New, tumour-specific therapy for colorectal cancer patients

The combination of colectomy and chemotherapy can save up to 50-70 % of patients with colorectal cancer. Those who do not have that chance, however, often see their cancer come back in the form of metastasis. A new, more precise therapy could prevent these relapses and even remove the need for colectomy altogether.

Preventing relapses for colorectal cancer – the second most deadly form of cancer in Europe – is complex to say the least. The reasons for such relapses can vary: spreading of isolated cancer cells beyond the primary tumour site; remaining cancer cells at this site following its resection; poor specificity of post-resection chemotherapy; or resistance to chemotherapeutic treatments. Yet, Dr Helena Azevedo of Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL) believes that, whatever the cause, such relapses can be prevented with post-therapies promoting the regeneration of the damaged tissue.

Further details: New, tumour-specific therapy for colorectal cancer patients