative telomere length (RTL). This RTL shortening was observed regardless of age group, gender, tumor pathology, and microsatellite instability (MSI) status. Additionally, we discovered that RTL shortening was more pronounced in low-grade CRC and in the presence of MSI. Furthermore, our research revealed that RTL shortening in CRC was associated with the upregulation of DNA replication genes and cyclin dependent-kinase genes, as well as the downregulation of caspase executor, reducing apoptosis.
Article
Oncology
Giacomo Mazzoli, Romain Cohen, Sara Lonardi, Francesca Corti, Elena Elez, Marwan Fakih, Priya Jayachandran, Raphael Colle, Aakash Tushar Shah, Massimiliano Salati, Elisabetta Fenocchio, Lisa Salvatore, Margherita Ambrosini, Javier Ros, Rossana Intini, Chiara Cremolini, Michael J. Overman, Thierry Andre, Filippo Pietrantonio
Summary: The evaluation of clinical variables, including performance status (PS), is important in treatment decision-making for patients with dMMR/MSI-H mCRC.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Zhenli Diao, Yanxi Han, Yuqing Chen, Rui Zhang, Jinming Li
Summary: MSI is a valuable tool for identifying cancer patients who may benefit from immunotherapy, and is commonly detected through immunohistochemical methods and PCR amplification of microsatellite repeats. Next-generation sequencing and circulating tumor DNA offer promising alternatives for MSI detection when tumor tissue is not available. Additionally, MSI detection serves as an effective tool for screening Lynch syndrome and predicting outcomes and treatment responses for colorectal cancer patients.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ONCOLOGY HEMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mohammad R. Alam, Yong H. Kim, Alaa Alhazmi, Shafiul Haque, Yoo N. Kang, Hye R. Jung, Mi-Yeung Sohn, Dae-Kwang Kim
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of MSI in Korean pancreatic cancer patients, and the results showed a low incidence of MSI.
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Gayathri Anandappa, Michael J. Overman
Summary: In a recent study, Amodio and colleagues discovered a method to modulate immunosurveillance in colorectal tumors by manipulating DNA mismatch repair heterogeneity. They found that enriching the MMR deficient component using 6-thioguanine can improve tumor control in murine models.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shen-Yi Lian, Lu-Xin Tan, Xin-Zhi Liu, Lu-Jing Yang, Ning-Ning Li, Qing Feng, Ping Wang, Yue Wang, Dong-Bo Qiao, Li-Xin Zhou, Ting-Ting Sun, Lin Wang, Ai-Wen Wu, Zhong-Wu Li
Summary: This study assessed the clinicopathological features and prognostic values of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and DNA mismatch repair status in colorectal cancer (CRC) in developing countries. The mutation frequencies of KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF were 41.7%, 1.6%, and 3.8%, respectively. KRAS mutations and deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) status were associated with aggressive biological behaviors and poor differentiation, while BRAF (V600E) mutations were associated with well-differentiated tumors. The dMMR status predicted longer overall survival in all CRC patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmed Malki, Rasha Abu ElRuz, Ishita Gupta, Asma Allouch, Semir Vranic, Ala-Eddin Al Moustafa
Summary: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality rates worldwide, with its prevalence still on the rise. Dysregulation of several cellular signaling pathways in CRC leads to malignant phenotypes. Studying signaling pathways helps elucidate the mechanisms of CRC progression and pharmacotherapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Mostafa Dianatinasab, Anke Wesselius, Amin Salehi-Abargouei, Evan Y. W. Yu, Mohammad Fararouei, Maree Brinkman, Piet van den Brandt, Emily White, Elisabete Weiderpass, Florence Le Calvez-Kelm, Marc J. Gunter, Inge Huybrechts, Maurice P. Zeegers
Summary: This study investigated the association between fat intake and bladder cancer risk using data from 11 cohort studies. It found an inverse association between mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) intake and bladder cancer risk among women, and a positive association between higher dietary cholesterol intake and bladder cancer risk among men.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Josien C. A. Jenniskens, Kelly Offermans, Colinda C. J. M. Simons, Iryna Samarska, Gregorio E. Fazzi, Jaleesa R. M. van der Meer, Kim M. Smits, Leo J. Schouten, Matty P. Weijenberg, Heike I. Grabsch, Piet A. van den Brandt
Summary: Men's risk of colorectal cancer is positively associated with BMI and clothing-size, while women's risk is associated with the mutation KRAS(mut). Non-occupational physical activity is inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk in both men and women.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Kelly Offermans, Josien C. A. Jenniskens, Colinda C. J. M. Simons, Iryna Samarska, Gregorio E. Fazzi, Jaleesa R. M. van der Meer, Kim M. Smits, Leo J. Schouten, Matty P. Weijenberg, Heike Grabsch, Piet A. van den Brandt
Summary: This study investigated the prognostic value of mutational subgroups based on somatic mutations in RAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, MET, and mismatch repair (MMR) status in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The results showed that mutational subgroups were associated with survival differences in CRC patients, while Warburg-subtypes did not provide additional prognostic information within these mutational subgroups.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marta Crous-Bou, Mengmeng Du, Marc J. Gunter, Veronica W. Setiawan, Leo J. Schouten, Xiao-ou Shu, Nicolas Wentzensen, Kimberly A. Bertrand, Linda S. Cook, Christine M. Friedenreich, Susan M. Gapstur, Marc T. Goodman, Torukiri I. Ibiebele, Carlo La Vecchia, Fabio Levi, Linda M. Liao, Eva Negri, Susan E. McCann, Kelly O'Connell, Julie R. Palmer, Alpa Patel, Jeanette Ponte, Peggy Reynolds, Carlotta Sacerdote, Rashmi Sinha, Amanda B. Spurdle, Britton Trabert, Piet A. van den Brandt, Penelope M. Webb, Stacey Petruzella, Sara H. Olson, Immaculata De Vivo
Summary: Epidemiologic studies suggest that coffee consumption may be inversely associated with risk of endometrial cancer. Antioxidants and other chemopreventive compounds in coffee may have anticarcinogenic effects. The largest pooled analysis to date further supports the potentially beneficial health effects of coffee consumption in relation to EC.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Myrtle F. Krul, Marloes A. G. Elferink, Niels F. M. Kok, Evelien Dekker, Iris Lansdorp-Vogelaar, Gerrit A. Meijer, Iris D. Nagtegaal, Emilie C. H. Breekveldt, Theo J. M. Ruers, Monique E. van Leerdam, Koert F. D. Kuhlmann
Summary: The nationwide CRC screening program in the Netherlands, started in 2014, has shown a significant reduction in the incidence of stage II and IV CRC. Patients with screen-detected CRCs had improved survival and less extensive disease compared to clinically detected cases.
CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Theodore M. Brasky, Erinn M. Hade, David E. Cohn, Alison M. Newton, Stacey Petruzella, Kelli O'Connell, Kimberly A. Bertrand, Linda S. Cook, Immaculata De Vivo, Mengmeng Du, Jo L. Freudenheim, Christine M. Friedenreich, Marc T. Goodman, Jessica Gorzelitz, Torukiri I. Ibiebele, Vittorio Krogh, Linda M. Liao, Loren Lipworth, Lingeng Lu, Susan McCann, Tracy A. O'Mara, Julie R. Palmer, Jeanette Ponte, Anna Prizment, Harvey Risch, Sven Sandin, Leo J. Schouten, Veronica Wendy Setiawan, Xiao-ou Shu, Britton Trabert, Piet A. van den Brandt, Penelope M. Webb, Nicolas Wentzensen, Lynne R. Wilkens, Alicja Wolk, Herbert Yu, Marian L. Neuhouser
Summary: This study analyzed data from 12 prospective cohort studies and found that higher dietary intake of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn3PUFA) may increase the risk of endometrial cancer, especially among specific subgroups characterized by body weight and tumor pathology.
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Iris van 't Erve, Jamie E. Medina, Alessandro Leal, Eniko Papp, Jillian Phallen, Vilmos Adleff, Elaine Jiayuee Chiao, Adith S. Arun, Karen Bolhuis, John K. Simmons, Aanavi Karandikar, Kenneth C. Valkenburg, Mark Sausen, Samuel Angiuoli, Robert B. Scharpf, Cornelis J. A. Punt, Gerrit A. Meijer, Victor E. Velculescu, Remond J. A. Fijneman
Summary: The study demonstrates that accurate monitoring of treatment response using ctDNA can be achieved in a tumor tissue-independent manner by combining cfDNA and patient-matched WBC genomic DNA analysis. This approach prevents false-positives caused by germline or hematopoietic variants and provides more predictive information on overall survival compared to standard radiological evaluation. Additionally, ctDNA analysis reveals potential therapy resistance mutations in a significant portion of patients.
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Kelly Offermans, Josien C. A. Jenniskens, Colinda C. J. M. Simons, Iryna Samarska, Gregorio E. Fazzi, Kim M. Smits, Leo J. Schouten, Matty P. Weijenberg, Heike I. Grabsch, Piet A. van den Brandt
Summary: In this study, the authors found that metabolic Warburg-subtypes can predict the survival benefit from adjuvant therapy in colorectal cancer patients. Patients with moderate metabolic Warburg-subtype had a survival benefit from adjuvant therapy, while patients with low metabolic Warburg-subtype did not.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pathology
Astrid Kramer, Ed Schuuring, Daan C. L. Vessies, Paul van der Leest, Maartje J. Geerlings, Pim Rozendal, Mirthe Lanfermeijer, Theodora C. Linders, Leon C. van Kempen, Remond J. A. Fijneman, Marjolijn J. L. Ligtenberg, Gerrit A. Meijer, Daan van den Broek, Valesca P. Retel, Veerle M. H. Coup
Summary: This study developed a micro-costing framework for consistent cost calculation of ctDNA testing. The framework takes into account the complete diagnostic workflow of ctDNA testing, including costs for personnel, materials, equipment, overhead, and failures. Evaluations and case studies were performed, showing a wide range of costs per sample and the sensitivity to platform, setting, and testing volume. An open access tool is provided for laboratory-specific calculations and exploring the total costs and impact of alternative prices or assumptions.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Romain Meer, Jeroen van de Pol, Piet A. van den Brandt, Leo J. J. Schouten
Summary: This study examined the association between a Healthy Lifestyle Index score and renal cell cancer risk using data from the Netherlands Cohort Study. The study found a weak, non-statistically significant association between adherence to a healthy lifestyle and a lower risk of renal cell cancer.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Silvano Gallus, Alessandra Lugo, Chiara Stival, Sonia Cerrai, Luke Clancy, Filippos T. Filippidis, Giuseppe Gorini, Maria Jose Lopez, Angel Lopez-Nicolas, Sabrina Molinaro, Anna Odone, Joan B. Soriano, Olena Tigova, Piet A. van den Brandt, Constantine I. Vardavas, Esteve Fernandez
Summary: According to the survey conducted by the TackSHS project, over 8.3 million adults in 12 European countries use electronic cigarettes. The majority of users are dual users, using both electronic and conventional cigarettes, using electronic cigarettes with nicotine, and using them in smoke-free indoor areas.
JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pathology
Bartholomeus G. H. Latten, Bela Kubat, Piet A. van den Brandt, Axel zur Hausen, Leo J. Schouten
Summary: The autopsy rate is declining while major discrepancies exist between autopsies and clinical diagnoses. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the cause of death, a history of cancer, and the autopsy rate. The findings of this study are important in understanding the impact of cancer on autopsies and can help counteract the decline in the medical autopsy.
Article
Oncology
Selena Odeh, Iryna V. Samarska, Andres Matoso, Jeroen A. A. Van De Pol, Marcella M. L. L. Baldewijns, Christina A. A. Hulsbergen-Van De Kaa, Jaleesa Van Der Meer, Guido Roemen, Erik Geelkens, Manon Van Engeland, Axel Zur Hausen, Leo J. Schouten, Kim M. Smits
Summary: The aim of this study was to re-evaluate renal cell carcinoma cases from a large population-based cohort in the Netherlands, using new classifications, in order to identify newly recognized subtypes. The cases were initially evaluated using previous classifications and data on clinicopathological characteristics were obtained. Two urogenital pathologists reviewed digital slides according to new grading and classification systems. No new RCC subtypes were identified in the cases. Restaging and regrading showed the possibility of reporting newer features in an old sample collection.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Robert S. Bresalier, Carlo Senore, Graeme P. Young, James Allison, Robert Benamouzig, Sally Benton, Patrick M. M. Bossuyt, Luis Caro, Beatriz Carvalho, Han-Mo Chiu, Veerle M. H. Coupe, Willemijn de Klaver, Clasine Maria de Klerk, Evelien Dekker, Sunil Dolwani, Callum G. Fraser, William Grady, Lydia Guittet, Samir Gupta, Stephen P. Halloran, Ulrike Haug, Geir Hoff, Steven Itzkowitz, Tim Kortlever, Anastasios Koulaouzidis, Uri Ladabaum, Beatrice Lauby-Secretan, Marcis Leja, Bernard Levin, Theodore Robert Levin, Finlay Macrae, Gerrit A. Meijer, Joshua Melson, Colm O'Morain, Susan Parry, Linda Rabeneck, David F. Ransohoff, Roque Saenz, Hiroshi Saito, Silvia Sanduleanu-Dascalescu, Robert E. Schoen, Kevin Selby, Harminder Singh, Robert J. C. Steele, Joseph J. Y. Sung, Erin Leigh Symonds, Sidney J. Winawer
Summary: New non-invasive tests for colorectal cancer (CRC) are emerging, making it challenging to conduct trials with mortality reduction as the main goal. A formal consensus approach involving experts resulted in the revision of previously established principles and the emergence of twelve new principles. The effectiveness of a new test can be evaluated by comparing it with an established non-invasive test, with the faecal immunochemical test considered as the appropriate comparator. Flexible adjustment of the new test's positivity threshold is desirable to meet different screening goals and requirements. A four-phased approach is proposed for the evaluation of new tests, including small studies, prospective estimation of accuracy, evaluation in screening populations, and monitoring for missed lesions.
