The orphan nuclear receptor NR0B2 could be a novel susceptibility locus associated with microsatellite‐stable, APC mutation‐negative early‐onset colorectal carcinomas with metabolic manifestation

Data-driven energy landscape reveals critical genes in cancer progression

The evolution of cancer is a complex process characterized by stable states and transitions among them. Studying the dynamic evolution of cancer and revealing the mechanisms of cancer progression based on experimental data is an important topic. In this study, we aim to employ a data-driven energy landscape approach to analyze the dynamic evolution of cancer. We take Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) as an example. From the energy landscape, we introduce two quantitative indicators (transition probability and barrier height) to study critical shifts in KIRC cancer evolution, including cancer onset and progression, and identify critical genes involved in these transitions. Our results successfully identify crucial genes that either promote or inhibit these transition processes in KIRC. We also conduct a comprehensive biological function analysis on these genes, validating the accuracy and reliability of our predictions. This work has implications for discovering new biomarkers, drug targets, and cancer treatment strategies in KIRC.

Comparison of some biochemical markers between early‐onset and late‐onset colorectal precancerous lesions: A single‐center retrospective study

Objective

Given that the onset of diseases including colorectal cancer precursors is affecting younger individuals and that obesity is an important risk factor for early‐onset, we conducted a study to explore the biochemical profile of differences in serum between early‐onset patients and late‐onset colorectal precancerous lesions.

Methods

A total of 1447 patients, including 469 early‐onset patients and 978 late‐onset patients, were enrolled from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University (FAHNU), of which there were 311 sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/P) and 1136 normal adenomas. The distribution of the included categorical variables was compared via Pearson's chi‐squared test, whereas continuous variables were compared by using the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test and anova.

Results

Compared with late‐onset patients, the levels of total bilirubin and HDL‐C were lower (p < 0.05), whereas triglyceride and uric acid levels were higher, in early‐onset patients. Interestingly, in the subgroup analysis, triglyceride and uric acid levels remained at higher levels, whereas HDL‐C remained at lower levels, in early‐onset patients than in late‐onset patients. Other characteristics, such as LDL‐C, drinking, γ‐GT, and the N/L ratio, were similar between the two groups. An additional analysis of the association of tumor size with markers showed that lower levels of HDL‐C and higher levels of uric acid were associated with increased tumor size (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Early‐onset CRC precursor cases exhibit higher levels of triglycerides and lower levels of HDL‐C than late‐onset cases. Additionally, levels of HDL‐C are negatively associated with tumor size, whereas uric acid was positively correlated with tumor size.

Early-onset colorectal cancer: why it should be high on our list of differentials

Background

Early‐onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) (<50 years) incidence has increased in Australia and worldwide. However, the diagnosis of EOCRC is often delayed. Recent research has discovered some differences from later‐onset colorectal cancer (LOCRC) (>50 years). An awareness of the unique features of EOCRC is crucial to reduce time from symptom onset to diagnosis.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library) using the search terms “early onset colorectal cancer” or “young onset colorectal cancer.”

Results

The American Cancer Society has reduced the colorectal cancer screening initiation age to 45 for average‐risk adults whilst screening programmes in the United Kingdom and Australia remain unchanged with initiation at 60 and 50, respectively. Exposures resulting in dysbiosis (obesity, westernised diet, alcohol, antibiotic and sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption) have been linked with increased EOCRC risk. EOCRC is often left‐sided presenting with rectal bleeding, altered bowel habit and constitutional symptoms. EOCRC is more commonly sporadic than hereditary, harbouring different genetic mutations than LOCRC. Comparative survival outcomes of EOCRC and LOCRC are conflicting with studies suggesting either better or poorer survival. Young patients better tolerate treatment‐related toxicities, which may account for their improved survival despite comparatively advanced stages and poorer histopathological features at diagnosis.

Conclusion

Current EOCRC literature is limited by American‐focused datasets and heterogenous EOCRC definitions and study designs (the greatest strength of evidence exists for EOCRC risk factor studies comprised of large retrospective cohorts). There is minimal research into the quality of life and surgical outcomes of EOCRC patients, and this area warrants further investigation.

Advances in colorectal cancer genomics and transcriptomics drive early detection and prevention

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a high incidence cancer and leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The advances in genomics and transcriptomics in the past decades have improved the detection and prevention of CRC in familial CRC syndromes. Nevertheless, the ultimate goal of personalized medicine for sporadic CRC is still not within reach due no less to the difficulty in integrating population disparity and clinical data to combat what essentially is a very heterogenous disease. This minireview highlights the achievement of the past decades and present possible direction in the hope of early detection and metastasis prevention for reducing CRC-associated morbidity and mortality.