This March, the UF Health Cancer Center is marking Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Take a look below at our recent research, patient stories, educational resources, upcoming events and more.
Latest research on colorectal cancer
Common food poison toxin speeds colon cancer spread, UF researchers find
A toxin in the bacteria that’s one of the most common causes of foodborne illness accelerates the spread of colorectal tumors to other parts of the body, a study led by UF Health Cancer Center researchers and international collaborators found.
The findings, published Dec. 2 in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, could pave the way for new tools to detect metastatic colorectal cancer early and could ultimately help determine patients who need more aggressive treatments.
“This work contributes to a new understanding of how bacterial toxins promote colorectal metastasis, opening novel screening approaches to predict at-risk patients,” said Christian Jobin, Ph.D., the Gatorade Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the UF College of Medicine who oversaw the new research, which his former postdoc Zhen He, M.D., began in Jobin’s lab.
Clinical research
NRG-G1008: CIRCULATE-North America trial
Thomas George, M.D., FACP, FASCO, deputy director of the UF Health Cancer Center, is the principal investigator on the “CIRCULATE-NORTH AMERICA” trial, a clinical study for people with stage III and high-risk stage II colon cancer. The study is seeking to determine whether chemotherapy is needed for all or only some patients in this population, and, if chemotherapy is needed, what kind of chemotherapy to recommend to patients based on the presence or absence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) following surgery for colon cancer. The study aims to both spare patients who may not need chemotherapy from its side effects and, for patients who do need chemotherapy, to better determine the most effective form of chemotherapy for them.
Listen to Dr. George discuss the trial in the video below:
ROSANNA: Energy Drinks and Your Colon
Healthy participants between 18 and 40 can help researchers at the UF Health Cancer Center understand the potential link between energy drinks and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to Group 1 (Energy Drinks Daily) or Group 2 (Usual Diet). Study participation is expected to be for five weeks and up to $195 in compensation is provided.
Testing the Addition of Total Ablative Therapy to Usual Systemic Therapy for Limited mCRC (ERASur)
This phase III trial compares total ablative therapy and usual systemic therapy to usual systemic therapy alone in treating patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to up to 4 body sites (limited metastatic).
In a recent interview with OncLive, Kate Hitchock, M.D., Ph.D., senior leader for professional development at the UF Health Cancer Center, discussed the rationale and methodologies for the trial.
Patient care
The UF Health Gastrointestinal Oncology Center provides a comprehensive, compassionate and multidisciplinary approach to caring for patients diagnosed with cancers of the digestive organs such as colon cancer, liver cancer and pancreatic cancer. It provides all patients with streamlined access to UF Health cancer specialists and to the full spectrum of high-quality and leading-edge treatment options. The program is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer as a multidisciplinary center of excellence for cancer care.
Specialists such as UF Health Cancer Center member Ibrahim Nassour, M.D., MSCS, are providing patients the very latest cancer treatments. Nassour is one of only about 20 medical doctors in Florida to perform cytoreductive surgery, or CRS, and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy, or HIPEC, to treat abdominal cancer in adult patients — a program he launched at UF Health in 2021.
In addition, UF Health Radiation Oncology at the Davis Cancer Pavilion offers the only Elekta Unity MR Linac in the Southeastern U.S. This new technology combines individualized adaptive planning and precision treatment delivery to minimize side effects and promote quality of life in colorectal cancer patients.
In a recent UF Health MedEd Cast, Hitchcock described next steps if rectal cancer is suspected, as well as current treatment for rectal cancer. She explained recent and ongoing changes in rectal cancer treatment and she outlined the shift in thinking regarding management of metastatic colorectal cancer.
Patient resources
Colorectal cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Referred to as a “silent killer” due to its lack of symptoms, colorectal cancer often is not diagnosed until it has progressed to a later stage, making treatment difficult. However, early detection of colorectal cancer can often lead to a complete cure.
Many factors make someone more susceptible to colorectal cancer and, therefore, increase the need and frequency of screening tests. High-risk groups include those who are older than 45, drink alcohol, smoke tobacco, have colorectal polyps or eat a lot of red or processed meats.
In addition, someone who has a family history of colorectal cancer or has inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) falls into this high-risk population. All adults, even if not part of the high-risk population, should have a screening test at age 45.
Exploring the rise of early-onset colorectal cancer
Routine colorectal cancer screening is recommended for everyone ages 45 to 75. Early detection, through timely and evidence-based screening, is the best way to improve health outcomes of colorectal cancer.
Thomas George, M.D., FACP, FASCO, deputy director of the UF Health Cancer Center, recently gave a presentation on how you can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, what you need to know about screening and ongoing research at the Cancer Center exploring early-onset colorectal cancer.
Patient stories
Sheila’s connection with UF Health physician helps her overcome colorectal cancer
“I trust you.” Those were the words Sheila Lee told UF Health colorectal surgeon Thomas Read, M.D., before undergoing life-saving colorectal cancer surgery.
With faith, family and the expert care of UF Health, she overcame the unthinkable and is now embracing life to the fullest.
Her journey is a reminder of the power of early screening and the dedicated physicians who make a difference every day.
Between Appointments with Jess Thornton
On World Cancer Day, we sat down with Jess Thornton, a patient at UF Health with stage 4 colorectal cancer. She shares what’s it’s like to undergo cancer treatment as a young adult and mom. She offers her advice to others going through treatment and how loved ones can best support someone on a similar journey.
Watch the full episode below:
Events
March Cancer Connections lecture
Christian Jobin, Ph.D., co-leader of the UF Health Cancer Center’s Immuno-Oncology and Microbiome research program, will discuss his study that revealed how a common toxin in foodborne illness accelerates the spread of colorectal tumors.
When: Wednesday, March 26 at noon
Where: Online via Zoom
