Colon & rectal cancer treatment becomes significantly more challenging once the disease has spread. The spreading of the cancer is a process known as metastasis. This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon and highlights recent research breakthroughs that offer hope for more effective interventions.
Learn More: Guide To Colon & Rectal Cancer >>
The Challenge Of Treating Metastatic Cancer
Metastatic tumours arise when cancer cells spread from the original tissue to other parts of the body. Unlike primary tumours (i.e. a tumour that is from the cancer’s site of origin), metastatic tumours often display a decreased responsiveness to therapy. This reduced responsiveness is a primary reason why metastasis accounts for over 90% of cancer deaths. Despite the fact that primary and metastatic tumours within the same patient share the same genetic mutations, metastatic tumours tend to be more aggressive and harder to treat.
Understanding Metastatic Tumours
To understand why metastatic tumours are more challenging to treat, it is essential to delve into their unique characteristics. Dr. Karuna Ganesh and her colleagues at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have been investigating this scientific mystery. Their research, published in Nature, has led to significant breakthroughs in understanding the differences between primary and metastatic tumours.
Cellular Transformation During Metastasis
One of the key findings of Dr. Ganesh’s research is the discovery of how colon& rectal cancer cells change as they spread. The team collected and analysed tissue samples from patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery, comparing healthy colon tissue, primary tumour tissue, and metastatic tumour tissue. They found that as colon & rectal cancer spreads, the cancer cells lose their identities as colon cells. These cells regress into a “fetal state” before differentiating into cells that resemble squamous cells or neuroendocrine cells. This transformation allows metastatic cancer cells to adapt and thrive in new environments, making them more challenging to target with conventional treatments.
Epigenetic Plasticity
While the genetic makeup of metastatic cancer cells does not change, their epigenetic plasticity increases. This means that these cells can turn genes “on” and “off” more readily, depending on the demands of their environment. This adaptability is a significant factor in the aggressiveness and treatment resistance of metastatic tumours. Dr. Ganesh’s team identified a specific transcription factor, PROX1, that becomes disregulated during this process. Targeting PROX1 could represent a new approach to slowing metastasis and improving treatment outcomes.
The research conducted by Dr. Ganesh and her team opens up new possibilities for targeted therapies that can address the unique challenges of metastatic colorectal cancer. By understanding the mechanisms behind cellular transformation and epigenetic plasticity, scientists can develop more effective treatments that can anticipate and intercept the progression of the disease.
The Importance Of Early Detection For Colon & Rectal Cancer Treatment
Given the challenges associated with treating metastatic cancer, early detection of colon & rectal cancer is crucial. When cancer is caught at an early stage, before it has spread, treatment options are more effective and the chances of survival are significantly higher. Regular screenings and being aware of the symptoms of colon & rectal cancer can help in early detection and improve treatment success rates. If you are aged 40-45 and above, you should consider doing a colonoscopy screening if you have not done so already.
Learn More: Best Screening For Colon & Rectal Cancer >>
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Colon & rectal cancer treatment becomes more difficult once the cancer has advanced and spread. The ability of metastastic tumours to adapt and thrive in new environments makes them less responsive to conventional therapies. While ongoing research offers hope for new treatment strategies that can target metastatic cancer, early detection remains a key factor in improving treatment outcomes and saving lives.
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.