Colon Cancer Research Articles

Multi-omics analysis of the biological function of the VEGF family in colon adenocarcinoma.

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family plays a crucial role in cancer progression, but the prognostic significance and biological functions of VEGF family members in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) remain unclear. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, Gene Set Cancer Analysis, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA, String, MethSurv and starBase database, we identified vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB) as a key gene associated with COAD prognosis, with its abnormal expression linked to methylation dysregulation. In vitro experiments confirmed VEGFB expression was significantly higher in colon cancer tissues compared to normal tissues, as shown by Real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assay showed that decreased VEGFB expression in SW480 cells resulted in decreased cell viability and proliferation ability. Scratch assay showed that VEGFB downregulation impaired SW480 cell migration. In addition, our research suggests that VEGFB not only promotes angiogenesis but is also involved in the tumor microenvironment and immune regulation. The SHNG17-miR-375-VEGFB regulatory axis provides a potential therapeutic target for COAD, highlighting VEGFB's role in immune activation during anti-angiogenic therapy and potential reversal of drug resistance.

Preparing a patient with bowel cancer for surgery with multiple interventions (Russian translation of the Plain Language Summary (PLS) of the Cochrane Systematic Review)

This publication is the Russian translation of the Plain Language Summary (PLS) of the Cochrane Systematic Review: Molenaar CJL, van Rooijen SJ, Fokkenrood HJP, Roumen RMH, Janssen L, Slooter GD. Prehabilitation versus no prehabilitation to improve functional capacity, reduce postoperative complications and improve quality of life in colorectal cancer surgery. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2023, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD013259.

Structurally diverse bufadienolides from the skins of Bufo bufo gargarizans and their cytotoxicity

Natural products, with their extensive chemical diversity, distinctive biological activities, and vast reservoirs, provide a robust foundation for advancing cancer therapeutics. A comprehensive phytochemical investigation of the skins from Bufo bufo gargarizans afforded two new bufadienolide derivatives identified as bufalactamides A and B (1–2), along with six known compounds: argentinogenin (3), desacetylcinobufagin (4), desacetylcinobufaginol (5), cinobufaginol (6), bufalin (7) and gamabufalin (8). The structural elucidation of these compounds was meticulously carried out by analyses of spectroscopic data (1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESIMS), and comparison with the literature data. Plausible biosynthetic pathways for the new compounds were also discussed. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the compounds was investigated using various cancer cell lines, including lung cancer (A549), colon cancer (HCT-116), liver cancer (SK-Hep-1), and ovarian cancer (SKOV3). Our research findings indicated that compounds 3, and 6–8 exhibit potent cytotoxic activity (IC50 < 2.5 µM). In contrast, compounds 4 and 5 display moderate cytotoxic activity (IC50 < 50 µM) while compounds 1 and 2 show no cytotoxic activity (IC50 > 100 µM). From this data, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the structure-activity relationships among these compounds.

Bladder Adenocarcinoma in a Constellation of Multiple Site Malignancies: An Unusual Case and Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: Multiple primary malignant tumors represent a small percentage of the total number of oncological cases and can involve either metachronous or synchronous development and represent challenges in diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. Our purpose is to present a rare case of bladder adenocarcinoma in a female patient with multiple primary malignant tumors and to provide systematic review of the available literature. Materials and Methods: A 67-year-old female patient was admitted with altered general condition and anuria. The past medical history of the patient included malignant melanoma (2014), cervical cancer (2017), colon cancer (2021), obstructive anuria (2023), and liver metastasectomy (2023). Transurethral resection of bladder tumor was performed for bladder tumors. Results: Contrast CT highlighted multiple pulmonary metastases, a poly nodular liver conglomerate, retroperitoneal lymph node, II/III grade left ureterohydronephrosis, and no digestive tract tumor masses. The pathological result of the bladder resection showed an infiltrative adenocarcinoma. Conclusions: The difference between primary bladder adenocarcinoma tumor and metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma is the key for the future therapeutic strategy. Identification and assessment of risk factors such as viral infection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, smoking, and genetics are pivotal in understanding and managing multiple primary malignant tumors. Personalized prevention strategies and screening programs may facilitate the early detection of these tumors, whether synchronous or metachronous. The use of multicancer early detection (MCED) blood tests for early diagnosis appears promising. However, additional research is needed to standardize these techniques for cancer detection.

VEGF-C propagates 'onward' colorectal cancer metastasis from liver to lung.

The formation of lung metastasis as part of the progression of colon cancer is a poorly understood process. Theoretically, liver metastases could seed lung metastases. To assess the contribution of the liver lymphatic vasculature to metastatic spread to the lungs, we generated murine liver-metastasis-derived organoids overexpressing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C. The organoids were reimplanted into the mouse liver for tumour generation and onward metastasis. Liver metastases from patients with concomitant lung metastases showed higher expression of VEGF-C, lymphatic vessel hyperplasia, and tumour cell invasion into lymphatic vessels when compared to those without lung metastases. Reimplantation of VEGF-C overexpressing organoids into the mouse liver showed that VEGF-C caused peritumoral lymphatic vessel hyperplasia, lymphatic tumour cell invasion, and lung metastasis formation. This change in metastatic organotropism was accompanied by reduced expression of WNT-driven adult stem cell markers, and increased expression of fetal stem cell markers and NOTCH pathway genes. Further NOTCH pathway inhibition with γ-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) in vivo results in a slight reduction in lung metastases and a decrease in lymphatic hyperplasia and invasion in VEGF-C-overexpressing tumours. Collectively, these data indicate that VEGF-C can drive onward metastasis from the liver to the lung and suggest that targeting VEGF-C/NOTCH pathways may impair the progression of colorectal cancer.

Upper and Lower Endoscopic Findings in Mesenteric Panniculitis Patients: A Case-Control Study

Background: The natural history and prognosis of mesenteric panniculitis (MP) are not well-described. Despite referral for colonoscopy being common for this indication, colonoscopy findings in MP patients have not been reported. Therefore, we aimed to describe upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy findings in patients with mesenteric panniculitis, compared to matched controls, to investigate their clinical outcomes including incidence of malignancy and mortality. Methods: Retrospective case–control study was conducted, and included patients who were diagnosed with mesenteric panniculitis according to Coulier radiologic criteria on abdominal computerized tomography between 1/2005 and 12/2019, and followed to 12/2021. The case group was compared to a matched control group without MP on abdominal CT. Clinical data and the upper and lower endoscopies’ reports were reviewed in both groups. We excluded patients who, beyond diagnosis of MP, were also diagnosed with current malignancy, significant intra-abdominal morbidity or inflammatory bowel disease. Results: The initial set of 376 patients with MP, after exclusion, included 187 patients. A total of 56.1% were male, with a mean age 60 ± 15 years. Of them, 74 (39%) patients underwent follow-up CT scans, which demonstrated, in 66 (89.2%) patients, a stable MP without any aggravation. Colonoscopy was performed in 89 MP patients, and 98/187 controls. No significant difference in the colonoscopies’ findings was found between the two groups. Gastroscopy was performed in 84 MP and 79 controls. No case of gastric cancer was found. No statistically significant difference was found in the rate of gastroscopy findings. By the end of the follow-up period, malignancy was diagnosed in four patients of the MP group. None were colon cancer. The mortality rate in the MP group was 3.2%, without a significant difference compared to the controls. None were MP related. Conclusions: MP identified on abdominal CT is not associated with pathologic endoscopy findings or future diagnosis of colon cancer, and also has no impact on mortality rate. Since repeating abdominal CT did not reveal any disease progression, the necessity of follow-up imaging for MP should be carefully reconsidered.

Factors Associated With Colorectal Cancer Screening Behaviors Among Urban Populations in China: A Mixed-Methods Study Using the Health Belief Model.

Adherence to guideline-recommended colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) among average-risk urban populations in China remains significantly suboptimal. This mixed-methods study aimed to investigate screening behaviors and associated factors among average-risk urban populations through a multi-center approach. From February to July 2024, 550 participants were recruited via stratified random sampling in Harbin, China. They completed questionnaires related to health beliefs and knowledge. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore CRCS behaviors, with data analyzed using directed content analysis based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). Five hundred twenty two participants (95.0%) completed the survey. Identified factors influencing screening behavior among average-risk urban populations included perceived severity of colorectal cancer (CRC), benefits of colon cancer surveillance, barriers to surveillance, and knowledge. Twenty-six individuals were engaged in qualitative interviews. Twenty-four themes were identified and categorized by frequency. Both quantitative and qualitative data suggest that CRCS behavior among urban average-risk populations is suboptimal, and the identified factors can be mapped onto the HBM. This mixed-methods study demonstrates that key factors influencing screening behavior among urban average-risk populations align with the HBM. These identified factors should be meticulously considered in future systematic interventions to enhance screening behaviors.

Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaf Peptides: Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity in Human Colon Cancer Caco-2 Cell Line

Reactive oxygen species are produced as part of the cellular metabolism. However, lifestyle can promote an excess in their concentration. Free radicals react with DNA, promoting the appearance of cancer cells. Therefore, natural antioxidants have been suggested as an alternative to prevent this disorder. Peptides are protein fragments that have been produced from various plants. In previous work, Moringa oleifera leaf peptides (MOPHs) with antioxidant potential were generated and identified. However, the spectrophotometric methods used to evaluate their antioxidant activity do not fully reflect its potential. In this work, the antioxidant activity of MOPHs was assessed by the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and cellular antioxidant activity method on the human colon cancer cell line Caco-2. Also, their antiproliferative activity was evaluated. The MOPHs exhibited a FRAP activity of 1435 µmol TE/g, and at 500 µg/mL; the peptides did not show a cytotoxic effect on healthy colon CCD-18Co cells. Moreover, the MOPHs increased Caco-2 antioxidative activity to a greater extent by 73.45% and 83.62% at 250 and 500 µg/mL, respectively. Regarding cellular proliferation, the MOPHs inhibited it by 78.19% and 90.20% at 200 and 500 µg/mL, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of Moringa oleifera leaf peptides as functional ingredients with significant health benefits, demonstrating antioxidant and antiproliferative properties.

Murine colon cancer derived cells exhibit heterogeneous resistance profiles against an oncolytic virus

Oncolytic virotherapy has shown efficacy in various animal models and a few human cancers. However, there are still significant limitations for the implementation of these therapies. One such limitation is the emergence of cellular resistances, which may appear rapidly considering the high genetic heterogeneity of most tumors. We previously showed that cellular resistance to an oncolytic virus can be mediated by the chronic activation of innate immunity. Here, we explored the existence of additional resistance mechanisms in murine colon cancer-derived cells. For this purpose, we isolated two cellular clones that were resistant to the oncolytic virus VSV-D51. While one of the clones showed a strong resistance profile associated with increased cytokine-mediated antiviral responses, the other clone showed a lower level of resistance that involves cytoskeletal reorganization, signaling by small GTPases, and cell structural changes. These results demonstrate the capacity of tumor cells to deploy heterogeneous mechanisms of resistance to oncolytic viruses.

Association of commission on cancer accreditation with receipt of guideline-concordant care and survival among patients with colon cancer.

Guideline-concordant care (GCC) is associated with improved survival for patients with cancer; however, variations in receipt of GCC remain a concern. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of Commission on Cancer (CoC) hospital accreditation status with receipt of GCC and survival among patients with colon cancer. This retrospective observational study identified patients diagnosed with stage I-IV colon cancer from 2018 to 2020 from the National Program of Cancer Registries and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program Database. Guideline concordance was defined as receipt of stage-appropriate lymphadenectomy or chemotherapy. Multivariable logistic regression models investigated associations with receipt of GCC. Cox proportional hazards regression models assessed 3-year cancer-specific mortality risk. Of 222,583 patients with colon cancer, 146,629 (91.2%) of eligible patients received guideline-concordant lymphadenectomy and 70,586 (81.9%) of the eligible patients received guideline-concordant chemotherapy. Treatment at CoC-accredited hospitals was the strongest modifiable predictor for receipt of guideline-concordant lymphadenectomy (odds ratio [OR] 1.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.75-1.88) and chemotherapy (OR 2.14; 95% CI 2.06-2.23). Among patients treated at CoC-accredited hospitals, risk adjusted mortality was decreased for patients with stage I-II disease (hazard ratio [HR] 0.94; 95% CI 0.80-0.99), stage III disease (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.88-0.98), and stage IV disease (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.84-0.92). For patients with colon cancer, treatment at CoC-accredited hospitals was associated with increased receipt of GCC and decreased mortality risk. Benchmarking data may serve as a valuable accountability tool for quality assessment to improve cancer treatment and outcomes.

Sex- and site-specific associations of circulating lipocalin 2 and incident colorectal cancer: Results from the EPIC cohort.

Experimental research has uncovered lipocalin 2 (LCN2) as a novel biomarker implicated in the modulation of intestinal inflammation, metabolic homeostasis, and colon carcinogenesis. However, evidence from human research has been scant. We, therefore, explored the association of pre-diagnostic circulating LCN2 concentrations with incident colorectal cancer (CRC) in a nested case-control study within the in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. LCN2 was measured in 1267 incident CRC cases matched to 1267 controls using incidence density sampling. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) according to tumor subsite and sex. Weighted Cox proportional hazard regression was used to explore associations by adiposity status. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, the IRR [95% CI] per doubling in LCN2 concentration was 1.16 [0.98-1.37] for CRC overall, 1.26 [1.00-1.59] for colon cancer, and 1.08 [0.85-1.38] for rectal cancer. The association for colon cancer was more pronounced in women (IRR [95% CI], 1.66 [1.20-2.30]) and for proximal colon cancer (IRR [95% CI], 1.96 [1.15-3.34]), whereas no association was seen in men and distal colon cancer. The association for colon cancer was positive in individuals with high waist circumference (hazard ratio [95% CI], 1.69 [1.52-1.88]) and inverse in individuals with low waist circumference (hazard ratio [95% CI], 0.86 [0.76-0.98], P interaction<0.01). Overall, these data suggest that pre-diagnostic LCN2 concentrations were positively associated with colon cancer, particularly occurring in the proximal colon, in women and among individuals with abdominal adiposity.

Carob Seeds as a Source of Bioactive Flavonoid Derivatives: Isolation, Network Pharmacology-guided Anti-cancer Activity, and HPLC Standardization.

Carob, Ceratonia siliqua L. (CS), is a legume well-known for its edible pod pulp. Its seeds are used almost exclusively as a source of the food additive E410. Although a variety of metabolites have been identified by HPLC and LC-MS analysis in CS, reports concerned with their isolation are scarce. In this study, two flavonoid derivatives were isolated from the methanolic extract of CS seeds, namely, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside and 4'-p-hydroxybenzoylisorhamnetin-3,7-di-O-rhamnoside. Network pharmacology was unusually used as a guide for estimation of the biological potential of the isolated compounds. Finally, the methanolic extract of CS seeds and its ethyl acetate fraction were standardized for their 4'-p-hydroxybenzoylisorhamnetin-3,7-di-O-rhamnoside content by HPLC. The identified isolates displayed the ability to interfere with the activity of several target proteins associated with renal and colon cancers. Their cytotoxic effect on renal and colorectal cancer cell lines was investigated in comparison to Doxorubicin. The selectivity of the isolated compounds was evaluated on normal human fetal fibroblast cell lines. The isolated 4'-p-hydroxybenzoylisorhamnetin-3,7-di-O-rhamnoside showed very potent cytotoxic activity against the tested cell lines with the highest selectivity. CS seeds can be used as a source of bioactive flavonoid derivatives that can be incorporated in pharmaceutical industries.

Obesity and iron deficiency: what is the connection and how to treat?

The article presents a review of the literature and our own data on the etiology and pathogenesis of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in patients with obesity. Obesity is considered as a subclinical systemic chronic inflammation, which is associated with an increase in the level of hepcidin, which is a key mediator of anemia during inflammation. Patients with obesity should undergo periodic screening of iron status and ferrokinetic parameters. Today, new oral iron preparations with increased tolerability and improved absorption are used in clinical practice. These include sucrosomial iron preparations. Sucrosomial iron (SI) is an innovative oral iron-containing carrier in which iron pyrophosphate is enclosed in a phospholipid matrix coated with sucrester, which protects sucrosomial iron from the effects of gastric juice, excluding contact with the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. Resistance to the action of gastric juice allows intact sucrosomes to reach the mucous membrane of the small intestine, where they are absorbed through special M cells, followed by the release of iron in liver cells. This allows prescribing SI to patients with iron deficiency and inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac disease, cancer and patients with obesity. Sucrosomial iron should be considered as an alternative treatment for iron deficiency in obese women. SI is innovative, allowing to bypass the “hepcidin barrier”, convenient for administration, effective for treatment, well tolerated than traditional oral iron salts.

DDR1 is identified as an immunotherapy target for microsatellite stable colon cancer by CRISPR screening

The role of collagen and its receptor, discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) in immune response of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. We identified DDR1 as a promising target of immunotherapy resistance using a pooled in vivo CRISPR/sgRNA screening in microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC mouse models. Our findings demonstrated that knockdown or inhibition of DDR1 could enhance infiltration of CD8+ T cells and sensitize MSS CRC to PD-1 blockade. Furthermore, DDR1 was found to facilitate kinase domain phosphorylation, upregulate EZH2, consequently elevating H3K27me3 levels at the CXCL10 promotor, which led to the suppression of CXCL10 transcription once bound to collagen in ECM. Lastly, DDR1 was found positively correlated with collagen I expression in MSS CRC specimens. These findings indicated that targeting DDR1 or its inhibitor 7rh might be potential strategy for overcoming immunotherapy resistance in MSS CRC.

Is It Necessary to Endoscopically Evaluate the Anastomosis in Robotic or Laparoscopic Surgical Procedures for Colorectal Cancer?

Background: In the surgical treatment of colorectal cancers, disease-free survival and life expectancy are inversely proportional to the increase in complications. We evaluated the superiority of colonoscopy and air and water tests in detecting anastomotic leaks in sigmoid and rectosigmoid junction colon cancers. Methods: Data of patients who underwent robotic/laparoscopic surgical procedures for sigmoid and rectosigmoid junctional colon cancers at a single center between January 2018 and February 24 were retrospectively evaluated. The anastomoses were evaluated by intraoperative colonoscopy (IOC) and intraoperative air leak test (IALT), and two groups were formed. Intraoperative leaks, intraoperative repair techniques, and postoperative anastomotic leaks were evaluated. Results: In our study, there were 125 patients in the IOC group and 148 patients in the IALT group, totaling 273 patients. Leakage was detected in 7 patients (4.7%) in the IALT group and 14 patients (11.2%) in the IOC group (P = .06). In the IALT group, 5 of 7 patients were repaired primary, and the anastomosis was reconstructed in 2 patients. In the IOC group, 10 of 14 patients were repaired primary, 2 patients underwent reanastomosis, and 2 patients needed colostomy. Of these 15 patients with postoperative leakage, 4 had intraoperative leakage (2 patients in the IALT group and 2 patients in the IOC group), and all of them underwent primary repair. Conclusion: In the anastomotic evaluation of sigmoid colon and rectosigmoid junction tumors, we found that IOC detected more leaks than IALT, but in these leaks, reanastomosis and/or diversion ostomy was superior to primary repair.

The Risk Genes SIRP5, CMC1, and ASAH1 as Potential Targets for the Diagnosis, Immunotherapy, and Treatment of Colon Adenocarcinoma by Single-Cell and Bulk RNA Sequencing Analysis.

Globally, one of the main causes of cancer-related mortality is Colon Adenocarcinoma (COAD). In this study, a new special Immune Cell Functions (ICF) risk model was constructed using single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data to develop a new understanding and clinical applications for COAD. The immune function gene sets were downloaded from a literature reference, and the COAD single-cell dataset GSE146771 was downloaded from the Tumour Immune Single Cell Hub database. Using Lasso analysis, a multiple gene signature was made from the enrichment scores of immune function gene sets that were enriched in different ways. Robust validation of the signature was then performed in multiple independent cohorts. After that, we built the model using a 10-fold cross-test and evaluated its independence for clinical usage using a nomogram. We also investigated the connection between signature and immune function, genetic variation, immunotherapy, and the cancer immunological microenvironment. Lastly, we used qPCR and immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of the unreported model genes. To find the regulatory functions of unreported model genes, an EdU assay was employed. First, 20 differentially enriched immune function gene sets were identified. Ten genes can be used as a risk profile to assess the prognosis of colon cancer, according to Lasso regression analysis. Signature performance was stable in both the training cohort and two independent GEO external cohorts, and risk scores were confirmed as independent prognostic factors. At the same time, our risk model continued to be highly predictive across various clinical clusters and clinical characteristics, such as immune checkpoints, tumour genome mutations, and chemotherapeutic drug resistance. Patients in the low-risk group have exhibited a higher chance of benefiting from immunotherapy, according to immunotherapy response research. qPCR and immunohistochemistry analysis have revealed SIRP5 expression as high in COAD tissues, while CMC1 and ASAH1 expression has been found to be low. According to the findings of the functional experiment, SIRP5, CMC1, and ASAH1 may control the ability of CRC cells to proliferate. In this study, using scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data, we created a risk model to predict the prognosis and effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients with COAD. In addition, we have discovered three model genes (SIRP5, CMC1, and ASAH1) that have not been reported before. These genes have the potential to be novel therapeutic targets in Colorectal Cancer (CRC). These findings suggest that this model could be used to evaluate the prognostic risk and identify potential targets for COAD patient treatment.

Ultrasound-Responsive Lipid Nanoplatform with Nitric Oxide and Carbon Monoxide Release for Cancer Sono-Gaso-Therapy.

Local gas therapy is emerging as a potential cancer treatment approach due to its specificity as gas-containing molecules can be packed into a nanodelivery system to release the corresponding gaseous molecules around the tumor site upon a suitable stimulus. Single-gas therapy has been reported, while synergistic dual-gas therapy has rarely been reported. Herein, we report a dual-gas-containing nanoplatform for synergistic cancer gasotherapy upon ultrasound irradiation. First, a robust ultrasound-responsive lipid-coated nanosystem was prepared with suitable particle size and characteristics. A low-intensity ultrasound (1.25 W/cm2) was found to simultaneously modulate carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO) release from the nanosystem in media and CT26 colon cancer cells for efficient therapeutic effect. The intracellular release promoted the overgeneration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and triggered cancer cell apoptosis synergistically. The in vivo test demonstrated that the optimal dual-gas-containing formulation efficiently inhibited tumor growth (by ∼87%) at relatively low doses upon ultrasound irradiation (1.25 W/cm2, 5 min). This therapeutic efficacy shows that the current responsive lipid-coated delivery system has potential for ultrasound-triggered dual-gas therapy of both superficially and deeply seated cancers.

Comparative Study of pH-Responsive and Aggregation Stability of Bosutinib-Loaded Nanogels Comprising Gelatin Methacryloyl, Carboxymethyl Dextran, and Hyaluronic Acid for Controlled Drug Delivery in Colorectal Cancer: An Extensive In Vitro Investigation.

This study investigates the use of pH-responsive nanogels for delivering Bosutinib (BOSU) in colon cancer treatment. Nanogels were formulated using three polymers: hyaluronic acid (HA), carboxymethyl dextran (CMD), and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA). These nanogels achieved high drug entrapment efficiencies (80-90%) through polymer mixing with BOSU, followed by EDC/NHS cross-linking and sonication. The nanogels were stable, with negative zeta potentials (-20 to -30 mV) and particle sizes between 100 and 200 nm. Fourier-transform infrared analysis confirmed successful methacrylation in GelMA nanogels. Sustained BOSU release at pH 5.0 was observed, resembling tumor environments, compared to slower release at normal pH (7.4). Cytotoxicity tests showed 70-80% cell survival reduction in HCT116 colon cancer cells at higher doses, and GelMA-BOSU nanogels notably reduced cell migration. Antiangiogenic effects were confirmed in a chick chorioallantoic membrane model, highlighting the potential of these nanogels for targeted BOSU delivery in colon cancer therapy.

Development and validation of a risk predictive nomogram for colon cancer-specific mortality: a competing risk model based on the SEER database

BackgroundUtilizing the SEER database, we developed a competing risk model along with a nomogram designed for the early identification of colon cancer-specific mortality (CSM) risk.MethodsClinical and pathological information, along with other significant data, were obtained from the SEER database. Patients were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set. We investigated the independent factors affecting CSM among colon cancer patients using univariate and multivariate analyses within a competing risk framework, ultimately developing a predictive tool for CSM in colon cancer.ResultsInvolving 40,261 individuals diagnosed with colon cancer, our study included 10,397 deaths directly due to the disease and an additional 5,828 from other causes. We used a competing risk model to predict cancer-specific mortality (CSM) in these patients. For the training dataset, the model’s area under the curve (AUC) for predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) was 0.835 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.826 to 0.844), 0.849 (95% CI 0.843 to 0.855), and 0.843 (95% CI 0.836 to 0.850), respectively. In the validation group, the AUC values for the same time periods were 0.846 (95% CI 0.833 to 0.860), 0.853 (95% CI 0.843 to 0.862), and 0.846 (95% CI 0.835 to 0.856), respectively. In comparison, traditional survival analysis yielded higher cumulative CSM rates over time than those provided by our competing risk approach.ConclusionWe created a competitive risk assessment model along with a predictive tool designed to estimate CSM in patients with colon cancer. This nomogram demonstrates high accuracy and reliability, aiding medical professionals in making clinical decisions and developing patient follow-up plans.

ASO Visual Abstract: Clinical Outcomes, Costs, and Value of Undergoing Surgery Among Older Patients with Colon Cancer at U.S. News & World Report Ranked Versus Unranked Hospitals.

ASO Visual Abstract: Clinical Outcomes, Costs, and Value of Undergoing Surgery Among Older Patients with Colon Cancer at U.S. News & World Report Ranked Versus Unranked Hospitals.