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Addressing research gaps in colorectal cancer key to improve future outcomes
Prioritizing research and funding could have an important impact on the future of colorectal cancer and its effect on society, according to a report published in Gut.
Mark Lawler, chair in translational cancer genomics at Queen’s University, Belfast, U.K., and colleagues developed a report detailing 15 research gaps that must be addressed to help end the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC).
“This report provides us with a real opportunity to get to grips with a disease that kills nearly 16,000 people in the U.K. each year,” he said in a press release. “Identifying the critical research gaps and developing tangible solutions is a key step forward in what is becoming an international effort.”
The non-profit Bowel Cancer UK initiated the report to identify research gaps. The organization gathered a panel of 71 clinicians, patients and researchers to help inform research policy and prioritization relating to CRC.
The panel split into 8 working groups tasked with identifying gaps in key areas including discovery science, risk, prevention, early diagnosis and screening, pathology, curative treatment, stage IV disease, and living with and beyond CRC.
The panel identified research gaps in each category, as well as additional overarching concerns, including the need for prevention trials, the lack of coordination of CRC research and the lack of effective communication between relevant stakeholders.
For example, they highlighted the need for additional research on how genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to CRC risk; the need to identify an optimal screening strategy; and the need for novel technologies and interventions to improve curative outcomes.
The researchers feel that, if implemented, their recommendations could have a significant impact on prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for people with CRC.
“This publication has galvanized the scientific and clinical communities to come together and work in a more collaborative way,” Lawler said in the press release. “It also provides a blueprint for research funders to concentrate resources where they are really needed.” – by Alex Young
Disclosures: Lawler reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for all other authors’ relevant disclosures.