From organ preservation to selective surgery: How immunotherapy changes colorectal surgery?

Social determinants of health, diet, and symptom experiences in colorectal cancer survivors: A scoping review

PURPOSE

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, and many colorectal cancer survivors often experience various symptoms significantly influenced by diet. Although it is known that social determinants of health can lead to notable inequities that affect lifestyle and quality of life, limited studies have examined the interplay of social determinants of health and diet on symptom experiences in this population. This scoping review aimed to explore relationships among social determinants of health, diet, and symptom experiences in colorectal cancer survivors.

METHODS

This study adhered to the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology, following the framework established by Arksey and O'Malley. Five databases were searched on September 22, 2023, and updated on April 2, 2024, including Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and APA PsycINFO. The review was performed using the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) format to examine symptom experiences in the context of social determinants of health and diet among colorectal cancer survivors.

RESULT

A total of 21 articles were included. Reported symptoms included gastrointestinal, chemotherapy-related, physical, and psychological symptoms. Social determinants of health at the individual level (age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, income) and relationship level (social support needs) were identified as influencing symptom experiences. Dietary choices and intake also impacted symptom experiences.

CONCLUSION/IMPLICATION

Significant associations exist between social determinants of health, diet, and symptom experiences in colorectal cancer survivors. Further exploration into how these factors influence symptom experiences is necessary to inform future tailored interventions to better support this population.

Parallel pathways: A chronicle of evolution in rectal and breast cancer surgery

In this editorial, we have analyzed the historical evolution of rectal and breast cancer surgery, focusing on the progressive reduction of demolitive approaches and the increasing use of more conservative strategies, accompanied by a growing emphasis on perioperative treatments aimed at enhancing surgical outcomes. All of these changes have been made possible due to an increased awareness and understanding of oncological diseases and improved perioperative treatments.

Engineered liposomes mediated approach for targeted colorectal cancer drug Delivery: A review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be one of the most prevalent and deadliest forms of cancer worldwide, despite notable advancements in its management. The prognosis for metastatic CRC remains discouraging, with a relative 5-year survival rate for stage IV CRC patients. Conventional treatments for advanced malignancies such as chemotherapy, often face limitations in effectively targeting cancer cells resulting in off-target distribution and significant side effects. In the quest for better strategies, researchers have explored numerous alternatives. Among these, nanoparticles (NPs) specifically liposomes have emerged as one of the most promising candidates in developing targeted delivery systems for cancer therapeutics. This review discusses the current approaches employing functionalised liposomes to overcome major biological barriers in therapeutics delivery for CRC treatment. We have also shared our perspectives on the technological development of liposomes for future clinical use and highlighted a few useful insights on the material choices for future research work in CRC.

Integration of liquid biopsy and immunotherapy: opening a new era in colorectal cancer treatment

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the conventional treatment approaches for colorectal cancer (CRC), offering new therapeutic prospects for patients. Liquid biopsy has shown significant potential in early screening, diagnosis, and postoperative monitoring by analyzing circulating tumor cells (CTC) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). In the era of immunotherapy, liquid biopsy provides additional possibilities for guiding immune-based treatments. Emerging technologies such as mass spectrometry-based detection of neoantigens and flow cytometry-based T cell sorting offer new tools for liquid biopsy, aiming to optimize immune therapy strategies. The integration of liquid biopsy with immunotherapy holds promise for improving treatment outcomes in colorectal cancer patients, enabling breakthroughs in early diagnosis and treatment, and providing patients with more personalized, precise, and effective treatment strategies.