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
Fully Automated Cell Density/Viability Analyzer
BioProfile FAST CDV
Automated Blood Typing System
IH-500 NEXT
New
Urine Strips
11 Parameter Urine Strips
New
Repeater Pipette
CAPPR10 Repeater Pipette

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The smartphone technology measures blood hemoglobin levels from a digital photo of the inner eyelid (Photo courtesy of Purdue University)

First-Of-Its-Kind Smartphone Technology Noninvasively Measures Blood Hemoglobin Levels at POC

Blood hemoglobin tests are among the most frequently conducted blood tests, as hemoglobin levels can provide vital insights into various health conditions. However, traditional tests are often underutilized... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Under a microscope, DNA repair is visible as bright green spots (“foci”) in the blue-stained cell DNA. Orange highlights actively growing cancer cells (Photo courtesy of WEHI)

Simple Blood Test Could Detect Drug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Patients

Every year, hundreds of thousands of women across the world are diagnosed with ovarian and breast cancer. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) therapy has been a major advancement in treating these cancers, particularly... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: HNL Dimer can be a novel and potentially useful clinical tool in antibiotic stewardship in sepsis (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Unique Blood Biomarker Shown to Effectively Monitor Sepsis Treatment

Sepsis remains a growing problem across the world, linked to high rates of mortality and morbidity. Timely and accurate diagnosis, along with effective supportive therapy, is essential in reducing sepsis-related... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.