ORLANDO—For new studies on the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers were released today via Webcast in advance of the 7th annual Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, held Jan. 22-24, 2010, at the Orlando World Center Marriott.
Simple blood test detects colorectal cancer and colorectal adenomas. A new test for blood levels of the CD24 protein is more than 90 percent sensitive and specific for detecting colorectal cancer, and more than 80 percent accurate at detecting potential pre-cancers, called adenomas. These findings may prove useful for identifying patients who would benefit most from colonoscopy.
New test for early detection of pancreatic cancer. Researchers report on a promising immunoassay that detects early-stage pancreatic cancers with a high degree of accuracy. The assay identifies and quantifies blood levels of the PAM4 protein—a unique antigen present in almost 90 percent of pancreatic cancers and pre-cancers. Pancreatic cancer is typically diagnosed at a late stage, when it is more difficult to treat.
Inherited gene variation predicts aggressive gastric cancer. For the first time, researchers report the identification of an inherited genetic variation—located on the CD44 gene—that is linked to increased risk of recurrence in patients with gastric cancer.
Adjuvant XELOX chemotherapy regimen slows colon cancer progression in patients of all ages, including those 70+. Adjuvant treatment with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) is more effective than standard 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (5-FU/LV) for slowing the progression of stage III colon cancer among patients of all ages, including those age 70 and older—findings that may prompt more aggressive treatment for older patients in otherwise good health.