Many people have questions about colorectal cancer, but there’s good news too. Our service helps you find and join the latest clinical trials for stage 3 colorectal cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer. This gives patients a chance to try new options.
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Our system links you with the latest clinical trials, helping those with colorectal cancer find new options. We focus on providing detailed information about trials for every stage of the disease, especially for stage 3 and stage 4. These trials test new options that target the unique markers of your cancer. With our help, you have the opportunity to take an active role in managing your condition.After reviewing your medical records and running the information through our AI powered system, we identify clinical trials you may be eligible for. Not only that, we also provide a concierge service that will allow for a smooth transition into the clinical trial.Our team of specialized nurses and physicians will make sure that every detail of your participation in the trial is taken care of before, during and after your enrollment.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a type of cancer that develops in the colon or the rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. It often starts as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Over time, some of these polyps can become colon cancers. The main types of colorectal cancer are:Adenocarcinomas: This is the most common form, making up about 95% of colorectal cancers. Adenocarcinomas start in cells that make mucus to lubricate the inside of the colon and rectum.Carcinoid Tumors: These start from special hormone-producing cells in the intestine. Though less common, they are part of a group of diseases called neuroendocrine tumors.Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): These rare tumors start in a type of cell in the wall of the colon called the interstitial cells of Cajal. Some are benign; others are cancerous.The type of colorectal cancer can influence both treatment and prognosis. However, most people with colorectal cancer have adenocarcinomas, and the general term “colorectal cancer” usually refers to this type
Locally Advanced Colorectal Cancer (stage 3): is characterized by the spread of cancer to nearby tissues and lymph nodes, but not to distant parts of the body. It is further divided into subcategories (3A, 3B, and 3C) based on the size and location of the tumor, and the extent of lymph node involvement.Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (stage 4): is characterized by the spread of cancer to distant parts of the body, such as the liver, lung, peritoneum, or other organs. This stage is divided into Stage 4A, 4B and 4C based on the extent and number of distant metastases.Advanced colorectal cancer treatment often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. The aim is to manage the disease and extend survival while improving the quality of life for patients. Clinical trials for colorectal cancer play a pivotal role in developing new and innovative options.Treated vs. Untreated Colorectal Cancer (CRC)Treated colorectal cancer: Refers to cancer that has received medical interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy to manage and control the disease. Some clinical trials may require patients to have received prior treatments to be eligible for innovative new options.Untreated colorectal cancer: Refers to cancer that has not yet received any form of oncologic treatment, including systemic approaches or specific medications. This can apply to any stage of the disease, from early to advanced stages.
Treatment options for colorectal cancer depend on the stage of the cancer, its location, and the overall health of the patient. Common treatments include:Surgery: involves tumor resection (surgical removal of the tumor) using traditional approaches or newer, minimally invasive techniques such as:Polypectomy or endoscopic resection for early stages.Partial colectomy for more advanced stages.Low anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer.Radiation Therapy: uses radiation to target and destroy cancer cells in the affected area. It can be delivered before or after surgery, sometimes in combination with chemotherapy, particularly in rectal cancer.Chemotherapy: involves using cytotoxic drugs, that kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. These drugs are usually administered intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy can be used before surgery to shrink the tumor (neoadjuvant therapy), after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells (adjuvant therapy), or in combination with radiation therapy (chemoradiation) to enhance effectiveness.Targeted Therapy: uses drugs designed to specifically target and interfere with molecules or proteins essential for cancer cell growth and survival. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy aims to affect only cancer cells, minimizing damage to normal cells.EGFR inhibitors: Block EGFR receptors to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells that rely on this pathway.VEGF inhibitors: Block VEGF-A or its receptor (VEGFR), to inhibits angiogenesis and leading to reduced tumor vascularization, impaired nutrient and oxygen supply to tumor cells, and tumor shrinkage or stabilization.BRAF inhibitors: Block selectively mutant BRAF V600E kinase activity to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and induce tumor cell death.HER2 inhibitors: Block HER2 signaling to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, particularly in metastatic colorectal cancer that is HER2-positive and RAS wild-type (no KRAS or NRAS mutation), or in tumors that are refractory to standard chemotherapy and anti-EFGR therapies.Immunotherapy: Involves using drugs that help the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It is typically used for advanced, recurrent, or metastatic colorectal cancer, particularly in tumors that are MSI-high (microsatellite instability-high) or dMMR (mismatch repair-deficient). However, there are also colorectal cancer with MSS (Microsatellite status stable) or pMMR (mismatch repair-proficient) status which are also required status for some MSS CRC clinical trials.Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking tumors, thereby boosting the immune response.
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) allows for the detailed analysis of a wide range of biomarkers, guiding personalized treatment strategies.In colorectal cancer, certain genetic alterations are commonly observed, which contribute to the development and progression of the disease. Some of the key genes frequently altered in colorectal cancer include:APC (Adenomatous Polyposis Coli): Mutations in the APC gene are among the most common genetic changes in colorectal cancer. They are especially prevalent in hereditary cancer syndromes like Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and also occur in sporadic (non-hereditary) cases. APC mutations lead to uncontrolled cell growth.KRAS: Mutations in the KRAS gene are common in colorectal cancer. These mutations lead to abnormal cell growth and division and are associated with resistance to certain targeted approaches. Cutting-edge treatment involves both KRAS mutated and KRAS wild type colorectal trials.BRAF: The BRAF gene, when mutated, can contribute to the growth of cancer cells. BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer, particularly the V600E mutation, are associated with a poorer prognosis and are important in planning.PIK3CA: This gene, when mutated, can activate pathways that promote cell growth and survival. PIK3CA mutations are seen in a subset of colorectal cancers.TP53: TP53, often referred to as the “guardian of the genome,” is a tumor suppressor gene. Mutations in TP53 are common in colorectal cancer and are associated with the progression from a benign polyp to a malignant tumor.HER2: A mutated gene that leads to increased cell growth and division, associated with more aggressive cancers.NRAS: NRAS mutations can also cause cancer cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. Although less common, they are important to identify because tumors with NRAS mutations typically do not respond well to certain targeted therapies, such as EGFR inhibitors.
Clinical trials play a crucial role for stage 3 and stage 4 colorectal cancer for several reasons:Access to New Options: Clinical trials offer patients a chance to try new options that could work better, especially for serious illnesses like advanced colorectal cancer.Improving Outcomes: By participating in clinical trials, patients contribute to knowledge that could improve survival rates and quality of life for future colorectal cancer patients.Comprehensive Care: Patients in clinical trials often receive a high level of care and are closely monitored by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals and researchers.Hope for the Future: For many patients with advanced colorectal cancer, participating in a clinical trial provides hope—both for themselves and the possibility that their participation will help others in the future.Advancing Research: These trials are essential for research, helping scientists understand how new options work and for whom they work best. This can lead to the development of more effective strategies and personalized medicine.
What Are Clinical Trials?Cancer is an unfortunate reality that touches most of us at some point in our lives. If you or a loved one has cancer, you may have heard or read that clinical trials could offer access to innovative new options. But what exactly is a clinical trial? In this video, Massive Bio co-founder Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla, MD, explains how clinical trials work, what to expect if you enroll in one, and why a clinical trial can be an important option for many cancer patients.We dream of the day when cancer disappears from our lives. Massive Bio is working tirelessly on achieving that goal.
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