Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.
This month, we’re spotlighting colorectal cancer research in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Here, we’ll share the latest research on colorectal cancer, how scientists are working to better understand its risk factors and progression, advances in screening and early detection, improvements in treatment and care, and more.
Latest News Releases
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 21-Oct-2026 05:15 ET (21-Oct-2026 09:15 GMT/UTC)
Key protein behind chemotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer identified
National Research Council of Science & TechnologyPeer-Reviewed Publication
A research team led by Dr. Hyun-Soo Cho at the Stem Cell Convergence Research Center of the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), in collaboration with Professor Geun Heo of Kyungpook National University, has identified a key mechanism underlying 5-FU resistance in colorectal cancer and proposed a new therapeutic strategy to restore tumor sensitivity to treatment.
- Journal
- Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy
- Funder
- Ministry of Science and ICT
Weight loss treatments linked to lower risk of obesity-related cancers in people without diabetes
European Society for Medical OncologyPeer-Reviewed Publication
A study of more than 229,000 obese adults without diabetes in the United States has shown that weight loss drugs are associated with a decreased risk of obesity-related cancers. The research, published in Annals of Oncology, found that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, were associated with a 41% decrease in the overall risk of developing cancer among non-diabetic patients who used the drugs for weight management, compared to those who relied on diet and exercise alone.
- Journal
- Annals of Oncology
UT MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer CenterPeer-Reviewed Publication
AI-powered atlas uncovered tertiary lymphoid structures as prognostic biomarkers
Research reveals drivers of treatment resistance in KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer and insights on which patients may benefit most from immunotherapy for various cancers
Scientists uncover the molecular pathways involved in blood vessel plaques
Immunotherapy could help treat potentially fatal fungal pneumonias
Direct-to-consumer pharmacies may lower costs for generic prescriptions
Treatment delays in early age–onset colorectal cancer
JAMA NetworkPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- JAMA Oncology
Deep Visual Multi-Omics: AI-powered 3D mapping reveals intra-tumor heterogeneity of colorectal cancer
Science China PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
A new study in Science Bulletin presents DVSTP, a deep learning system that integrates pathology images with spatial transcriptomics and proteomics to map intra-tumor heterogeneity. DVSTP predicts molecular profiles from routine pathology slides, making spatial multi-omics more accessible. Whole–tumor 3D reconstruction reveals that SRSF6 drives immune exclusion and is associated with poor clinical outcomes.
- Journal
- Science Bulletin
Protein in tumor microenvironment found to promote colorectal cancer growth and immune evasion
Impact Journals LLCPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Oncotarget
Blood test improves treatment decisions for colon cancer: Dresden study on circulating tumor DNA shows clear benefits
Technische Universität DresdenPeer-Reviewed Publication
After surgery for colon cancer, many patients face the question of whether follow-up chemotherapy is necessary to prevent a possible relapse. The decision is particularly difficult in so-called Stage II, the intermediate-risk group: Although around one in five untreated patients suffers a relapse, adjuvant chemotherapy places a significant and, in some cases, unnecessary burden on many patients. A large clinical study led by Dresden University Hospital (UKD) now provides important insights for a robust basis for decision-making. These findings were presented for the first time at this year’s annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and published simultaneously in the Annals of Oncology.
- Journal
- Annals of Oncology
Stevens researchers reveal how mature gut cells turn into cancer-driving stem cells
Stevens Institute of TechnologyPeer-Reviewed Publication
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. Recent research pointed to stem cells as a significant primary driver of colorectal cancer, but exactly what happens at the cellular level inside the gut is less clear. A new study by researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology sheds, outlines a mechanism by which colorectal cancers can evolve from mature intestinal cells that revert to stem cells and suggests pathways for effective therapies.
- Journal
- Cell Death and Disease