Current Research

From The National Cancer Institute:

The Promise of Cancer Research
Researchers and doctors here in South Carolina and all over the country are conducting many types of clinical trials (research studies in which people volunteer to take part) and are studying new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat colorectal cancer.

Research has already led to advances in safe and effective treatments, and researchers continue to search for more effective approaches.

Research on Prevention
Recent studies suggest that certain drugs may help prevent colorectal cancer. Researchers are studying aspirin, celecoxib, and other drugs in people with a higher-than-average chance of developing this disease.

Research on Screening and Diagnosis
Researchers are testing new ways to check for polyps and colorectal cancer. One study is looking at the usefulness of virtual colonoscopy. This is a CT scan of the colon. Another study is using genetic testing to check stool samples for colorectal cancer cells.

Research on Treatment
Researchers are studying chemotherapy, biological therapy, and combinations of treatments:

• Chemotherapy: Researchers are testing new anticancer drugs and drug combinations. They also are studying combinations of drugs and radiation therapy before and after surgery.
• Biological therapy: New biological approaches also are under study. Biological therapy uses the body's natural ability (immune system) to fight cancer. For example, researchers are studying treatment with monoclonal antibodies after surgery or with chemotherapy. A monoclonal antibody is a substance made in the laboratory that can bind to cancer cells. It can help kill cancer cells.