This March, join the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology (Alliance) and the Alliance Foundation Trials (AFT) in spotlighting colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, behind only lung cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Last year, an estimated 155,000 Americans received a diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer, and about 53,000 died from the disease. Alliance has 10 active trials focused on improving treatments for colorectal cancers as well as others aimed at ways to prevent the disease or catch it very early when symptoms are most easily and effectively treated.

Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have identified a protein called tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) as a potential “switch” that can modulate a type of cancer cell death known as immunogenic cell death (ICD). A research team led by Professor ANG Wee Han from the NUS Department of Chemistry has discovered two platinum-containing compounds, namely Pt-NHC and PlatinER (Pt-ER) that can trigger ICD. In their research model study, tumour cells treated with these compounds were effective in helping to develop immunity protection against colorectal cancer. This work was carried out in collaboration with Associate Professor Maria BABAK from the City University of Hong Kong.

In time for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology has launched a new clinical study aimed at helping improve how patients with colorectal cancer share information about the genetic risks to their family members. Supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute, the trial, “Family Communications After Genetic Testing,” seeks to enroll about 4,000 colorectal cancer patients and their at-risk relatives across the United States.

The American College of Surgeons has released free, publicly available educational materials and a checklist to help people recognize potential warning signs of colorectal cancer and prepare for primary care visits.