Our Summary

This research paper discusses the progress in precision medicine for colorectal cancer and how it has affected screening, treatment, and possibly prevention. Precision medicine involves tailoring medical treatments to individual patients based on their genetic makeup. Thanks to advances in molecular techniques, doctors can now choose the best therapies for patients by analyzing their mutations at the time of diagnosis. The study suggests that future research should aim to confirm these treatments in specific patient groups and understand why some treatments fail in order to improve their effectiveness, lower costs, and minimize harmful side effects.

FAQs

  1. How have advances in precision medicine influenced screening and treatment in colorectal carcinoma?
  2. Why should mutational analysis be performed at diagnosis in colorectal carcinoma patients?
  3. What are future efforts in precision medicine for colorectal carcinoma expected to focus on?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about colorectal surgery is to follow their post-operative care instructions closely, including proper wound care, dietary restrictions, and physical activity guidelines. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to their healthcare team. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for colorectal surgery include those with:

  • Colorectal carcinoma that has not responded to other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • Severe complications from colorectal cancer such as bowel obstruction or perforation
  • Precancerous polyps that are at high risk for developing into colorectal cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis that has led to complications such as strictures or fistulas
  • Familial colorectal cancer syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a colorectal surgeon and other specialists to determine the best treatment approach for their specific condition. Additionally, advances in precision medicine have allowed for better patient selection for therapies, making mutational analysis at diagnosis an important factor in guiding treatment decisions.

Timeline

Before colorectal surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with colorectal carcinoma through screening tests such as colonoscopy or CT scans.
  2. Patient undergoes preoperative evaluations and consultations with their medical team to determine the best treatment plan.
  3. Patient may undergo additional tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or blood tests to assess the extent of the cancer and overall health.

After colorectal surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to remove the cancerous tissue, followed by a recovery period in the hospital.
  2. Patient may need to undergo additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy to prevent the cancer from returning.
  3. Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments and surveillance tests to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence.
  4. Patient may be referred to genetic counseling to assess their risk for hereditary colorectal cancer and to discuss preventive measures for themselves and their family members.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of colorectal surgery do I need?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications of the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to be?
  4. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?
  5. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  7. How will the surgery impact my long-term prognosis?
  8. Will I need any genetic testing or molecular analysis before the surgery?
  9. How will the surgery be personalized to my specific case?
  10. What is the success rate of this type of surgery for patients with similar characteristics to mine?

Reference

Authors: Prabhakaran S, Leong J, Petrelli NJ, Khatri VP. Journal: Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2020 Jan;29(1):23-34. doi: 10.1016/j.soc.2019.09.001. PMID: 31757311