Colorectal cancer: New research findings on colorectal cancer treatment and prevention 2025
The organization projects that over 150,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with the disease this year, and approximately 53,000 will lose their lives to it.
Recent research shared at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting highlights encouraging developments in both medical treatments and lifestyle approaches, including the effects of nutrition and physical activity.
According to the American Cancer Society, overall colorectal cancer diagnoses have declined over several decades, largely due to improved screening methods. However, incidence rates are increasing among younger adults, and studies suggest that by 2030, colorectal cancer could become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in individuals aged 20 to 49.
Genetic Testing for Colon Cancer
Previous studies have indicated that consistent physical activity may enhance survival outcomes for individuals with colorectal cancer. A new study featured in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the ASCO conference on Sunday has reinforced these conclusions with strong clinical trial evidence.
From 2009 to 2024, researchers tracked nearly 900colon cancer patients who had completed
chemotherapy. Half of the participants received an informational booklet promoting a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition and regular exercise, while the other half were also paired with a physical activity consultant for a period of three years.
Stage 4 Colon Cancer
According to the study, patients who participated in the fitness program had a 28% lower chance of developing new cancer or having their disease return.
The five-year disease-free survival rate was 74% for patients who only received the educational booklet, compared to 80% for those who had an exercise consultant. To put it another way, the fitness program reduced the likelihood of cancer recurrence or new cases in one out of every sixteen individuals.
“The size of this benefit is similar to-and often greater than-what we observe with many of our most effective standard cancer medications,Exercise should truly be regarded as a vital component of colon cancer treatment.
Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Researchers are still exploring the reasons why physical activity may lower cancer risk, but experts suggest it could be linked to exercise’s ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, another recent study presented at Sunday’s ASCO conference showed that anti-inflammatory diets contributed to better survival outcomes for individuals with stage III colon cancer.
The study found that people who ate more anti-inflammatory foods (such as coffee, tea, and leafy green vegetables) and were more physically active had a 63% lower chance of dying than people who ate highly inflammatory foods (such as processed and red meats, refined grains, and sugar-sweetened beverages) and were less active.
We are constantly learning more about how the immune system contributes to the development of cancer. The study’s lead author, Dr. Sara Char, a clinical fellow in Hematology and Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, stated that the growing number of younger people developing colorectal cancer suggests that inflammation, an immune response, is a major contributing factor to this complicated issue.
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
When we examine the rising rates of colon cancer in younger people, it suggests that environmental factors-such as the foods we consume, our lifestyles, and possible chemicals in our diet-beyond genetics alone, may be contributing to these increases,” she explained.
This makes it crucial for us, as a medical community, to consider how diet and lifestyle not only affect the risk of developing this cancer but also influence outcomes after diagnosis.” Both Dr. Booth and Many patients with colorectal cancer, according to Dr. Char, are proactive in identifying risk management strategies.
Readmore What doctors wish patients men to know about a vasectomy 2025
Booth stated, “I think this is really powerful for patients. It’s also something they can realistically achieve. While it requires commitment, patients are capable of following through.” In the study, an “exercise prescription” was tailored to each person’s starting level.
According to Booth, most participants were able to meet their goals by taking brisk walks for about an hour, three to four times a week. He added that lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet are also sustainable for healthcare systems, but it’s crucial that these systems provide patients with the necessary support and resources to successfully adopt these behavioral changes.
Colorectal Cancer Prevention
Promising results from a recent research suggest that a new standard of therapy may help some patients with advanced colon cancer. Information on Braftovi, a medication used to treat colorectal cancer, in conjunction with conventional chemotherapy and antibody therapy was made public by Pfizer on Friday.
According to the experiment, patients with advanced colorectal cancer who received this combination had a twofold longer survival time, averaging 30 months as opposed to 15 months with current treatments.
Braftovi targets a mutation in a particular protein responsible for abnormal cell growth and has already received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for treating some cancers. The New England Journal of Medicine released the Pfizer-sponsored study on Friday.
Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors
CEO Dr. Albert Bourla told newsfasttv, “This targeted cancer therapy is based on determining the specific cause driving a patient’s cancer.” He noted that targeted therapies have been among the most significant advancements in cancer treatment over the past twenty years, and determining whether patients have the specific mutation that Braftovi addresses is straightforward.
The current colorectal cancer therapy data was referred to as a “very, very important discovery” by Bourla, who also stated that the business plans to secure additional permission to add this new indication to the drug’s label.
