Earlier this month, we traveled to Chicago to attend the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) Annual Meeting. This is where the top up-and-coming cancer research from the year is presented to more than 25,000 experts, advocates, doctors, researchers and scientists from around the world. Not only did we have a great time connecting with colleagues and sharing the work we’re doing, but we got to hear the latest and greatest in colorectal cancer research, treatment and patient care!
Weren’t able to attend? Take a look at the top 5 takeaways from our time at ASCO:
- From the use of drugs that successfully treat skin cancer to maintenance therapy, there’s lots of promise in metastatic colon cancer treatment options.
- There hasn’t been a paradigm change since 2004, but now we’re witnessing advancements in the treatment of stage II and stage III rectal cancer.
- There’s been some exciting breakthroughs in treating mismatch repair deficiency and Lynch syndrome. One study showed a new drug works better when tumors have a large number of genetic mutations.
- A vegetable-based diet, along with aspirin use and Vitamin D (for Vitamin D deficient patients) may decrease the chances of colon cancer recurrence.
- Colon cancer is genetically different in younger patients. The disease tends to be more aggressive in younger patients and their tumors may metabolize drugs differently, so traditional chemotherapy treatments may be less effective.
Watch Our ASCO Webinar
We delved deeper into these takeaways during our webinar, “Colorectal Cancer: What's New & What’s On the Horizon?” on June 17. Watch the replay to get more of the latest information that came out of this year’s ASCO meeting.
Don’t forget, the Colon Cancer Alliance serves as a source of information about colon health. If you have additional questions about colon cancer screening or are in need of support, please contact our free Helpline at (877) 422-2030. We’re here to help.