Table of Contents
For patients suffering from metastatic colorectal cancer, the quality of life could be extended and improved thanks to a new treatment, which combines an anti-EGFR antibody with chemotherapy. Let’s see how it works.
Gallbladder cancer, sudden increase among those under 50: symptoms and treatments. Experts: «It’s the fault of the modern diet»
The new therapy
The treatment is no longer administered according to standard dosage, but depending on the case, intermittently, combining an anti-EGFR antibody with chemotherapy.
But what does this new therapy entail? First of all, fewer side effects, fewer visits to hospital, better quality of life. There disease-free survival instead it is extended to 17 months, compared to 11 for standard treatment, since, when the treatment is interrupted, the tumor cells do not have time to adapt to the drug and, therefore, develop resistance later. By “disease-free survival” we mean the recovery indicator that varies from tumor to tumor, and represents the “threshold” beyond which the patient’s recovery can be understood to have occurred.
Already presented at Asco in Chicago, this all-Italian study coordinated by the Tumor Institute of Naples is now online (this is the name of the study, it was published in the prestigious journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (Journal of Clinical Oncology), thus effectively entering the sacred writings of scientific research.
The work was born at Pascale and is coordinated by Antonio Avallone, director of the Abdomen Experimental and Clinical Unit, in collaboration with other structures of the Institute and is co-signed by Alfredo Budillon, last author and responsible for the associated translational studies, with the involvement of 14 other centers Italians.
The study, still in phase 2, highlighted a new therapeutic strategy for administering the monoclonal antibody Panitumumabwhich blocks the EGFR receptor, administered together with chemotherapy in an intermittent mode in patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (130 patients) and absence of alterations in the RAS and BRAF genes, reduces the side effects of skin toxicity and accesses of the patient, improving disease-free survival compared to the classic mode of continuous administration.
Symptoms of colon cancer
As the ISS reminds us, the main disorders (symptoms) linked to colorectal cancer are: presence of blood in the stool, alteration of intestinal motility, constipation or diarrhoea, weight loss without apparent cause, localized pain in the abdomen, swelling abdominal pain, meteorism and tiredness.
Intestinal cancers on the rise among those under 40: a childhood Escherichia Coli infection could “contribute to the process”
It is a cancer whose incidence is increasing, especially among young people. Data showed that the rate of cases among people aged 20 to 34 increased by 40% between 2010 and 2020. And they are expected to increase by 90% by 2030.
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**What are the side effects of intermittent chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer?**
## World Today News Interview: Breakthrough Treatment for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
**Host:** Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we’re diving deep into the promising news surrounding a breakthrough treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. To help us understand this new approach and its implications, we have two distinguished guests joining us. Dr. [Guest 1 Name], a leading oncologist specializing in colorectal cancer, and Dr. [Guest 2 Name], a researcher who focuses on cancer pharmacology. Welcome to both of you.
**Dr. [Guest 1 Name/Guest 2 Name]:** Thank you for having us.
**Host:** Let’s get right into it. This article highlights a new treatment strategy involving an anti-EGFR antibody combined with chemotherapy, administered intermittently rather than continuously. Dr. [Guest 1 Name], could you explain to our viewers how this new approach differs from traditional treatments and what benefits it offers?
**Dr. [Guest 1 Name]:**
**(Discussion point: Differences between the new and traditional treatment, focusing on intermittent dosing, side effects, and quality of life.)**”
**Host:** Dr. [Guest 2 Name], the article mentions this study, conducted by the Tumor Institute of Naples, yielded impressive results in terms of disease-free survival, extending it to 17 months compared to 11 months with standard treatment. Could you elaborate on why intermittent dosing might lead to this improvement?
**Dr. [Guest 2 Name]:**
**(Discussion point: Mechanism behind improved disease-free survival with intermittent dosing. Exploring concepts of drug resistance and tumor cell adaptation.)**
**Host:** This is certainly encouraging news for patients battling metastatic colorectal cancer.
However, the study also mentions a specific group of patients who benefit from this treatment – those without RAS and BRAF gene alterations. Could you explain why these genetic markers are so crucial in determining treatment effectiveness?
**Dr. [Guest 1 Name]:**
**(Discussion point: Role of RAS and BRAF gene alterations in cancer treatment. Explain personalized medicine and targeted therapies.)**
**Host:** The article also touches upon the broader context of colorectal cancer, mentioning its rising incidence, particularly among younger individuals.
Dr. [Guest 2 Name], what are some possible contributing factors to this trend and what further research is being conducted to better understand this worrying increase?
**Dr. [Guest 2 Name]:**
**(Discussion point: Discuss potential contributing factors to the rise in colorectal cancer rates among young adults. Touch on lifestyle, diet, genetics, and environmental influences. Mention ongoing research into these factors.)**
**Host:** We’ve learned a lot today about this new treatment and the challenges facing colorectal cancer research.
Dr. [Guest 1 Name], any final thoughts you’d like to share with our viewers, especially those who might be impacted by this disease?
**Dr. [Guest 1 Name]:
**Host:** Thank you both for sharing your expertise and insights with us today. It’s clear that there is hope for advancements in colorectal cancer treatment, and your work is playing a vital role in improving the lives of patients.
**[Optional Closing Remarks/Call to Action]:**
To learn more about colorectal cancer and available resources, visit [website link].
