Scientists put bowel cancer under the microscope
Patients with bowel cancer — the third most commonly diagnosed form in the United Kingdom — could enjoy increased survival rates as a result of a new study led by an expert from London’s Kingston University. Professor Helmout Modjtahedi is heading an investigation examining why some tumours are hard to treat and how they can be targeted with the most effective therapies. During the study, specimens from patients with tumours of the colon or rectum, known as colorectal or bowel cancer, will be examined for biomarkers — proteins on the surface of cells. This would help pinpoint which individuals were most likely to benefit from specific therapies, particularly two new antibody-based drugs, Professor Modjtahedi said. …