
31 Products To Remind You That Alllll Humans Are Kinda Gross, Not Just You
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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Lumps, bumps, puss, and gunk — the great equalizers.
1. A pack of AirPods-cleaning putty so you can finally excavate all the gross gunk living in your earbuds and get back to clearly hearing every 👏 last 👏 detail 👏 of your fave true crime podcast.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I never usually write reviews but this is an exception. I've had my AirPods for over a year, and when the sound quality was diminishing, I was afraid they had a short life expectancy, and I would need to get a new pair! Even after using cotton buds to clean the AirPods out, I thought that was enough until my friend said there was stuff built up that was hard to see, but there was nothing able to get it out! Enter this product — it literally took five minutes to clean each earbud effectively, and instantly the sound quality was as good as new! Loud, clear, less trouble connecting to my phone, etc. I really suggest giving this product a try. SO happy I found a solution!" — Amazon Customer
Get a 24-pack from Amazon for $15.99 (also available in a 12-pack).
2. An anti-dandruff shampoo for reducing scalp flaking and itching thanks to a little clinically proven ingredient called ketoconazole, which kills the fungus that causes dandruff. Now you and your favorite black turtleneck can reunite without fear!
www.amazon.com
Read more about ketoconazole shampoo at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review:"This stuff is absolutely amazing. I was one step away from going to the dermatologist. I had severe dandruff that was so bad, I could shake my head and it would come off. With just a few uses per week, I got rid of all my flakes. My scalp also stopped burning from dryness. My hair has never been healthier." — Moo Moo
Get it from Amazon for $15.88 (also available with a conditioner).
3. A painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen because staining is a part of life, and traditional strips are tough to use, expensive, and can leave you with teeth sensitivity that is, in my professional opinion, NO fun. With this pen, you can get quick results. And the best part? No lingering sensitivity.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I bought this on a whim when I saw someone review it on TikTok. After using it several times over the course of a week, I immediately noticed the difference in the color of my teeth. I'm a smoker and a heavy coffee drinker. I'm finding that this product will be a lifesaver in terms of what my smile looks like. I would definitely recommend!!" — Mully
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $17.95 (also available in packs of one and four).
4. An exfoliating mitt if you've had it up to *here* with dry, flaky skin. Enjoy the delightful feeling of disgust that comes with seeing dead skin slough away right before your eyes and knowing that you're going to feel SO SMOOTH after.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I could tell these mitts were going to be exactly what I needed right out of the box. Excellent quality and easy to use! I've tried them twice already, and my skin is now incredibly smooth! After I scrubbed my arm, I looked at the mitt and saw it was covered with dead skin cells. I'll be buying more of these as gifts for girlfriends (in a fun spa gift basket)!" — Danielle
Get it from Amazon for $9.49 (also available in a two-pack).
5. A non-aerosol dry shampoo powder packed in a travel-friendly compact to help prolong wash day and revive greasy locks so you can basically roll right out of bed and into the office and STILL have coworkers complimenting your fabulous hair.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I am so glad I gave this product a try, as it works amazingly well on my fine, oily hair. I have used just about every dry shampoo product on the market, and this is by far the best one yet. My hair looks beautiful, and I can now go nearly a week without washing (while still having absolutely gorgeous hair)! I used to have to wash my hair every other day when I was using my former favorite dry shampoo (and it made my scalp itch on day two). This product is definitely worth a try, and it may soon be your favorite!" — Melanie Havert
Get it from Amazon for $12.59+ (available in six shades and in multipacks).
6. A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel so you can quickly get your feet ready to be seen by removing years' (I repeat, YEARS') worth of hard calluses without endless scraping and scrubbing. Time to schedule a date with you and your strappiest sandals!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Just presoak your feet, apply the gel, let sit for 5–10 minutes, and rinse! It's recommended you go back in afterward with a foot file just to make sure no residue or dead skin is left behind.
Promising review:"I have the driest heels, and this is the ONLY product that has ever worked. Before I used this, my heels had some pretty deep cracks, and now they're almost baby-soft again. BUT please follow the directions. I left it on my super-dry, thick-callused heels for only three minutes, and the calluses were literally melting off! Wonderful product! So glad I don't have to go soak my feet in those tubs at the nail salon anymore." — Kiki
Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in three scents and in a two pack).
7. A moisturizing saline gel for putting an end to the frequent nosebleeds and restoring some desperately needed moisture to your dry, irritated nasal biome. If you use a CPAP machine or get dried out on long-haul flights, I'd add this to cart STAT.
Promising review: "My girlfriend had recommended this product to me, and I only purchased a very small tube, not knowing if I would be satisfied or not. It really IS a good product. It helps put moisturize your nose. In the winter my nose gets dry from the heat and humidity, and I needed something to moisturize it. This product really IS excellent. I purchased a small tube, not knowing if I would like it or not, and I do. It's not costly, helps you, and is well worth the price." — SB
Get it from Amazon for $3.62 (also available in two-packs).
8. An anti-bacterial butt acne-clearing lotion made with tea tree oil that'll finally give your booty the same blemish-busting TLC you treat your face to.
www.amazon.com
Read more about tea tree oil and acne at Cleveland Clinic.
Apply this gentle treatment 3–4 times a day or 4–6 times if the situation is more serious.
Promising review:"This product is gentle on the skin but strong enough to combat any buttock issues caused by stress, environmental issues, or whatever. Living in the Deep South, we sometimes have a condition called 'swamp butt.' Little red bumps like a rash or breakout can form in sensitive areas. Using this product once a day after showering...I've had ZERO bumps in over three months. It works. Doesn't smell the greatest, but it's tolerable, for sure. Great product." — Billie B
Get it from Amazon for $20.70+ (also available in a two-pack).
9. A pop-up silicone drain protector because protecting your drain from hair means protecting yourself from having to pull a wet woolly mammoth out of your pipes in the future.
Promising review:"This has been my saving grace!! No longer do I have to routinely pull 3-foot-long strands of old goopy hair up out of my drain. Catches everything. Must-have for pop-up drains!!" — Chels
Get it from Amazon for $10.14.
10. But if it's too late for that, a flexible drain snake if you'd like some help extracting the hair monster living in your pipes. Skip (yet another) call to the plumber and let this tool's "micro-hook" head and rotating handle achieve the 360-degree removal you're used to paying top dollar for. Just keep a barf bag nearby — you might need it.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
This pack contains a reusable handle and five single-use heads that you just remove and dispose of after handling your clogged pipes.
Promising review:"Wow. Best thing ever. Seriously. I have had tweezers and sticks and plumbers and chemicals trying to get my master sink to drain. Plumber even said I need an entirely new faucet to get the drain plug part because they don't sell those separately. Well, I have two sinks, a tub, and a shower that all match, so that was not a valid solution. Doubt I can find the same model. So I bought this thing. Stuffed it down, pulled up hair, and black muck. Did it about eight times quickly, ran the water, and it went right down the drain. Seriously. This is the best tool ever and the best $12 I have ever spent. Everyone with a sink needs this tool. Seriously." — juliejules
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $15.99 (also available in a four-pack and in a 30-inch version).
11. A box of waterproof medicated pads you apply like bandages to finally force out the wart living rent-free under your skin.
Promising review:"I had a stubborn wart on my right thumb that has been there for almost a year. I went to the doctor the first time to freeze it, but it didn't completely remove the wart, so I decided to try the gel. The gel helped, but not for too long, and the wart came back (in a couple of days). Long story short, I got these medicated bandages and the results are incredibly satisfying. I used these bandages every day for a week, and the next week, my wart is gone. So far, it's been a week after and I haven't noticed any growth. Highly recommend!" — J
Get a pack of 14 from Amazon for $7.29+ (available in two styles and larger pack sizes).
12. An easy-to-use ear washer bottle for anyone who deals with earwax buildup, blockages, and impaction and wants to skip a pricey doctor's trip to flush it out.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Doctor Easy started 20 years ago with the invention of the Elephant Ear Washer by a doctor who saw the need for a better method of treating patients' earwax impactions.
Promising review:"Gross photos. My husband has had a lot of earwax impaction problems in his life, and up until this point, we have paid to have a professional take care of it. But recently, he suddenly lost about 80% of his hearing and just couldn't wait for an appointment, so we bought this item. From the reviews I have read, it was a particularly easy solution for my husband. Nasty huge chunks start falling out after just a couple of squirts. Cleared everything out with no problem. Highly recommend." — Tea
Get it from Amazon for $31.95.
13. A stainless-steel tongue scraper that'll prove to be a small-but-mighty investment when you see all the weird tongue goo living in your mouth causing bad breath and bacteria buildup.
Read more about tongue scraping at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review:"I was a little unsure what to expect. I had never used something like this before, but my girlfriend says my breath stinks, and she deserves better than that. I brush and floss, but there is still that 'thing'...that stank under the normal mouth breath. Using this has removed that. Not really sure how it works or why that layer of spit and stuff on your tongue has to smell so bad, but this removes it well and also feels kinda nice. Thank you!" — nick
Get two from Amazon for $8.95+ (available in two finishes, two versions, and in a larger pack size).
14. A jetted bathtub cleaner because have you ever thought about the gross grime hiding in your Jacuzzi jets? Now that you've been cursed with that thought, you're probably going to want to give your tub a rinse. Just fill it with water, pour the cleaner in, run your jets, and let the "yuck" seep out.
Oh Yuk is a family-owned small biz that's been selling its innovative, America-made cleaning products since 2011.
Promising review:" This stuff is seriously amazing! I am relentless about cleaning my tub because I use it so often and always get grossed out if I don't. Before I purchased this, I used the typical homemade recipe of bleach and powdered dishwashing soap. I'd have to run two or three cycles to get it crystal clear. One cycle with this stuff, 15 minutes, and the results are amazing! The first photo (above) is of my tub running with the solution. Then, I drained it (second photo) and wiped it down with a sponge. When I refilled the tub up and reran the jets, I kid you not, the water was CRYSTAL CLEAR! See for yourself in the last photo! I'm so impressed!" — Chelsea
Get it from Amazon for $18.73+ (available in two sizes).
15. A double-sided hairbrush cleaning brush if you're lowkey disgusted by how much hair is stuck in your brush. This handy tool will do a better cleaning job than your fingers ever could, with a pointed end for picking out tangles and stiff bristles to remove all that built-up hair, dust, and fluff.
Promising review:"This is the tool I never knew I needed. It may seem like a silly thing to spend money on when you can clean your brush out by hand, but this gets so much more out of the brush! It's easy and rather enjoyable. Who wants to brush their nice, clean hair with a brush full of dirty, oily hair and dust? When you really think about it makes you want to throw out all your old brushes. I will be buying these as gifts for all my girlfriends." — emmaline
Get it from Amazon for $11.95.
16. A volcanic stone face roller to instantly soak up excess face oil, even if you have makeup on! Unlike blotting papers, this roller is able to be washed and reused. Mattifying and money-saving? Sign me up.
Promising review:"I am so extremely oily. I have been dealing with my oily skin since I was in high school and am still dealing with my oily skin in my mid-thirties. The roller worked better than I could have expected and exceeded my expectations. This is life-changing for me!" — Wow
Get it from Amazon for $8.07.
17. An easy to apply fungal nail renewal formula because you've got a toenail (or two, or three) that's thick, discolored, or brittle. Apply this fast-acting formula and you could start seeing visual improvements in as little as two days, so start picking out a new pair of sandals — stat!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I tried EVERYTHING! I tried tree tea oil for years and various different products. Nothing worked. The reviews were so great on this that I decided to try to cure it one more time. But when you have had a condition for 35 years, you aren't too hopeful! I followed the suggestions of some of the reviewers and cut my toenails (I only had it on my big toes) everywhere that the fungus was present. Even below the quick. I started applying this gel, which is super easy to use. I swear to you that I noticed a difference after one application." — WIAPilot
Get it from Amazon for $16.87+.
18. A box of Mighty Patch pimple patches containing hydrocolloid so you can stop that zit dead in its tracks with gunk-absorbing powers that speed up the pimple healing process. The sticker format can also help prevent you from any habitual picking or popping.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: " I am an older millennial who suffers from adult acne because I can't stop touching my face throughout the day. I'm usually sitting with my hand on my chin or cheek, so I break out. I also never leave my pimples alone to heal. These little things are amazing. I will put one of them on a pimple overnight, and in the morning, the pimple is completely flat. It heals so fast. These have become a staple in my life. I highly recommend them." — Stella
And check out BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis 's full Mighty Patch review for more info!
Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $12.99+ (also available as a pack of 72).
19. An easy-to-use denture cleaner tablet that you simply plop in warm water with your dentures, mouth guard, retainer, or aligners for a stain-fighting, odor-busting clean that's worth smiling about.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have a TMJ mouth guard that is about 12 years old, and nothing else I've tried had managed to clean it like this stuff. It didn't take everything off the first time, but it makes a HUGE difference. Very satisfied." — Sara E
Get 120 tablets from Amazon for $18.54 (available in other pack sizes and styles).
20. A doctor-recommended Squatty Potty because any tough "gotta go" urges will go a little (or a lot) smoother thanks to this stool's natural colon-aligning prowess.
Read more about constipation relief at home, including using a squatting position, at Cleveland Clinic.
If you want more Squatty Potty content before making the best purchase of your life, check out our Squatty Potty review.
Promising review:"Unbelievable how effective the Squatty Potty is. I bought it as a joke, but it really works. Amazing how the natural position works. Others in our family have bought Squatty Potties and agree. We are fans." — Lucy
Get it from Amazon for $21.49+ (available in three styles). For a more ~aesthetic~ throne, splurge on the acrylic version for $79.99 or the teak wood version for $50.99.
21. A coconut-scented nail strengthening cream if you hate deciding between eye-popping manicure prices or sporting short, brittle nails that are constantly chipping. Fortunately, there's a third option! This non-greasy formula is packed with calcium, moisturizing oils, and vitamins to strengthen nails and condition cuticles.
Promising review:"This cream is a game changer for my nails. I have ridges on most nails and struggle with splitting and chipping. I have been using Hard as Hoof for one week, 3x daily. I can see a huge difference already! The product soaks in quickly and is easy to apply. I will keep on using it, excited to see how it goes after a month or so." — JWoodathome
Get it from Amazon for $7.10.
22. Or a clear nail biting polish with a bitter taste to help you finally break the habit and grow the enviable long nails you've always wanted.
Promising review:"This really helps!!! I've been biting my nails to the nub for 24 years. I have nails now and I don't bite anymore; that's all I wanted. This product made that happen. It tastes SO bad; I never realized how much I subconsciously put my hands in my mouth until I used this. However, I figured I should warn you/give you guys a heads up, be prepared to taste this on ANY AND ALL foods you have to eat with your hands. To me, that was a small sacrifice I was DEFINITELY willing to make to get my nails to this point. I don't even need to use it anymore because now I'm more aware of my nails. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend this product." — Kelsey Walton
Get it from Amazon for $19.
23. A 2-in-1 cradle cap comb with a combination of fine-tooth and silicone bristles so you can gently remove flaky scalp buildup and get your baby some relief from any dryness and itchiness.
www.amazon.com
Read more about cradle cap — aka seborrheic dermatitis — at Seattle Children's and the American Academy of Dermatology. Be sure to check in with their pediatrician first before trying any treatments like the comb above.
Promising review:"It makes removal so much easier and gives more consistent removal than my previous method of washcloths or just scratching the cradle cap off with my fingernails. It's amazing, gross, and wonderful. My babe doesn't even flinch when I spend 10 minutes clearing his scalp of all the goo. It seems to be soothing to him. I just apply baby shampoo, then brush a little with the blue brush. Then I slowly start to comb in sections all in one direction. Then, I go back and forth in multiple directions. It's shocking the amount of dead skin that comes off. I've even used it successfully in his eyebrows (he gets some cradle cap there, too). This is a KEEPER!" — ZMomUtah
Get it from Amazon for $3.99.
24. A pair of charcoal shoe deodorizers for protecting your nose from catching a whiff of something foul when you finally remove your sweaty flats after a long day of work. These little packets use bamboo charcoal to absorb odors and moisture for 100% chemical-free freshness.
www.amazon.com
You can reuse them for up to two years! Set them out in the sun for an hour to re-activate the charcoal.
Promising review:"I have a pair of black leather flats that stank so badly my husband would yell at me if I took them off anywhere near him. But I love the shoes!!! So I had to find something to make the stench go away without leaving me with an allergic reaction. This was the answer. I honestly couldn't believe it. A few days after placing them in my prized shoes I took a whiff from about a foot away. Nothing. I got closer. Nothing. I stuck my nose practically in the shoe. OK, maybe that's pushing things, but I've got to tell you that 95% of the broken-in leather grossness was gone. So happy!!!" — Erin
Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.95.
25. A pack of hypoallergenic deodorant wipes that are a convenient way to freshen up from anywhere by neutralizing odors from all your stinkiest nooks and crannies — underarms, underboob, back of the knees, and, yes, even down there!
Promising review:"I use these wipes after long walks in summer heat when I'm not at home to shower. They get rid of the sweat and leave me clean and refreshed without the sticky feeling you get from most wipes." — sherry baker
Get a three-pack (45 wipes) from Amazon for $15.99 (available in two other pack sizes).
26. A soothing piercing solution because you've been watching that bump growing on your new piercing for weeks and it's time to take action. This aftercare formula is designed to reduce the size of your keloid over time with 2–3 daily applications.
This product does not promise to work overnight, so be patient! The healing process takes time!
Talk to your doctor before attempting to treat your keloid on your own, and learn more about keloids from Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "This product is amazing! Truly a miracle product. I had an AWFUL keloid forming near my nose piercing about six weeks after getting it done, and it was getting bigger and more irritated by the day. Nothing was helping. I bought this and started using it, and in less than two weeks, my huge keloid was completely gone! I was definitely skeptical and a little nervous when it didn't seem to be getting noticeably smaller after a week, but then, the second week, it started totally disappearing, so give it some time to work if your bump is on the larger side. If you remain patient and apply it twice a day, it should do the trick!" — Jordan Caprigno
Get it from Amazon for $12.85 (also available in a two-pack).
27. A tube of antiperspirant hand cream if you experience palmar hyperhidrosis (aka excessive hand sweating), and want a solution that doesn't involve perpetually drying your palms on your pants. Apply a pea-sized dab of this non-greasy formula both day and night to help reduce hand sweat all day.
Amazon
Read more about the use of antiperspirants to manage symptoms of hyperhidrosis at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review:"I used this product on my 10-year-old son. He sweats A LOT on his hands. He would tell me that he was embarrassed at school and he had problems making friends. My son told me he had never shaken a hand outside of mine ever before in his life...it broke me. As a father, I knew I had to fix this. I set an appointment with his doctor and got nowhere. The doctor said it's normal and should go away in the coming years. I asked about surgery and they said it would be around $10,000, so I started saving. Couple weeks went by and I came across this product I asked my son if he was OK with trying it and he desperately said yes. We put it on, and his hands are completely dry now. When it worked, he started practicing shaking hands and high-fives with his brother. It's been two weeks now, and it is working AMAZING." — HECTOR LORENZO
Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in two scents and in multipacks).
28. Some seamless bra liners made from an ultra-soft blend of cotton and bamboo to prevent under-boob sweat stains and all the chafing and discomfort that comes with it.
Promising review:"This is one of those things that I wish I'd found years earlier. I've suffered from mortifying stress-induced under-boob sweat for most of my adult life. Also, I'm a lifelong Seattle girl who gets upset when it's warmer than 65 degrees outside. So when I stumbled upon this product, I was curious enough to buy a small pack. And yes, I've come back for MORE! For real, I won't put on a bra without one of these liners now. It absorbs all the moisture from heat and stress. And because it's a really soft bamboo/cotton mix, my skin is finally not feeling tortured under there! To the makers of this ingenious life-changing product: thank you, thank you, thank you! Sincerely, all the grateful ta-tas you've helped to care for." — Niko
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in women's sizes M–XXL and six color sets).
29. A multipurpose tea tree balm so itchy, irritated skin can get the relief it needs with a non-greasy formula that's packed with nourishing ingredients like beeswax, eucalyptus, and macadamia oil. It also helps protect your skin's natural barrier, so slather this on before hot, sweaty workouts to help keep your swampiest bits clean and happy.
Puriya is a family-owned and operated business founded by two Taiwanese sisters who integrated their products with foundational ingredients from their mother's home-brew concoction of herbs and spices that she used to soothe their eczema as children.
Read more about how tea tree oil can help with athlete's foot from Mayo Clinic.
Promising review:"I ordered this balm on a whim as a remedy for a skin rash and was very impressed with its effectiveness! After getting rid of my rash, I decided to try it elsewhere and it worked wonders on dry skin areas like elbows, knees, and feet. I was blown away by how I changed my feet entirely! As a dancer, my feet have always been a war zone: dry skin, callouses, ingrown toenails, and athlete's foot (all frequent problems over the course of many years). I was always embarrassed to wear sandals or any type of shoes that would show off parts of my feet because of all the dry skin, but sometimes, it couldn't be avoided. This balm has made my feet the loveliest they have been, and now I can choose any type of shoes I want to wear without embarrassment." — anengstrom
Get it from Amazon for $36.32.
30. A tonsil stone remover for finally treating the root cause of chronic bad breath. The tool has a built-in LED light for easily finding and extracting the stone, while the included syringe makes cleaning out the pocket left behind quick and easy.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
If you suspect you have tonsil stones (also called tonsilloliths), talk to your dentist or doctor so they can perform a physical exam or imaging scan and deliver a diagnosis.
Promising review:"I'm in my early 30s and just started getting tonsil stones. Until a few months ago, I never even knew what these things were! Anyway, I've been struggling with cotton buds to fully remove the stones, but I couldn't get rid of them, and they would just come back within the week. I received this and OMFG...best investment ever. No struggle holding my phone as a flashlight while awkwardly poking myself in front of my badly lit bathroom mirror. I sat comfortably at my vanity, used one hand, and removed the whole stone in less than a minute. Why did I not know this was a thing? Why have I been struggling? Get it! Stop struggling, suffering, and awkwardly dealing with this ridiculous condition...trust me." — Wren
Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in two colors and a multipack).
31. An easy-to-use nasal spray because seasonal allergies have you enduring a perpetual stream of snot. This saline rinse washes away irritants and helps to reduce tissue swelling so you can stop mouth breathing and rubbing your nose raw with tissues.
www.amazon.com
Read more about nasal sprays and allergies at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review:" I cannot live without this spray! I have had bad sinuses since I was a kid. My boss recommended Xlear to me, and I have been a believer ever since. It actually burns sometimes when you spray it in your nostrils, but that is due to the xylitol. After a few minutes, your nose starts to run and then the nasal passages are clear. Don't just try it once and say it doesn't work...use it as directed...it DOES work. At 53 years old with sinus challenges all my life, I am living proof! I use it all through allergy season...safe, effective, and NATURAL!!!" — KayKay67
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in multipacks).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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Biomarker testing in colorectal cancer can help assess inherited risk and identify characteristics that may influence the disease's growth, spread, and response to treatment. Colorectal cancer (CRC) starts in the colon or rectum of the large intestine. Your doctor may refer to it as 'colon cancer' or 'rectal cancer,' depending on where the cancer develops first, but both of these diagnoses are included under the banner of CRC. CRC is treatable, and biomarker testing is a part of precision medicine in your comprehensive treatment plan. Biomarker testing in CRC can help detect cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. It can also provide important details about cancer after a diagnosis that influence treatment and outcomes. Dr. Smitha Krishnamurthi, a gastrointestinal oncology specialist with the Cleveland Clinic, talks with Healthline about biomarker testing and who it's recommended for. What is biomarker testing? Biomarker testing refers to testing of the colorectal cancer to find out if there are certain changes in the cancer's genes and proteins that could impact prognosis [outlook] and treatment. What are the most common biomarkers, and what do they show? Biomarkers in CRC measure a variety of different biological processes and states. Each biomarker provides important details about the cancer's growth, spread, or treatment response. DNA mismatch repair Hospital pathology labs now commonly test all initial biopsies or surgical specimens of colorectal cancer for the presence of DNA mismatch repair proteins. This is done via immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of the slides to look for [the] expression of four mismatch repair proteins: MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6. If one or two of these proteins are missing, then the cancer has deficient DNA mismatch repair. Microsatellite instability (MSI) This is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or next-generation sequencing (NGS) test [that looks] for abnormalities in microsatellite regions of the cancer DNA. The test can be done on a tumor specimen or blood (liquid biopsy). Microsatellites are short, repeated sequences of DNA. If the cancer has [atypical] DNA mismatch repair, errors will appear in microsatellite regions of DNA in the form of missing bases or extra bases added to the DNA sequence. RAS gene mutations (mutations in KRAS and NRAS genes) This testing can be performed by PCR or NGS testing of the tumor or NGS testing of blood (liquid biopsy). RAS is a very important oncogene, meaning that it is a gene that, when mutated, drives cancer cell proliferation and survival. Mutations in RAS genes are found in up to 50% of colorectal cancers. BRAF V600E gene mutation This testing can be performed by PCR or NGS testing of the tumor or NGS testing of blood (liquid biopsy). The BRAF V600E protein can also be detected by IHC. BRAF is another oncogene, so when it is mutated, it leads to cancer cell proliferation and survival. BRAF V600E mutations occur in about 8% to 10% of colorectal cancers and are more common in right-sided cancers. HER2 protein overexpression by IHC or gene amplification by NGS HER2 is another oncogene — gene amplification leads to [the] overexpression of the HER2 protein. Overexpression of HER2 leads to increased signaling via the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway, leading to cancer cell proliferation and survival. PIK3CA PIK3CA is another oncogene. Mutations in PIK3CA and a related gene, PIK3R1, lead to cancer cell proliferation and survival. Mutations in PIK3CA and PIK3R1 are typically found via NGS. PTEN PTEN is a tumor suppressor gene, [which typically] suppresses cancer growth. When the PTEN gene is mutated, the protein is not expressed, and that leads to [the] proliferation of cancer. PTEN gene mutations are typically found via NGS. Who should have biomarker testing done? All patients with colorectal cancer should have testing of their cancer for DNA mismatch repair (or microsatellite instability) soon after diagnosis. This is important for patients with cancers of all stages. Patients with early stage colorectal cancer should have testing of their cancers for mutations in PIK3CA, PTEN, and PIK3R1 by the time they finish adjuvant treatment or after surgery if [they're] not having adjuvant treatment. Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer should have next-generation sequencing of the cancer soon after diagnosis, as the results may impact the initial systemic treatment. The NGS results are also useful for identifying clinical trial eligibility. Comorbidities will not affect the results of these biomarkers, so they should not affect the timing and decision making about ordering these tests. How does biomarker testing help the treatment and outcome of a diagnosis? Biomarkers can impact your treatment choices and outcomes. They can help doctors decide which medications will be the most effective, identify inherited features in cancer, and determine if adjuvant or additional therapies would improve outcomes. Immunotherapy responsiveness It is critical to know if a cancer has deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) or high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) because these cancers can respond dramatically to immunotherapy in the early stage and metastatic settings. For example, patients with rectal cancer that is dMMR or MSI-H may have a complete clinical response with immunotherapy and may be able to avoid radiation and surgery. Thus, this testing needs to be done early, before treatment starts. Identifying Lynch syndrome Another important reason for testing for dMMR or MSI-H is to identify cancers caused by Lynch syndrome. Lynch syndrome is the most common type of inherited colorectal cancer and is caused by germline mutations in the genes that code for the DNA mismatch repair proteins or in another related gene called EPCAM. Most cancers with deficient mismatch repair or MSI-H are not caused by Lynch syndrome and occur sporadically. We don't want to miss patients with Lynch syndrome, however, because they can benefit from counseling about [the] prevention of Lynch syndrome-related cancers such as uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and gastric cancer, in addition to colorectal cancer. When a patient is diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, family members can then be tested to see if they have Lynch syndrome. Recommendations for cancer screening at early stages are made for individuals with Lynch syndrome, and early screening can be lifesaving. Identifying treatment resistance Mutations in KRAS and NRAS make cancers resistant to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy. Cancers with KRAS G12C mutations can be treated with a regimen that targets this mutation (adagrasib plus cetuximab or sotorasib plus panitumumab). There are also many clinical trials now studying RAS gene inhibitors in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer that have been previously treated. Cancers with BRAF V600E tend to be aggressive and less sensitive to chemotherapy. There is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved regimen targeting BRAF V600E (encorafenib plus cetuximab) in metastatic colorectal cancer that improves survival when added to first-line FOLFOX chemotherapy. It also improves survival as a second-line treatment after chemotherapy. Greater response to targeted and adjuvant therapy Metastatic colorectal cancers that demonstrate [the] overexpression or gene amplification of HER2 can be treated with a targeted regimen of tucatinib plus trastuzumab after initial chemotherapy. Another targeted treatment available for metastatic colorectal cancers that overexpress HER2 by IHC is trastuzumab deruxtecan. Patients with early stage colorectal cancer with mutations in the PIK3CA, PIK3R1, or PTEN genes should be treated with aspirin 160 milligrams daily for 3 years after adjuvant therapy or after surgery if [they're] not having adjuvant therapy. The ALASCCA trial, presented at ASCO GI [American Society of Clinical Oncology – Gastrointestinal Cancer] in 2025, compared a placebo to aspirin in this patient population and found that aspirin significantly lowered the rate of cancer recurrence at 3 years. This is rather new data. Oncologists are starting to order NGS testing for patients with early stage cancers in order to obtain this biomarker information. What should you ask your doctor? It's always OK to ask your doctor about biomarker testing and what it means for you. Important questions to consider include: Is my cancer dMMR/MSI-H? Am I a candidate for immunotherapy? Patients with early stage colorectal cancer should ask if aspirin therapy will be recommended based on biomarker testing. Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer should ask for the results of RAS/BRAF/HER2 testing and overall NGS testing results.
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‘She always said, 'I'm going to be famous, dad'': Teen dies after viral TikTok ‘dusting' challenge
The parents of a 19-year-old who dreamed of fame and died after trying the TikTok 'dusting' trend are warning others about its deadly risks. Renna O'Rourke and her boyfriend DoorDashed aerosol keyboard cleaner to her parents' Tempe, Arizona, home without her mother's knowledge, Dana O'Rourke told 12 News. The dusting trend, also known as chroming or huffing, involves inhaling common household cleaners to get high for views online. The sensation causes brief euphoria but can cause instant, fatal damage, often due to heart failure, according to the Cleveland Clinic. After inhaling the keyboard cleaner, Renna went into cardiac arrest, spent a week unconscious in the intensive care unit, and then was declared brain-dead. Renna's parents described their late daughter as 'vivacious and caring and loyal.' Her father, Aaron O'Rourke, told 12 News that Renna loved to sing and lit up every room with her smile and laughter. 'She always said, 'I'm going to be famous, dad. Just you watch. I'm going to be famous,' and unfortunately, this is not under the most optimal of circumstances,' Aaron O'Rourke, told the outlet.. Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, the O'Rourke family is now working to honor Renna by spreading the word about the dangers of huffing for teens and parents. 'There's no ID required. It's odorless. It's everything kids look for. They can afford it, they can get it, and it doesn't show in mom and dad's drug test,' Dana O'Rourke told AZ Family about access to the trendy chemicals. She added, 'Don't take your kid's word for it. Dig deep. Search their rooms. Don't trust — and that sounds horrible, but it could save their life.' A GoFundMe started to help the O'Rourke family with hospital bills, burial and therapy costs, and to spread awareness about huffing has surpassed its $5,000 goal and sits at over $9,000 at the time of publication.