Latest news with #colorectalcancer
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
CytomX (CTMX) Shares Promising Early Results for CRC Drug Candidate
CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTMX) is one of the 10 Best Performing Penny Stocks So Far in 2025. On May 12, CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTMX) shared encouraging interim Phase 1 data for CX-2051, its EpCAM PROBODY ADC candidate, in advanced, late-line colorectal cancer (CRC). The findings were based on data collected as of April 7, 2025, from the ongoing CTMX-2051-101 Phase 1 study. A researcher in a lab coat observing a microscope, studying molecules in the companys antibody therapeutics. As part of this trial, 23 patients were treated with three different doses. These were the 7.2 mg/kg, 8.6 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg doses. Out of these, 18 patients could be assessed, having had a minimum of one post-baseline tumor assessment as of the data cutoff. According to the report by CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTMX), CX-2051 was generally well-tolerated with manageable side effects, with no observed dose-limiting toxicities. CX-2051 is showing strong and durable anti-tumor activity in late-line metastatic CRC, which is a very hard tumor to treat. Sean McCarthy, D. Phil, CEO and chairman of CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTMX), noted that this is an area that has high unmet needs. Overall, CX-2051 has been generally safe, which highlights the potential of CytomX Therapeutics, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:CTMX) special PROBODY masking technology. CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTMX) is a clinical-stage, oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company focused on developing masked biologics that conditionally activate in the tumor microenvironment. While we acknowledge the potential of CTMX as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best American Semiconductor Stocks to Buy Now and 11 Best Fintech Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Akeso Announces First Patient Enrolled in the Phase III Trial(AK112-312/HARMONi-GI6)of Ivonescimab for First-Line Treatment of Advanced Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
HONG KONG, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Akeso, Inc. ( ("Akeso" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the first patient has been successfully enrolled in the registration Phase III clinical trial (AK112-312/HARMONi-GI6) of ivonescimab in first-line treatment for advanced metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This randomized, controlled, multi-center Phase III clinical trial for first-line treatment of mCRC is one of the company's key initiatives to address the significant unmet clinical need worldwide with ivonescimab. Colorectal cancer remains the third most common cancer globally and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2022, over 1.9 million new cases were reported, with approximately 904,000 deaths. Of these, about 95% of mCRC cases are classified as microsatellite stable (MSS) or proficient mismatch repair (pMMR), which traditionally show poor responses to immunotherapy and the tumors are often referred to as an "immune desert." For first-line treatment of MSS/pMMR-type mCRC, which represents up to 95% of cases, several PD-1/L1 inhibitors have been explored in multiple international studies. However, the efficacy has been limited, and as of now, no first-line immunotherapy has been approved globally for patients with pMMR/MSS-type mCRC. Chemotherapy combined with targeted therapies (such as bevacizumab, cetuximab, etc.) remains the standard first-line treatment for mCRC, though its overall efficacy is limited, with a five-year survival rate for advanced patients of less than 20%. Bevacizumab is the most well-established and clinically impactful treatment in the mCRC space. It is also one of the core indications of bevacizumab. At the 2024 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress, Professor Yanhong Deng from the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, presented promising Phase II efficacy data of ivonescimab in combination with chemotherapy for first-line treatment of MSS/pMMR-type mCRC. The combination of ivonescimab with FOLFOXIRI demonstrated compelling anti-tumor activity in this hard to treat patient population, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 81.8% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 100%. After a median follow-up of 9 months, the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was not reached, with a 9-month PFS rate of 81.4%. Regardless of KRAS/BRAF mutation status, patients can benefit from ivonescimab combination therapy. The results published at the 2024 ESMO suggest that ivonescimab may offer a significant improvement over existing treatment options for MSS/pMMR mCRC patients. The Phase III trial AK112-312/HARMONi-GI6 can potentially further validate the clinical benefits of ivonescimab in this setting, offering a novel first-line immunotherapy treatment option for patients with advanced mCRC. Forward-Looking Statement of Akeso, Inc. This announcement by Akeso, Inc. ( "Akeso") contains "forward-looking statements". These statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of Akeso's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any decision to purchase securities of Akeso. There can be no assurance that the drug candidate(s) indicated in this announcement or Akeso's other pipeline candidates will obtain the required regulatory approvals or achieve commercial success. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; Akeso's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the Akeso's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. Akeso does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law. About Akeso Akeso (HKEX: is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world's first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, the company has created a unique integrated R&D innovation system with the comprehensive end-to-end drug development platform (ACE Platform) and bi-specific antibody drug development technology (Tetrabody) as the core, a GMP-compliant manufacturing system and a commercialization system with an advanced operation mode, and has gradually developed into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative solutions. With fully integrated multi-functional platform, Akeso is internally working on a robust pipeline of over 50 innovative assets in the fields of cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammation, metabolic disease and other major diseases. Among them, 24 candidates have entered clinical trials (including 15 bispecific/multispecific antibodies and bispecific ADCs. Additionally, 7 new drugs are commercially available, and 2 new drugs with 2 new indications are under regulatory review for approval. Through efficient and breakthrough R&D innovation, Akeso always integrates superior global resources, develops the first-in-class and best-in-class new drugs, provides affordable therapeutic antibodies for patients worldwide, and continuously creates more commercial and social values to become a global leading biopharmaceutical enterprise. For more information, please visit and follow us on Linkedin. View original content: SOURCE Akeso, Inc. 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Globe and Mail
21-07-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Even a small amount of processed meat increases health risks, study finds
There's abundant evidence that eating lots of processed meat is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and, most notably, colorectal cancer. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, there is no intake level of processed meat that does not pose a colorectal cancer risk. Now, findings from a large review of research add to the increasing body of evidence that underscores the harmful health effects of processed meat. Here's what to know about the latest research, plus why you don't have to completely abandon your summer hot dog. Processed meat refers to meat – red meat and poultry – that has been preserved by smoking, curing, salting or the addition of chemical preservatives. Ham, bacon, pastrami, salami, deli meats, beef jerky, sausages and hot dogs, for example, are processed meats. Commercially produced burgers can also fall into the processed meat category if they're preserved with chemicals. For the study, published June 30 in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers analyzed dozens of previous studies that investigated the relationship between processed meat and risk of colorectal cancer, Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. To assess the connection between processed meat consumption and colorectal cancer, 18 studies involving 2,678,052 participants were reviewed. All studies controlled for age and sex and most adjusted for other risk factors including body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, calorie intake and physical activity. On average, eating 50 grams of processed meat a day – versus none – was tied to a 26 per cent increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. A healthy diet helps with heart health, even without weight loss For perspective, 50 g of processed meat is equivalent to roughly four slices of cooked bacon, three slices of packaged deli ham or two-thirds of a jumbo-sized hot dog (75 g). A standard-sized hot dog typically weighs 38 g. To examine processed meat intake and Type 2 diabetes risk, 16 studies with a total of 1,115,885 participants were reviewed. The studies accounted for other influences such as age, sex, body mass index and dietary factors. The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes was, on average, 30 per cent higher for a daily intake of 50 g of processed meat compared to none. The researchers also conservatively estimated that consuming processed meat within the range of 0.6 to 57 g per day, compared to consuming none, was associated with, on average, at least a 7 per cent higher risk of colorectal cancer and an 11 per cent higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. The risk of colorectal cancer and Type 2 diabetes rose as consumption increased. Notably, health risks increased the fastest at low intake levels, suggesting there is no 'safe' amount of processed meat with respect to colorectal cancer or Type 2 diabetes risk. A regular intake of processed meat was also tied to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. This finding, however, wasn't statistically significant, meaning it could have occurred by chance. A high intake of processed meat is thought to increase visceral fat (deep abdominal fat) and inflammation. Processed meat is also typically high in sodium and saturated fat. As well, chemical compounds in cooked processed meat called heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been shown to induce tumours in experimental studies. Heme iron in processed red meat may promote colon tumours by stimulating the formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds. Processed meat can also contain nitrate additives, which can contribute to the formation of N-nitroso compounds in the body. The new study also analyzed previous studies that examined the link between chronic disease risk and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), which include pop, iced tea, lemonade, sports drinks, energy drinks and sugary coffee drinks. Consuming 250 g (eight ounces) of SSB per day, compared to none, was associated with a 20 per cent higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and a 7 per cent greater risk of developing coronary heart disease. A high intake of added sugars, especially in liquid form, contributes to elevated inflammatory markers in the bloodstream and accumulation of harmful visceral fat. The analysis included studies that were observational and, as such, found associations between diet and chronic disease. The findings don't prove there is a causal relationship. As well, participants self-reported their dietary intake. Memory errors can occur when trying to recall long-term food intake. Despites these limitations, the new findings are very consistent with prior research. They reinforce recommendations to avoid or minimize the consumption of processed meat and sugar-sweetened drinks to improve health. If processed meat and/or sugary drinks are a regular part of your diet, it's wise to cut back. Remember, too, it's your overall dietary pattern that matters when it comes to health. A diet that's plentiful in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and pulses can, if you like, include the occasional hot dog. Leslie Beck, a Toronto-based private practice dietitian, is director of food and nutrition at Medcan. Follow her on X @LeslieBeckRD


Gizmodo
18-07-2025
- Health
- Gizmodo
Gastrointestinal Cancers Are Surging Among Younger Americans
Young people appear to be increasingly vulnerable to gastrointestinal cancers, but researchers aren't entirely sure what is driving the surge in disease. In a new study out this week, scientists led by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that rates of early-onset GI cancers—those occurring in people younger than 50—are rising more rapidly than other types of cancer. In particular, colorectal cancer cases have significantly increased, while rates of other forms of the disease, like stomach cancer, are creeping up, too. While the paper doesn't come to definitive conclusions as to why these conditions are becoming more common, the researchers point to risk factors like obesity, a poor diet, and sedentary behavior. 'Colorectal cancer is the most common early-onset GI cancer worldwide, accounting for more than half of the cases, but it is not the only GI cancer that is rising in younger adults,' said senior study author Kimmie Ng, director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber, in a statement. 'Unfortunately, pancreatic, gastric, and esophageal cancers are also increasing in young people,' she added. 45 Is the New 50 When It Comes to Colorectal Cancer Screening Ng and her colleagues reviewed data collected from 100 studies, as well as past scientific reviews, and cancer-related guidelines. They also analyzed three publicly available cancer statistic databases. Since 2010, the incidence of early-onset GI cancers has been increasing globally, they found, but especially in high-income countries like the U.S. Between 2010 and 2019, the age-adjusted incidence rate in the U.S. increased by 2.16% annually—the greatest increase of any early-onset cancer during that time. In 2022, there were at least 25,000 Americans under 50 who developed GI cancer. The team's findings were published Thursday in JAMA. An earlier, separate review of data—by some of the same authors—over a similar time period concluded that the rate of GI cancer has tripled in young people aged between 15 and 19, and almost doubled in those aged between 20 and 24. 'The rising incidence of early-onset GI cancers is alarming and underscores the need for enhanced prevention strategies and early detection methods,' said Ng. As the rates of these cancers have risen, so have some of their risk factors, including rates of obesity and time spent sitting; ultraprocessed foods are also more common now, especially in Western diets. Still, the researchers estimate that as much as 30% of early-onset GI cancer may be linked to genetic mutations. Other scientists have argued that other issues, like common stomach infections, could also be driving the increase in cancer rates. Scientists May Have Figured Out Why Young People Are Getting Colorectal Cancer More Often Even as the causes remain unclear, what is clear is that more work needs to be done to help catch these cancers early enough, before they become impossible to treat, the researchers said. In 2020, public health experts recommended routine screening for colorectal cancer in people 45 and up, but the researchers noted that a year later, fewer than 20% of people ages 45 to 49 went for a screening. Another outstanding question is whether early-onset GI cancers are different from those caught later in life, and if so, should they be treated differently. 'We need to be thinking not only about the risk factors for these diseases but also how to screen, diagnose, and treat young people with these cancers,' said Ng.


The Independent
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Gastrointestinal cancer is the fastest-growing early-onset cancer in the US, research shows
A new review has identified a dramatic increase in early-onset gastrointestinal cancers among people under 50 in the US. Colorectal cancer was the most common early-onset gastrointestinal cancer in 2022, with over 20,800 diagnoses. The rise in these cancers is largely attributed to modifiable risk factors, including obesity, poor diet, inactive lifestyles, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The prognosis for early-onset gastrointestinal cancers is similar to or worse than later-onset cases, underscoring the need for improved prevention and early detection. The American Cancer Society now recommends regular colorectal cancer screening from the age of 45, a reduction from the previous age of 50. Dramatic rise in gastrointestinal cancers in people under 50