Patients can be screened for hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer using less expensive testing prior to genetic tests -- (American Cancer Society) November 15, 2002

Danish researchers have found that immunohistochemistry and analysis of microsatellite instability can identify 92% of tumors that prove to have one of two most common genes for hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer.

Since the genetic tests are expensive, screening identifies those patients most likely to benefit from the higher cost genetic sequencing.

CANCER, Volume 95, Issue 11, 2002. Pages: 2422-2430


Read the abstract on MDLinx.

Patient-controlled sedation during colonoscopy appears safer and as effective --


Patient-Controlled Sedation for Colonoscopy Safe, Effective

Patient-controlled sedation for colonoscopy appears safer and equally effective --


Patient-Controlled Sedation for Colonoscopy Safe, Effective

OVerall view of cancer drug treatment in development


BW Online | November 25, 2002 | Cancer: A Realistic Assessment

cancerfacts.com

Early research suggests a connection between a common virus and colon cancer NEW YORK (Reuters Health) November 15, 2002 --Researchers in Alabama examined tissue from colon cancers, colorectal polyps, and nearby healthy tissue. They found evidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the cancers and polyps, but none in healthy samples.

CMV is a very common virus, found in over 90% of adults. It normally appears to cause no problems.

In addition, the researchers infected colon cancer cells in the lab with the CM virus and found proteins produced that are known to contribute to the progression of colon cancer.

The researchers speculate that if the connection can be verified and the way CMV works to contribute to the growth of colorectal cancer discovered, a vaccine might be possible to prevent deaths from the disease.

The study authors, led by Dr. Charles S. Cobbs of the University of Alabama, Birmingham, report the findings in the November 16th issue of The Lancet.

Read the Reuters story on Yahoo! News.

Many studies fail to find any connection between "positive mental attitude" and cancer survival. (British Medical Journal) November 8, 2002 --

Researchers reviewed 26 studies on the effect of psychological coping styles (including fighting spirit, helplessness/hopelessness, denial, and avoidance) and survival from or recurrence of cancer.

They found little convincing evidence that coping styles play an important part in survival from or recurrence of cancer. Good evidence is also lacking to support the view that "acceptance," "fatalism," or "denial" have an important influence on outcome


InteliHealth: Health News

Combining 5-FU leucovorin with oxaliplatin improves outcomes for patients whose metastatic colon cancer has progressed --

Interim data on a study that compares a combination of 5 FU/Leucovorin and oxaliplatin (nicknamed FOLFOX4) to 5FU/Leucovorin alone showed the combination to be more effective in reducing tumors, reducing the time to progression of the cancer, and reducing overall symptoms from the tumor.

In addition, patients suffered less pain, weight loss, and fatigue with the combined therapy.

Patients entered the study when their cancers progressed after treatment with irinotecan (Camptosar) and 5-FU with leucovorin.

Data were presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology Congress in Nice, France on October 21, 2002 by Mace L. Rothenberg, from the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre in Nashville.

"This trial should be fully mature in about six months. At that point we will know more about the impact of the oxaliplatin, 5-FU, and leucovorin combination on the survival of patients with recurrent colorectal cancer," Rothenberg says.



Oxaliplatin Helpful in Metastatic Colon Cancer

Increased intake of folate reduces risk for colorectal cancer NEW YORK (Reuters Health) October 21, 2002 Folate in the diet reduces the risk of colon cancer in men and women and rectal cancer in men according to a large study in the Netherlands.

Dr. Erik J. Konings headed a team that collected data on nearly 121,000 men and women aged 55 to 69. After 7 years there were were 760 cases of colon cancer and 411 cases of rectal cancer.

After analyzing the data, the team found that those in the study in the highest 20% of folate intake had a significant decrease in colorectal cancer risk.

Results of the study appear in Cancer 2002;95:1421-1433.

Read more on Medscape.