Colorrectal Cancer
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Jul 13 – Jul 20, 2026
Contemporary hormonal contraception and colorectal cancer in premenopausal women: nationwide cohort study.
BMJ-BRIT MED J · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #5/332TOP-TIER
This nationwide cohort study in Denmark assessed the effect of contemporary hormonal contraceptives on colorectal cancer risk in 1,956,948 women aged 15-49, followed for a median of 12.5 years. Current and recent users showed a non-significant incidence rate ratio of 0.94 (95% CI 0.83-1.06) compared to never users, with no significant risk reduction even after 10+ years of use (0.86, 0.62-1.18). Progestogen-only pills and levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs also showed no significant association. For clinicians focused on cancer, this study directly addresses cancer risk but provides null findings, indicating hormonal contraception does not substantially protect against or increase colorectal cancer risk in premenopausal women.
10.1136/bmj-2026-100065
Jun 29 – Jul 06, 2026
Circulating Tumor DNA Status and Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Resected Colorectal Liver Metastases.
JAMA ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #14/326TOP-TIER
This prospective analysis of 298 patients from the CIRCULATE-Japan GALAXY study evaluated whether postsurgical ctDNA-defined molecular residual disease (MRD) predicts survival and adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) benefit in resected colorectal liver metastases. In the upfront surgery cohort, MRD-positive patients receiving ACT showed significantly improved survival (OS HR 0.27; 48-month OS 65.3% vs 32.9%), whereas MRD-negative patients derived no benefit (OS HR 0.54, P=.47). For the neoadjuvant chemotherapy cohort, MRD positivity remained a strong prognostic indicator for worse outcomes (OS HR 9.43), though ACT did not significantly improve survival regardless of MRD status. These findings suggest that ctDNA status can effectively guide personalized adjuvant treatment strategies, potentially sparing MRD-negative patients from unnecessary chemotherapy while identifying those who require intensive intervention.
10.1001/jamaoncol.2026.2191
Neoadjuvant toripalimab plus celecoxib versus toripalimab monotherapy for mismatch repair-deficient or microsatellite instability-high, locally advanced colorectal cancer (PICC-2): an open-label, multicentre, randomised, phase 2 trial.
LANCET ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #8/326TOP-TIER
This multicenter phase 2 trial (PICC-2) randomized 110 patients with dMMR/MSI-H locally advanced colorectal cancer to neoadjuvant toripalimab (anti-PD-1) plus celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor) or toripalimab alone. The combination achieved a significantly higher pathological complete response rate of 89% (49/55) versus 69% (38/55) with monotherapy (absolute difference 19%, p=0.014). Grade 3 adverse events were low in both arms (5% vs 7%), with no grade 4-5 events. For clinicians managing dMMR/MSI-H colorectal cancer, this combination neoadjuvant strategy markedly improves pCR without compromising safety, though phase 3 confirmation is needed.
10.1016/S1470-2045(26)00220-2
Perioperative systemic therapy versus surgery alone for resectable colorectal peritoneal-only metastases (CAIRO6): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial.
LANCET ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #8/326TOP-TIER
This phase 3 randomized trial (CAIRO6) compared perioperative systemic therapy plus cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) against upfront CRS-HIPEC alone in 358 patients with resectable colorectal peritoneal-only metastases. After a 41-month median follow-up, median overall survival was 44 months in the perioperative group versus 39 months in the surgery-alone group (HR 0.85, p=0.28), showing no statistically significant benefit. Major 90-day postoperative morbidity was higher in the perioperative group (36%) compared to the surgery-alone group (26%), with significant systemic therapy-related toxicities reported in 57% of patients. These findings suggest that perioperative systemic therapy should not be routinely recommended for all patients with resectable colorectal peritoneal metastases, favoring upfront surgery in this population.
10.1016/S1470-2045(26)00085-9
Jun 08 – Jun 15, 2026
Post-adjuvant chemotherapy in ctDNA-positive patients with resected colorectal cancer: a randomized phase 3 trial.
NAT MED · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/195TOP-TIER
This phase 3 randomized trial (ALTAIR) evaluated early intervention with trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) versus placebo in 243 patients with resected stage 0-IV colorectal cancer who were ctDNA-positive after standard therapy but had no radiological disease. Median disease-free survival was 9.30 months with FTD/TPI versus 5.55 months with placebo (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.60-1.05, P=0.107), failing to meet the primary endpoint. The study directly addresses cancer-focused interests by investigating a biomarker-guided strategy in colorectal cancer, though the negative result limits immediate clinical adoption. Clinicians should note that ctDNA surveillance alone, without effective intervention, does not improve outcomes, emphasizing the need for more potent therapies in this MRD setting.
10.1038/s41591-026-04428-0
Jun 01 – Jun 08, 2026
Guanylyl Cyclase 2C-Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.
J CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #6/326TOP-TIER
This phase I study evaluated the safety and efficacy of guanylyl cyclase 2C (GUCY2C)-targeted CAR T-cell therapy in 20 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer across four dose levels. Results showed an overall objective response rate (ORR) of 26.3%, which increased to 40% in the optimal dose group with a median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 7.0 months. For patients with medium-to-high GUCY2C expression at the optimal dose, the ORR reached 50% and mPFS extended to 9.0 months, demonstrating significant clinical activity in late-line settings. While grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 55% of patients, the therapy maintains an acceptable safety profile and offers a promising therapeutic avenue for refractory colorectal cancer.
10.1200/JCO-25-01090
Treatment Delays in Early Age-Onset Colorectal Cancer.
JAMA ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #14/326TOP-TIER
This retrospective, population-based cross-sectional study analyzed 112,672 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients from the Texas Cancer Registry to characterize early age-onset CRC (EOCRC) and the impact of treatment delays. Among the cohort, 11% (12,079) had EOCRC. While EOCRC was associated with improved overall survival (OS) compared to average age-onset CRC (HR 0.56), treatment delays (>6 weeks) were independently linked to worse OS in EOCRC (HR 1.35). Language barriers were significantly associated with treatment delays in EOCRC (OR 1.45), suggesting a modifiable factor to improve timely care and outcomes for this specific cancer population.
10.1001/jamaoncol.2026.1335
Chemotherapy for patients with circulating tumour DNA positive, stage II colon cancer (CIRCULATE) - an AIO / ABCSG trial.
ANN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #4/326TOP-TIER
This randomized trial (CIRCULATE) evaluated the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy versus observation in patients with stage II, pMMR/MSS colon cancer who tested positive for postoperative circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Results confirmed ctDNA as a potent prognostic marker, with ctDNA-positive patients showing significantly lower 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) compared to ctDNA-negative patients (52% versus 87%, HR 4.28). While the intention-to-treat analysis was underpowered due to early trial closure, per-protocol analysis demonstrated that chemotherapy significantly improved 3-year DFS (77% versus 38%, HR 0.31, P=0.021) in ctDNA-positive individuals. These findings suggest that ctDNA-guided adjuvant therapy decisions can identify high-risk stage II patients who benefit from chemotherapy, potentially refining current treatment paradigms in oncology.
10.1016/j.annonc.2026.05.001
A randomised study of encorafenib, cetuximab, and FOLFIRI versus FOLFIRI with or without bevacizumab in BRAF V600E-mutant colorectal cancer: BREAKWATER Cohort 3.
ANN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #4/326TOP-TIER
This randomized study (BREAKWATER Cohort 3) evaluated encorafenib, cetuximab, and FOLFIRI (EC+FOLFIRI) versus FOLFIRI with or without bevacizumab in 147 previously untreated BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer patients. EC+FOLFIRI significantly improved objective response rate (64.4% vs 39.2%, P=0.0011) and progression-free survival (15.2 vs 8.3 months, HR=0.44, P=0.0002). Prolonged overall survival (HR=0.56) was also observed, with a manageable safety profile. These findings support EC+FOLFIRI as a new standard of care, enabling personalized treatment for this specific cancer subtype.
10.1016/j.annonc.2026.04.017
International disruptions to cancer diagnosis and stage at presentation during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020: an International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) population-based study.
LANCET ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #8/326TOP-TIER
This population-based study analyzed 2.6 million patients across seven countries to evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the incidence and staging of seven major cancer types in 2020. Researchers found that 16% (55,713) of expected cancer cases were missing between April and December 2020, with the highest deficits occurring in prostate (24%), breast (18%), and melanoma (18%) diagnoses. The data reveals significant regional variations, such as a 54% deficit in UK prostate cancer cases, highlighting critical gaps in screening and diagnostic access during lockdowns. These findings underscore a pressing clinical need to address diagnostic backlogs and monitor for potential stage shifts in patients whose diagnoses were delayed by pandemic-related healthcare barriers.
10.1016/S1470-2045(26)00089-6
Cost-Effectiveness of Fecal Immunochemical Testing Alone vs Co-Testing With Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen.
JAMA-J AM MED ASSOC · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #4/332TOP-TIER
This Markov model cost-effectiveness analysis, based on a Taiwanese pragmatic trial, evaluated adding one-time Helicobacter pylori stool antigen testing to biennial FIT screening for colorectal cancer. Compared to FIT alone, co-testing was dominant (cost-saving) in Taiwan, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of -$2,094 per QALY gained and a 5-fold return on investment. Co-testing remained cost-effective in US settings when H pylori prevalence exceeded 21.9%, preventing gastric and colorectal cancer mortality. For a clinician focused on cancer, this provides strong evidence that combined screening improves cancer outcomes and is economically favorable, particularly in populations with moderate H pylori prevalence.
10.1001/jama.2026.6908
Structured exercise program following adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer: A cost-utility analysis of the CHALLENGE trial.
J CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #6/326TOP-TIER
This economic evaluation of the phase III CHALLENGE trial assessed the cost-utility of a three-year structured exercise program (SEP) versus health education materials in 889 patients with stage II/III colon cancer. Results demonstrated that the SEP was dominant over education, being less costly (-$1,589 CAD) and more effective (+0.05 life-years; +0.10 QALYs) over a five-year horizon. For clinicians treating colon cancer, these findings provide robust evidence that exercise interventions not only improve survival but also reduce overall healthcare costs by potentially mitigating cancer recurrence. The study supports the integration of structured exercise into routine post-chemotherapy oncology care as a high-value, cost-saving strategy for health systems.
10.1200/JCO-26-00765
May 25 – Jun 01, 2026
Colorectal cancer screening: An update to the American Cancer Society guideline, 2026.
CA-CANCER J CLIN · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/326TOP-TIER
The American Cancer Society (ACS) updated its colorectal cancer (CRC) screening guideline, systematically reviewing new molecular-based tests and modeling studies to assess their impact on incidence and mortality. The ACS reaffirms screening at age 45. New next-generation mt-sDNA and mt-sRNA tests, showing high sensitivity for CRC and moderate for advanced precancerous lesions, are now preferred stool-based options every 3 years. Blood-based tests demonstrated lower sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions and stage I cancers, predicting less effectiveness, and are recommended only for individuals declining preferred tests. This update provides critical guidance for clinicians on effective cancer screening strategies, emphasizing patient choice and timely colonoscopy follow-up for positive non-colonoscopy results to improve CRC detection.
10.3322/caac.70083
May 18 – May 25, 2026
Preclinical characterization and phase 1 results of TQB2102, a first-in-class HER2 biparatopic antibody-drug conjugate, in patients with advanced solid tumors.
ANN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #4/326TOP-TIER
This phase 1, first-in-human trial evaluated the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of TQB2102, a novel HER2 biparatopic ADC, in 195 patients with advanced solid tumors, primarily metastatic breast, colorectal, and gastric/GEJ cancers. The study found a manageable safety profile with no DLTs and MTD not reached, establishing 6.0 and 7.5 mg/kg as RP2D. Preliminary antitumor activity was observed, with objective response rates of 52.4% in MBC, 38.7% in CRC, and 40.0% in G/GEJ adenocarcinoma, including 47.2% in HER2-low MBC. These findings suggest TQB2102 is a promising therapeutic agent for advanced HER2-expressing solid tumors, warranting further investigation in a phase 3 trial for HER2-low MBC.
10.1016/j.annonc.2026.05.003
May 11 – May 18, 2026
Long-term effects of colonoscopy screening on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality: a multicountry, population-based randomised controlled trial.
LANCET · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/332TOP-TIER
This multicountry, population-based randomized controlled trial assessed the 13-year effects of colonoscopy screening on colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality in 84,583 individuals. Colonoscopy significantly reduced CRC incidence (1.46% vs. 1.80% in no-screening; RR 0.81 [0.71-0.90]), especially for distal CRC. However, it did not significantly reduce CRC mortality (0.41% vs. 0.47%; RR 0.88 [0.68-1.08]) over this period. This study provides critical evidence for cancer prevention, indicating colonoscopy’s role in reducing CRC incidence but highlighting the need for further investigation into its long-term mortality impact.
10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00508-8
May 04 – May 11, 2026
Neoadjuvant Single-Cycle Pembrolizumab for Stage I-III MMR-Deficient Colon Cancer: The RESET-C Trial.
J CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #6/326TOP-TIER
The RESET-C trial investigated neoadjuvant single-cycle pembrolizumab for localized dMMR colon cancer, administering one cycle followed by endoscopy and surgery. Among 84 patients, 44% achieved pathologic complete response (pCR) and 57% major pathologic response (MPR), with 98% overall and 96% disease-free survival at 18.4 months. Grade 3 adverse events occurred in 11% of patients. Endoscopic images showed 77% sensitivity and 93% specificity for predicting pCR, suggesting utility for nonoperative management pathways in this cancer type.
10.1200/JCO-25-02274
Apr 27 – May 04, 2026
Phase I Study of Telisotuzumab Adizutecan (Temab-A, ABBV-400), a Novel c-Met Antibody-Drug Conjugate, in Patients With Late-Line Colorectal Cancer and Advanced Solid Tumors.
J CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #6/326TOP-TIER
This phase I study evaluated the safety and efficacy of Temab-A, a novel c-Met antibody-drug conjugate, in patients with advanced solid tumors and late-line metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Among 122 patients with mCRC, the overall response rate was 15.6% and the disease control rate reached 74.6%, with a median progression-free survival of 4.6 months. The treatment demonstrated a manageable safety profile at the 2.4 mg/kg dose, primarily involving gastrointestinal and hematologic toxicities, while showing promising antitumor activity in heavily pretreated populations. These results support the further development of Temab-A as a potential therapeutic option for c-Met-expressing solid tumors, particularly in refractory colorectal cancer settings.
10.1200/JCO-25-01525
An agentic framework for autonomous scientific discovery in cancer pathology.
NAT MED · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/195TOP-TIER
This study introduces SPARK, an agentic AI framework that uses natural language to autonomously generate biologically driven analytical tools for tumor pathology without extra model training. Evaluated across 18 cohorts with over 5,400 patients spanning five cancer types, SPARK produced clinically relevant concepts correlated with prognosis, pathological variables, and predictive biomarkers, including inferred tumor progression from static images. The framework directly addresses the clinician’s interest in cancer-focused research by demonstrating applicability in lung, colorectal, breast, and oropharyngeal cancers, with evidence of prognostic and predictive value. Primary implications include potential to enhance diagnostic precision and biological insight, though prospective clinical validation is still needed before routine use.
10.1038/s41591-026-04357-y
Emerging trends in the global burden of colorectal cancer.
NAT REV CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #2/326TOP-TIER
This review examines the global epidemiology of colorectal cancer (CRC), currently the third most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The study highlights a significant rise in early-onset CRC among individuals under 50, driven by a birth cohort effect starting in the 1960s rather than genetic susceptibility alone. Researchers identify shifting dietary patterns, gut microbiota changes, and environmental contaminants associated with urbanization as key emerging risk factors. These findings emphasize the need for expanded genomic research in non-Western populations to improve global early detection and interception strategies for younger cohorts.
10.1038/s41571-026-01149-8
Apr 20 – Apr 27, 2026
Colorectal cancer detection using non-contrast CT and deep learning: a multicenter and international cohort study.
ANN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #4/326TOP-TIER
This multicenter, international cohort study developed COCA, a deep learning method utilizing non-contrast CT for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, aiming for a non-invasive, cost-effective, and scalable solution. In validation across 2,053 patients, COCA achieved an AUC of 0.967-0.996 for CRC detection, improving sensitivity by 20.4% and specificity by 5.4% over radiologists. Real-world validations across 27,433 patients further demonstrated robust performance, maintaining high sensitivity (86.6-88.2%) and specificity (99.5-99.8%) for CRC detection. These findings indicate COCA’s strong potential as a practical tool for large-scale opportunistic CRC screening, directly aligning with the clinician’s interest in cancer research and early diagnosis.
10.1016/j.annonc.2026.04.009