Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
12:37
Modeling Colitis-Associated Cancer with Azoxymethane (AOM) and Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)
Published on: September 11, 2012
[Adjuvant therapy in colon cancer]
Anke Reinacher-Schick1, Dirk Arnold, Tanja Trarbach
1Medizinische Universitätsklinik Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Deutschland. Anke.Reinacher@rub.de
Onkologie
|May 1, 2010
Summary
Microsatellite instability (MSI) in stage II colon cancer has a clear prognostic role but its predictive value remains controversial. For stage III, adjuvant capecitabine/oxaliplatin (XELOX) is available, with recent data questioning its efficacy in older patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Clinical Cancer Research
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Adjuvant cancer treatment can be improved by novel drugs or patient selection using clinical/molecular factors.
- Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a strong prognostic factor in Union internationale contre le cancer (UICC) stage II colorectal cancer.
- The predictive value of MSI in stage II colorectal cancer is debated due to conflicting data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the role of MSI as a predictive marker in UICC stage II colorectal cancer treatment decisions.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of capecitabine/oxaliplatin (XELOX) adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III colorectal cancer, particularly in older patients.
- To address recent contradictory findings regarding adjuvant chemotherapy benefits in elderly patients with stage III colorectal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on MSI status in relation to adjuvant treatment efficacy in stage II colorectal cancer.
- Analysis of new data concerning capecitabine/oxaliplatin (XELOX) adjuvant therapy in stage III colorectal cancer.
- Subgroup analysis from the XELOXA study to investigate treatment outcomes in older patients (over 70 years).
Main Results:
- The utility of MSI status for guiding treatment decisions in stage II colorectal cancer remains unclear due to contradictory evidence.
- Recent findings suggested potential safety concerns and reduced efficacy of newer adjuvant protocols in older stage III patients.
- A new subgroup analysis from the XELOXA study challenges previous conclusions about reduced efficacy in elderly patients.
Conclusions:
- The role of MSI testing in stage II colorectal cancer treatment decisions is currently not definitively established.
- Treatment decisions for older patients (over 70) with stage III colorectal cancer should consider clinical factors like biological age and comorbidities, rather than solely relying on age.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the predictive value of MSI and optimize adjuvant chemotherapy strategies for all patient groups.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide generation.
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
01:20Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents
Diarrhea is characterized by the occurrence of frequent, watery bowel movements. Various factors can trigger diarrhea, including viral or bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, side effects from certain medications, and underlying digestive disorders. If not adequately managed, diarrhea can lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Severe diarrhea can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and weakened immune function.
Adsorbents...
Adsorbents...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...