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Biomarker That Could Predict Survival After CRC Surgery Discovered
Research scientists at the Macquarie University and Concord Repatriation General Hospital in Australia have discovered that expression of the cell surface protein uPAR can predict survival after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. The study found that patients expressing uPAR may have undetectable cancer metastasis and dramatically poorer survival.
For the first time, a biomarker discovered by Macquarie University and Concord Repatriation General Hospital researchers will allow clinicians to distinguish certain types of colorectal cancer patients who do relatively well after surgery from those who may subsequently die from their disease.
The discovery came as part of a 20-year rectal cancer surveillance study into a condition that affects 1.4 million people globally every year.
Bowel and rectal cancer is one of the most curable types of cancer if detected early. However according to Bowel Cancer Australia, fewer than 40% of bowel cancers are detected that early. A clear diagnosis in later stages can help guide clinicians to make appropriate decisions about prognosis, survival rates, surgery and other therapy options.
“We found that patients presenting with Stage B cancer — that is, confined to the bowel wall – may or may not show detection of a cancer cell biomarker called urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, simplified as uPAR,” says lead researcher Professor Mark Baker, Professor of Proteomics at Macquarie University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Science.
Link to the complete press release:
Exploring Racial, Ethnic Disparities in Cancer Care Prior Authorization Decisions
October 24th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the author of a study published in the October 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® that explored prior authorization decisions in cancer care by race and ethnicity for commercially insured patients.
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Uniting to Support Patients With Cancer Beyond Treatment
November 17th 2024Kasey Bond, MPH, of Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health, speaks to why it’s vital to keep patients at the center of all strategic partnerships between academic institutions and community-based oncology practices.
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Examining Low-Value Cancer Care Trends Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 25th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the April 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on the rates of low-value cancer care services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Bridging Cancer Care Gaps and Overcoming Medical Mistrust
November 13th 2024In this clip from our interview with Oscar B. Lahoud, MD, cochair of our Institute for Value-Based Medicine® evening hosted with NYU Langone Health, he addressed medical mistrust in underrepresented communities.
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How English- and Spanish-Preferring Patients With Cancer Decide on Emergency Care
November 13th 2024Care delivery innovations to help patients with cancer avoid emergency department visits are underused. The authors interviewed English- and Spanish-preferring patients at 2 diverse health systems to understand why.
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