FORCE's eXamining the Relevance of Articles for You (XRAY) program looks behind the headlines of cancer news to help you understand what the research means for you.
XRAY is a reliable source of hereditary cancer research-related news and information.
Learn more about the XRAY program
Colorectal Cancer
Relevance: Medium-High
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Strength of Science: High
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Research Timeline: Post Approval
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Study : Liquid biopsies personalize early-stage colon cancer treatment
Relevance: Medium-High
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Strength of Science: High
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Research Timeline: Post Approval
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Most relevant for: People with early-stage colorectal cancer
Liquid biopsies look for DNA or other products from cancer cells in the blood or other body fluids. These tests may be used to help find cancer recurrence early, monitor response to treatment or guide treatment selection for people diagnosed with cancer. This study looked at a type of liquid biopsy called “circulating tumor” (ctDNA) to identify people with early-stage colon cancer who can safely skip chemotherapy after surgery. (Posted 11/22/22) Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
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Strength of Science: High
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Research Timeline: Human Research
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Study : Promising early results for people with DNA mismatch repair deficient rectal cancer
Relevance: Medium-High
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Strength of Science: High
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Research Timeline: Human Research
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Most relevant for: People with rectal cancer with high mutational burden or mismatch repair problems including people with Lynch syndrome.
A small research study tested the usefulness of the immunotherapy drug dostarlimab for treating locally advanced rectal cancer with a biomarker known as “dMMR” (DNA mismatch repair deficient). None of the participants had evidence of cancer six months later; some remained cancer free for up to 25 months). Many participants had Lynch syndrome. The remarkable response to this treatment may allow people with this particular subtype of rectal cancer to avoid potentially life-changing rectal surgery. (Posted 11/14/22) Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/6372faa17927c.jpg)
Relevance: Medium-High
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Strength of Science: High
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Research Timeline: Post Approval
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Study : Resistant starch may help prevent some cancers in people with Lynch syndrome
Relevance: Medium-High
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Strength of Science: High
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Research Timeline: Post Approval
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Most relevant for: People with Lynch syndrome and people with a personal and/or family history that suggests Lynch syndrome
This study looked at whether a type of nutrient known as resistant starch could lower the risk of cancers in people with Lynch Syndrome. Researchers found that resistant starch can reduce the risk of non-colorectal cancers but not colorectal cancer. (Posted 10/17/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/634dc5c99bfb4.jpg)
Relevance: Medium-High
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Strength of Science: High
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Research Timeline: Post Approval
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Study : Physical activity may decrease fatigue associated with cancer treatment
Relevance: Medium-High
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Strength of Science: High
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Research Timeline: Post Approval
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Most relevant for: Cancer patients who are experiencing fatigue related to cancer or its treatment.
Many cancer survivors experience fatigue during and after they complete treatment. This study looked at the effect of home-based physical activity on fatigue in cancer survivors. It also looked at whether frequent counseling encouraged people to start and continue their exercise routines. (Posted 8/1/22). Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/62e99334b323a.jpg)
Relevance: High
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Strength of Science: Medium-High
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Research Timeline: Post Approval
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Study : The hidden financial burden of treating cancer care symptoms
Relevance: High
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Strength of Science: Medium-High
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Research Timeline: Post Approval
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Most relevant for: People who are experiencing side effects due to cancer treatment or cancer.
Drugs commonly used to treat symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment side effects can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket for patients, depending on what drugs are used. (Posted 6/29/2022). Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/62bcf3f1485c5.jpg)
Relevance: Medium
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Strength of Science: Medium-High
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Research Timeline: Post Approval
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Study : Increasing melatonin use raises concerns
Relevance: Medium
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Strength of Science: Medium-High
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Research Timeline: Post Approval
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Most relevant for: people who take or consider taking melatonin to help with sleep.
Adult use of melatonin as a sleep aid has increased even though its benefits and risks are not well understood. This study looked at trends in melatonin use over the last 19 years. (Posted 4/14/2022)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/62581a146dde9.jpg)
Relevance: Medium-High
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Strength of Science: Medium-High
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Research Timeline: Human Research
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Study : Cannabis use among breast cancer patients
Relevance: Medium-High
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Strength of Science: Medium-High
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Research Timeline: Human Research
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Most relevant for: People interested in using cannabis to relieve treatment side effects.
This study looked at patterns of cannabis use among breast cancer patients who are members of online health communities. Almost half of the study participants reported using cannabis to help manage treatment symptoms and side effects. The study also looked at reasons why patients used cannabis, where they obtained it and whether they perceived cannabis to be safe. While this study only looked at cannabis use among breast cancer patients it is likely results would be similar among patients diagnosed with other types of cancers. (posted 1/25/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/61f05fc61691b.jpg)
Relevance: Medium
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Strength of Science: Medium-High
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Research Timeline: Human Research
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Study : Multiple sclerosis may affect breast and colorectal cancer survival
Relevance: Medium
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Strength of Science: Medium-High
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Research Timeline: Human Research
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Most relevant for: People with multiple sclerosis who are diagnosed with cancer
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have lower overall survival after a breast or colorectal cancer diagnosis compared to people diagnosed with these cancers who do not have multiple sclerosis. Survival differed by cancer type. (posted 12/10/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/61b3bd62e2142.jpg)
Relevance: High
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Strength of Science: Medium-High
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Research Timeline: Post Approval
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Study : Genetic testing for inherited mutations may be helpful for all people with advanced or metastatic cancer
Relevance: High
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Strength of Science: Medium-High
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Research Timeline: Post Approval
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Most relevant for: people with metastatic or recurrent cancer
In a study of nearly 12,000 cancer patients with a variety of cancers, eight percent of participants with metastatic cancer had an inherited mutation in a cancer gene that qualified them for a targeted treatment approved by the FDA or for participation in a clinical trial. The majority of people with metastatic cancer were unaware that they had an inherited mutation, and had not receive gene-directed treatment to which their tumor may have responded. The study authors suggest that genetic testing for inherited mutations may be warranted for all patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. (posted 9/30/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/618de6e57c098.jpg)
Update : Blood tests called liquid biopsies for cancer screening, monitoring and treatment
Most relevant for: People considering a liquid biopsy to screen for cancer
Could a simple blood test change cancer detection, treatment and monitoring? Several companies are offering a type of blood test known as a liquid biopsy to detect multiple cancers at their earliest stages, monitor response to treatment and help choose the best treatment. Although progress has been made using liquid biopsies to treat cancer, these tests have not yet been shown to detect cancer early enough to save lives. (posted 9/29/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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