Reduce your risk of bowel cancer recurrence by 28 per cent: A new treatment strategy you need to know about
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When it comes to our health and well-being, there’s nothing more important than being informed and proactive about any preventative measures you need to take.
Treatments for serious diseases such as cancer can be brutal and complex, which is why it’s always a good thing to hear about breakthroughs that can improve our chances when it comes to diagnosis and getting better as soon as possible.
A study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology has revealed a new treatment strategy that could help reduce the risk of bowel cancer recurrence by a whopping 28 per cent.
The clinical trial – known as FOxTROT – involved 1,053 patients across 85 hospitals in the UK, Denmark and Sweden, and was funded by Cancer Research UK.
Upon following the new treatment strategy, which involves giving chemotherapy before surgery for early-stage bowel cancer, participants saw a 28 per cent decrease in the chance of the cancer coming back.
Hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide could benefit from this breakthrough every year, according to experts.
The study's results were met with both delight and relief by Dr Laura Magill, an Associate Professor at the Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit.
'It's wonderful to see such positive results from this robust trial, which we have been following with great interest,' she said.
'It's fantastic news that has the potential to make a real difference to the lives of the thousands of people diagnosed with earlier stage bowel cancer every year.'
'A growing body of evidence is showing the value of pre-operative chemotherapy in several other cancers, and we believe that our results could transform how we approach colon cancer in the clinic.'
For the study, chemotherapy was given to the first group of patients, who received it before surgery and then another 18 week round of chemotherapy afterwards, while the second group received the normal approach of surgery followed by 24 weeks of chemotherapy.
Those who had chemotherapy before surgery saw much better results in terms of reduced risk of cancer recurrence.
Bowel Cancer UK Chief Executive Genevieve said that the development is promising news for patients and experts alike.
As a result of these ground-breaking results, it’s expected that this new treatment strategy could soon be adopted in hospitals across the globe, including in Australia.
'A growing body of evidence is showing the value of pre-operative chemotherapy in several other cancers, and we believe that our results could transform how we approach colon cancer in the clinic,' said Dr Laura Magill, an associate professor at the Birmingham clinical trials unit.
However, this doesn’t mean chemotherapy isn’t without its challenges...
Geoff Hoggard of Leeds, who took part in the trial, said it was 'hard going' but he was more than happy to take the risk in the hope of getting more efficient treatment.
'Eventually, it was all worth it. I’ve had no complications since the surgery, and there were no signs of cancer in the months and years after. Six years on, I’m back living life to the full,' he said.
Prof Matthew Seymour, of the University of Leeds, said that timing is 'everything' when it comes to treating bowel cancer.
'The simple act of bringing forward chemotherapy, giving it before instead of after surgery, delivers some remarkable results. Scaling up this treatment worldwide, including in low and middle-income countries, could transform cancer care and save many thousands of lives,' he said.
Hopefully, with more studies and research, cancer treatment will become more effective and less risky for patients.
In the meantime, it’s vitally important—more now than ever—that we take proactive steps to reduce our risk of bowel cancer. This can include maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, knowing the signs and speaking to your doctor if you’re concerned about anything.
There you have it, folks! If you or someone you know is diagnosed with this disease, please know that you are not alone. We encourage you to reach out to the Bowel Cancer Australia Support Group via its helpline at 1800 727 336.
Also, feel free to share this article with your friends or loved ones so they can be informed about this new development.
Treatments for serious diseases such as cancer can be brutal and complex, which is why it’s always a good thing to hear about breakthroughs that can improve our chances when it comes to diagnosis and getting better as soon as possible.
A study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology has revealed a new treatment strategy that could help reduce the risk of bowel cancer recurrence by a whopping 28 per cent.
The clinical trial – known as FOxTROT – involved 1,053 patients across 85 hospitals in the UK, Denmark and Sweden, and was funded by Cancer Research UK.
Upon following the new treatment strategy, which involves giving chemotherapy before surgery for early-stage bowel cancer, participants saw a 28 per cent decrease in the chance of the cancer coming back.
The new development may reduce the likelihood of bowel cancer returning. Credit: Pexels/cottonbro studio.
Hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide could benefit from this breakthrough every year, according to experts.
The study's results were met with both delight and relief by Dr Laura Magill, an Associate Professor at the Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit.
'It's wonderful to see such positive results from this robust trial, which we have been following with great interest,' she said.
'It's fantastic news that has the potential to make a real difference to the lives of the thousands of people diagnosed with earlier stage bowel cancer every year.'
'A growing body of evidence is showing the value of pre-operative chemotherapy in several other cancers, and we believe that our results could transform how we approach colon cancer in the clinic.'
For the study, chemotherapy was given to the first group of patients, who received it before surgery and then another 18 week round of chemotherapy afterwards, while the second group received the normal approach of surgery followed by 24 weeks of chemotherapy.
Those who had chemotherapy before surgery saw much better results in terms of reduced risk of cancer recurrence.
Bowel Cancer UK Chief Executive Genevieve said that the development is promising news for patients and experts alike.
As a result of these ground-breaking results, it’s expected that this new treatment strategy could soon be adopted in hospitals across the globe, including in Australia.
'A growing body of evidence is showing the value of pre-operative chemotherapy in several other cancers, and we believe that our results could transform how we approach colon cancer in the clinic,' said Dr Laura Magill, an associate professor at the Birmingham clinical trials unit.
However, this doesn’t mean chemotherapy isn’t without its challenges...
Geoff Hoggard of Leeds, who took part in the trial, said it was 'hard going' but he was more than happy to take the risk in the hope of getting more efficient treatment.
'Eventually, it was all worth it. I’ve had no complications since the surgery, and there were no signs of cancer in the months and years after. Six years on, I’m back living life to the full,' he said.
Prof Matthew Seymour, of the University of Leeds, said that timing is 'everything' when it comes to treating bowel cancer.
'The simple act of bringing forward chemotherapy, giving it before instead of after surgery, delivers some remarkable results. Scaling up this treatment worldwide, including in low and middle-income countries, could transform cancer care and save many thousands of lives,' he said.
Hopefully, with more studies and research, cancer treatment will become more effective and less risky for patients.
In the meantime, it’s vitally important—more now than ever—that we take proactive steps to reduce our risk of bowel cancer. This can include maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, knowing the signs and speaking to your doctor if you’re concerned about anything.
There you have it, folks! If you or someone you know is diagnosed with this disease, please know that you are not alone. We encourage you to reach out to the Bowel Cancer Australia Support Group via its helpline at 1800 727 336.
Also, feel free to share this article with your friends or loved ones so they can be informed about this new development.
