We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




New RNA Molecules Can Help Predict Bowel Cancer Recurrence

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 01 Nov 2024
Print article
Image: The bowel cancer breakthrough could result in better treatment outcomes (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)
Image: The bowel cancer breakthrough could result in better treatment outcomes (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Colorectal cancer accounts for 10% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide and was ranked as the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States in 2022. Currently, clinicians face diagnostic challenges due to the absence of effective prognostic markers to determine whether a patient with early-stage bowel cancer should only undergo tumor removal or require additional chemotherapy, particularly if the cancer exhibits aggressive characteristics that might lead to a relapse later in life. Now, researchers have identified new RNA molecules that could aid doctors in predicting the likelihood of bowel cancer recurrence. This advancement could allow healthcare professionals to categorize early-stage colorectal cancer patients into groups based on their risk of developing metastasis and disease recurrence, ultimately improving treatment outcomes. High-risk patients could receive further chemotherapy, while those at lower risk could avoid unnecessary overtreatment.

In a study conducted by the University of Otago (Dunedin, New Zealand), researchers examined patient tissues from the Dunedin Colorectal Cancer Cohort to identify three long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that were present exclusively in cancer cells and absent in any healthy tissues. The researchers found that elevated levels of these lncRNAs correlated with poorer patient outcomes, suggesting their potential as prognostic indicators. This study, published in npj Precision Oncology, holds particular significance for regions with high rates of bowel cancer, highlighting the urgent need for clinical advancements in managing this disease.

“We used some exciting technologies to do this research, including spatial transcriptomics – using a picture of the tumor like a map to see exactly where genes are turned off or on – and AI, to help us predict what types of cells are present in the tumors,” said lead author Holly Pinkney, PhD candidate in the Department of Biochemistry. “The development of new technologies, such as the spatial mapping of tumors or AI to make predictions about different parts of the tumor, are important for helping us do this research and highlight how new scientific developments can be harnessed for cancer research.”

Gold Member
Troponin T QC
Troponin T Quality Control
Automated Blood Typing System
IH-500 NEXT
New
Chemistry Analyzer
MS100
New
Toxoplasma Gondii Test
Toxo IgG ELISA Kit

Print article

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: Personalized blood count could lead to early intervention for common diseases (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Personalized CBC Testing Could Help Diagnose Early-Stage Diseases in Healthy Individuals

A complete blood count (CBC) screening is a standard examination most physicians request for healthy adults. This test is essential for evaluating a patient’s overall health with a single blood sample.... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Concept for the device. Memory B cells able to bind influenza virus remain stuck to channels despite shear forces (Photo courtesy of Steven George/UC Davis)

Microfluidic Chip-Based Device to Measure Viral Immunity

Each winter, a new variant of influenza emerges, posing a challenge for immunity. People who have previously been infected or vaccinated against the flu may have some level of protection, but how well... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® Tropical Fever Panel has received U.S. FDA Special 510(k) clearance (Photo courtesy of bioMérieux)

Syndromic PCR Test Rapidly and Accurately Identifies Pathogens in Patients with Tropical Fever Infections

Tropical fevers refer to infections that are common in, or unique to, tropical and subtropical regions. As these diseases spread to previously unaffected areas and can be brought in by travelers, infections... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The new study highlights efficiency in detecting infectious diseases (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Optimized Pooled Testing Approach Could Transform Public Health Screening for Infectious Diseases

Traditional individual testing methods can be resource-intensive, particularly when it comes to large-scale screenings. Pooled testing, on the other hand, enables the testing of multiple specimens together,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.