Doctors are working to learn more about colorectal cancer, ways to prevent it, how to best treat it, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with this disease. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials. Always talk with your doctor about the best diagnostic and treatment options for you.

• Improved detection methods. Researchers are developing tests to analyze stool samples to find genetic changes associated with colorectal cancer. By finding and removing polyps or identifying cancer early, doctors have a better chance of curing the disease.
• Tests to predict the risk of cancer recurrence. Various genes play important roles in the growth and spread of tumors. Tests to identify these genes can help doctors and patients decide whether to use chemotherapy after treatment. Researchers hope that these tests can help people with a lower risk of recurrence avoid the side effects of additional treatment.
• Immunotherapy. In the past several years, researchers have discovered a class of drugs that targets the ways that tumor cells avoid the immune system. These drugs are called checkpoint inhibitors. The latest research has shown that certain checkpoint inhibitors, called PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors, can be effective against a type of metastatic colorectal cancer that is microsatellite high (MSI-H). There are ongoing clinical trials looking at combining checkpoint inhibitors with other drugs or cancer-directed treatments to see if they can be helpful in tumors that are not MSI-H.
• BRAF mutations. BRAF genetic mutations occur in about 10% of colorectal cancers. For cancers that metastasize, there are clinical trials testing targeted therapies aimed at BRAF-mutated tumors. Studies have found certain combination therapy strategies that may work on BRAF-mutated tumors.
• New drugs. Many new drugs are being tested for colorectal cancer, including advanced colon and rectal cancers. New types of chemotherapy and targeted therapy are being studied. Most are only available through clinical trials.
• Palliative care/supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current colorectal cancer treatments to improve comfort and quality of life for patients.

For more information about colorectal cancer clinical trials in your area, click HERE.

Source: www.cancer.net