Colorectal cancer |

Colorectal Cancer

 Jan 16, 2008 Viewed: 1303

Colorectal cancer is a common disease in all developed nations of the World. Until about 10 to 15 years ago, it was largely a surgical disease, with chemotherapy or radiotherapy having little impact on survival. Few oncologists even treated the disease, and even fewer would admit to specialist interest in a disease that was considered “refractory.” We also had more knowledge of the underlying molecular events in this disease than in most other solid cancers of adults, but this had not been translated into any meaningful clinical interventions. However, the last two decades have seen advances in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and use of molecular targeted agents that we could not have dreamed of 20 years ago.

In the same timescale, we have made further and important advances in our knowledge and understanding of the genetics, molecular biology, and pathophysiology of this condition. This knowledge has been the driver for some of the clinical advances and promises to be important in the next generation of drugs that we hope will further improve outcomes. For example, it is not unreasonable to hypothesize that the prospect of chemopreventive agents for this disease can be realized within this generation.

Our rapidly expanding knowledge base and the therapeutic advances based on it mean it is hard to keep up-to-date. This applies to both scientists trying to update therapy paradigms and clinicians trying to keep abreast of the molecular aspects. This book was designed to address these issues in a way that was accessible to the specialist as well as the generalist. This is important because some of the advances in colorectal cancer should be applicable to other common malignancies that are currently regarded as “refractory.”

The editorial team is currently based entirely in Europe, but all of us have the experience of practice in other nations and have been intimately involved in international research projects and clinical studies. We felt the time was ripe to produce a textbook that would update all aspects of our understanding in one publication. Thus, the goal was to produce a book that we would all like to own which would equip us enough to have informed discussion and conversation with experts within our own areas of expertise.

This will be the key to making the molecular information that we are gaining at a frightening rate translate into clinical advances. We have collated contributions from world-class clinical and basic scientists in this book.

Each was handpicked to represent their own disciplines and for their ability to describe complex issues in an understandable way. Each was tasked with producing text that was as comprehensive and up-to-date as possible in a rapidly moving field. There was a deliberate effort made to “globalize” the content of this book in order to maintain its relevance throughout a broad-based readership. The scope of the book encompasses risk factors, epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and even aspects of palliative care related to colorectal cancer.

This text should serve as a useful and comprehensive reference for all who have an interest in colorectal cancer. In addition, it is designed so that the non-specialist can pick it up and access the topics that were of most interest to them without feeling overwhelmed.

Colorectal cancer

Rebecca A. Barnetson and Malcolm G. Dunlop
Colon Cancer Genetics Group, University of Edinburgh, School of Molecular and Clinical Medicine and MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, U.K.


References

  1. Ferlay J, Bray F, Pisani P, Parkin DM. Globocan 2000: Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence worldwide. Lyon: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2001.
  2. Parkin DM, Pisani P, Ferlay J. Estimates of the worldwide incidence of 25 major cancers in 1990. Int J Cancer 1999; 80:827-841.
  3. Parkin DM, Whelan SL, Ferlay J, Teppo L, Thomas DB. (eds) Cancer Incidence in Five Continents. Vol. VIII. Lyon: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2002.
  4. Haenszel W, Correa P. Cancer of the colon and rectum and adenomatous polyps: a review of epidemiologic findings. Cancer 1971; 28:14-24.
  5. Sharp L. Current trends in colorectal cancer: what they tell us and what we still do not know. Clin Oncol 2001; 13:444-447.
  6. Thorn M, Bergstrom R, Kressner U, Sparen P, Zack M, Ekbom A. Trends in colorectal cancer incidence in Sweden 1959-93 by gender, localization, time period, and birth cohort. Cancer Causes Control 1998; 9:145-152.
  7. Johansen C, Mellemgaard A, Skov T, Kjaergaard J, Lynge E. Colorectal cancer in Denmark 1943-1988. Int J Colorectal Dis 1993; 8:42-47.
  8. Lopez-Abente G, Pollan M, Vergara A, et al. Age-period-cohort modeling of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in Spain. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2001; 6:999-1005.
  9. De Angelis R, Valente F, Frova L, et al. Trends of colorectal cancer incidence and prevalence in Italian regions. Tumori 1998; 84:1-8.
  10. Bell JC. Trends in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in New South Wales 1973-1992. Med J Aust 1996; 166:175-176.
  11. Cox B, Little J. Reduced risk of colorectal cancer among recent generations in New Zealand. Br J Cancer 1992; 66:386-390.
  12. Hayne D, Brown RSD, McCormack M, Quinn MJ, Payne HA, Babb P. Current trends in colorectal cancer: site, incidence, mortality and survival in England and Wales. Clin Oncol 2001; 13:448-452.
  13. Black RJ, Macfarlane GJ, Maisonneuve P, Boyle P. Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Scotland, 1960-1989. Edinburgh: Common Services Agency, 1995.
  14. Harris V, Sandridge AL, Black RJ, Brewster DH, Gould A. Cancer Registration Statistics Scotland, 1986-1995. Edinburgh: ISD Scotland Publications, 1998.
  15. Reis LAG, Wingo PA, Miller DS, et al. The annual report to the nation on the status of cancer, 1973-1997, with a special section on colorectal cancer. Cancer 2000; 88:2398-2424.
  16. Parkin DM, Whelan SL, Ferlay J, Raymond L, Young J. (eds) Cancer Incidence in Five Continents. Volume VII. Lyon: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1997.
  17. Jass JR. Subsite distribution and incidence of colorectal cancer in New Zealand 1974-1983. Dis Colon Rectum 1991; 34:56-59.
  18. Devesa SS, Chow WH. Variation in colorectal cancer incidence in the United States by subsite of origin. Cancer 1993; 71:3819-3826.
  19. dos Santos Silva I, Swerdlow AJ. Sex differences in time trends of colorectal cancer in England and Wales: the possible effect of female hormonal factors. Br J Cancer 1996; 73:692-697.
  20. Rabeneck L, Davila JA, El-Serag HB. Is there a true "shift" to the right colon in the incidence of colorectal cancer?. Am J Gastroenterol 2003; 98:1400-1409.
  21. Grulich AE, Swerdlow AJ, Head J, Marmot MG. Cancer mortality in African and Caribbean migrants to England and Wales. Br J Cancer 1992; 66:905-911.
  22. Faggiano F, Partanen T, Kogevinas M, Boffetta P. Socioeconomic differences in cancer incidence and mortality. In: Kogevinas M, Pearce N, Susser M, Boffetta P, eds. Social Inequalities and Cancer. IARC Scientific Publications No. 138. Lyon: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1997:65-176.
  23. Coleman MP, Esteve J, Damiecki P, Arslan A, Renard H. Trends in Cancer Incidence and Mortality. Lyon: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1993.
  24. Robinson MHE, Thomas WM, Hardcastle JD, Chamberlain J, Mangham CM. Change towards earlier stage at presentation of colorectal cancer. Br J Surg 2002; 80:1610-1612.
  25. Chu KC, Tarone RE, Chow WH, Hankey BF, Ries LAG. Temporal patterns in colorectal cancer incidence, survival, and mortality from 1950 through 1990. J Natl Cancer Inst 2002; 86:997-1006.
  26. Sant M, Capocaccia R, Coleman MP, et al., EUROCARE Working Group. Cancer survival increases in Europe, but international differences remain wide. Eur J Cancer 2001; 37:1659-1667.
  27. Gatta G, Ciccolallo L, Capocaccia R, et al. Differences in colorectal cancer survival between European and US populations: the importance of sub-site and morphology. Eur J Cancer 2003; 39:2214-2222.
  28. Gillen C, Walmsley RS, Prior P, Andrews HA, Allan RN. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease: a comparison of the colorectal cancer risk in extensive colitis. Gut 1994; 35:1590-1592.
  29. Eaden JA, Abrams KR, Mayberry JF. The risk of colorectal cancer in ulcerative colitis: a meta-analysis. Gut 2001; 48:526-535.
  30. Cotton S, Sharp L, Little J. The adenoma-carcinoma sequence and prospects for the prevention of colorectal neoplasia. Crit Rev Oncogen 1996; 7(5&6):293-342.
  31. Winawer SJ, O'Brien MJ, Waye JD, et al. Risk and surveillance of individuals with colorectal polyps. Bull World Health Organ 1990; 68:789-795.
  32. Peipins LA, Sandler RS. Epidemiology of colorectal adenomas. Epidemiol Rev 1994; 16:273-297.
  33. Hawkins NJ, Ward RL. Sporadic colorectal cancers with microsatellite instability and their possible origin in hyperplastic polpys and serrated adenomas. J Natl Cancer Inst 2001; 93:1307-1313.
  34. Mecklin JP, Ponz de Leon M. Epidemiology of HNPCC. Anticancer Res 1994; 14:1625-1629.
  35. Fuchs CS, Giovannucci EL, Colditz GA, Hunter DJ, Speizer FE, Willett WC. A prospective study of family history and the risk of colorectal cancer. N Engl J Med 1994; 331:1669-1674.
  36. Winawer SJ, Zauber AG, Gerdes H, et al. Risk of colorectal cancer in the families of patients with adenomatous polyps. N Engl J Med 1996; 334:82-87.
  37. Johns LE, Houlston RS. A systematic review and meta-analysis of familial colorectal cancer risk. Am J Gastroenterol 2001; 96:2992-3003.
  38. Khoury MJ, Beaty TH, Liang KY. Can familial aggregation of disease be explained by familial aggregation of environmental risk factors? Am J Epidemiol 1988; 127:674-683.
  39. Haenszel W, Kurihara M. Studies of Japanese migrants: mortality from cancer and other diseases among Japanese in the United States. J Natl Cancer Inst 1968; 40:43-68.
  40. Friedenreich CM. Physical activity and cancer prevention: from observational to intervention research. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2001; 10: 287-301.
  41. McTiernan A, Ulrich C, Slate S, Potter J. Physical activity and cancer etiology: associations and mechanisms. Cancer Causes Control 1998; 9:487-509.
  42. IARC Working Group. IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention Vol. 6. In: The Role of Weight Control and Physical Activity in Cancer Prevention. Lyon: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2002.
  43. Terry MB, Neugut AI, Bostick RM, et al. Risk factors for advanced colorectal adenomas: a pooled analysis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2002; 11:622-629.
  44. Bergstrom A, Pisani P, Tenet V, Wolk A, Adami HO. Overweight as an avoidable cause of cancer in Europe. Int J Cancer 2001; 91:421-430.
  45. Bird CL, Frankl HD, Lee ER, Haile RW. Obesity, weight gain, large weight changes, and adenomatous polyps of the left colon and rectum. Am J Epidemiol 1998; 147:670-680.
  46. Boutron-Ruault MC, Senesse P, Belghiti C, Faivre J. Energy intake, body mass index, physical activity, and the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Nutr Cancer 2001; 39:50-57.
  47. Martinez ME, McPherson RS, Levin B, Glober GA. A case-control study of dietary intake and other lifestyle risk factors for hyperplastic polyps. Gastroenetrology 1997; 113:423-429.
  48. Morimoto LM, Newcomb PA, Ulrich CM, Bostick RM, Lais CJ, Potter JD. Risk factors for hyperplastic and adenomatous polyps: evidence for malignant potential? Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2002; 11:1012-1018.
  49. Lieberman DA, Prindiville S, Weiss DG, Willet W. Risk factors for advanced colonic neoplasia and hyperplastic polyps in asymptomatic individuals. JAMA 2003; 290:2959-2967.
  50. Giovannucci E. An updated review of the epidemiological evidence that cigarette smoking increases risk of colorectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2001; 10:725-731.
  51. IARC Working Group. IARC Monograph on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Volume 83: Tobacco Smoke and Involuntary Smoking. Lyon: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2004.
  52. de Jong MM, Nolte IM, te Meerman GJ, et al. Low-penetrance genes and their involvement in colorectal cancer susceptibility. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2002; 11:1332-1352.
  53. Smits KM, Gaspari L, Weijenberg MP, et al. Interaction between smoking, GSTM1 deletion and colorectal cancer: results from the GSEC study. Biomar kers 2003; 8:299-310.
  54. Ye Z, Parry JM. A meta-analysis of 20 case-control studies of the glutathione transferase M1 (GSTM1) status and colorectal cancer risk. Med Sci Monit 2003; 9:SR83-SR91.
  55. Cotton SC, Sharp L, Little J, Brockton N. Glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms and colorectal cancer. Am J Epidemiol 2000; 151:7-32.
  56. Ioannidis JPA, Ntzani EE, Trikalinos TA, Contopoulos-Ioannidis DG. Replication validity of genetic association studies. Nat Genet 2001; 29:306-309.
  57. Hirschhorn JN, Lohmueller K, Byrne E, Hirschhorn K. A comprehesive review of genetic association studies. Genet Med 2002; 4:45-61.
  58. Katoh T, Nagata N, Kuroda Y, et al. Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1) genetic polymorphism and susceptibility to gastric and colorectal adenocarcinoma. Carcinogenesis 1996; 17:1855-1859.
  59. Gertig DM, Stampfer M, Haiman CH, Hennekens CH, Kelsey K, Hunter DJ. Glutathione S-Transferase GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk: a prospective study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 1998; 7:1001-1005.
  60. Slattery ML, Potter JD, Samowitz W, Bigler J, Caan B, Leppert M. NAT2, GSTM-1, cigarette smoking, and risk of colon cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 1998; 7:1079-1084.
  61. Slattery ML, Edwards S, Curtin K, Schaffer D, Neuhausen S. Associations between smoking, passive smoking, GSTM-1, NAT2, and rectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2003; 12:882-889.

Provided by ArmMed Media