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: 20-Oct-2026 21:16 ET (21-Oct-2026 01:16 GMT/UTC)

26-Aug-2026

 

Global study maps lifetime colorectal cancer risks — and reveals who is most vulnerable

China Anti-Cancer Association
Peer-Reviewed Publication

More than 1.9 million people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, making it the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. 

Journal

Cancer Biology & Medicine

25-Aug-2026

 

Researchers discover molecular mechanism that helps aggressive colorectal cancer to spread

University of Turku
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers from the University of Turku in Finland and Gustave Roussy Institute in France have discovered a molecular mechanism that regulates whether the cells of an aggressive colorectal cancer are conventional or inverted when they spread in the body. The discovery can help identify patients who have an elevated risk that the cancer metastasises to the abdominal cavity. The study was published in the journal Nature Communications.

Journal

Nature Communications

19-Aug-2026

 

Colorectal cancer may quietly damage nerves prior to chemotherapy

University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that, in preclinical models of colorectal cancer, tumors can start damaging peripheral nerves before chemotherapy begins. These findings suggest tumor-related inflammation and changes to fat metabolism could damage the protective coating around nerves, disrupting signals and potentially making them more vulnerable to treatment-induced peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage.

Journal

Nature Communications

18-Aug-2026

 

New mechanistic insights into the role of inflammatory molecules in cancer progression

Juntendo University Research Promotion Center
Peer-Reviewed Publication

While cancer cells acquire malignant traits through epigenetic remodeling, it remains unclear how immune-derived inflammatory factors regulate the epigenetics of colorectal cancer cells. Now, researchers have discovered that the interleukin-26 produced by exhausted T cells can reprogram the cancer cell epigenome, promoting immune evasion. These findings provide new insights into the complex landscape of cancer immunotherapy and highlight potential opportunities to improve future treatment strategies.

Journal

Nature Communications